Dogs at Gateway Arch National Park
Leashed dogs are welcome in the park’s outdoor areas, with paved walking routes and clear rules for buildings, pools, and landscaping.
Gateway Arch National Park Dog Policy
Gateway Arch National Park is one of the more dog-friendly national parks for a city visit: pets are allowed throughout outdoor park grounds, but they must stay leashed and out of buildings.
According to the National Park Service, pets are welcome anywhere outdoors if properly restrained. Only service animals may enter buildings. Dogs may not swim in the reflecting pools or dig in planted garden beds, and pets may not be tied to light poles, handrails, trees, or other objects.
Last updated: 2026-01-19
Dog-Friendly Trails
Gateway Arch National Park has more than five miles of paved walking paths. The routes below are real, commonly used dog-friendly walks on the park grounds where leashed pets are allowed outdoors.
Gateway Arch Loop
1.6-mile loop, easy. A flat paved walk around the park with views of the Arch, Mississippi River, and downtown skyline.
Gateway Arch National Park, Memorial Dr, St. Louis, MO
Visit WebsiteJefferson National Expansion Memorial
1.8-mile loop, easy. A short urban historic walk around the landscaped grounds with broad paved paths and gentle grades.
Gateway Arch National Park, St. Louis, MO
Visit WebsiteGateway Arch Inner Loop
0.6-mile loop, easy. A quick, accessible paved circuit near the central grounds and reflecting areas with iconic Arch views.
Gateway Arch National Park, St. Louis, MO
Visit WebsiteNorth Pond Loop
0.9-mile loop, easy. A family-friendly paved walk around the north pond area with skyline and river views.
Gateway Arch National Park, St. Louis, MO
Visit WebsiteSouth Pond Loop
0.7-mile loop, easy. A short paved route around South Pond with open sightlines, lawns, and classic photo spots.
Gateway Arch National Park, St. Louis, MO
Visit WebsiteTips for Visiting Gateway Arch National Park with Your Dog
Plan for an urban park outing rather than a backcountry hike. Bring water, especially in summer, because paved surfaces and open lawns can heat up quickly. Keep your dog on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times and stay in outdoor areas only, since pets are not allowed inside the Visitor Center or Old Courthouse unless they are service animals. Avoid the reflecting pools and planted garden beds, and pick up waste right away. Because this is a busy downtown park with heavy foot traffic, bikes, and events, dogs that do best here are comfortable around crowds and city noise. If you plan to ride the tram or go indoors, arrange for another person to stay outside with your dog, since pets should never be left unattended or left in a vehicle.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations
St. Louis
0 milesThe park sits in downtown St. Louis, making it the easiest base for dog-friendly hotels, patios, and city parks.
East St. Louis
About 3 milesJust across the Mississippi River, with quick access to the Arch grounds and riverfront area.
Clayton
About 11 milesAn inner-ring suburb with walkable streets, pet-friendly lodging, and dining options.
St. Charles
About 24 milesA historic river town northwest of the park with scenic walking areas and pet-friendly stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed at Gateway Arch National Park?
Yes. The National Park Service allows pets in all outdoor areas of Gateway Arch National Park as long as they are properly restrained.
Do dogs have to be leashed at Gateway Arch National Park?
Yes. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
Can I bring my dog inside the Gateway Arch Visitor Center?
No. Only service animals are allowed inside the Visitor Center and other park buildings, including the Old Courthouse.
Are dogs allowed on trails at Gateway Arch National Park?
Yes. Because pets are allowed in the park’s outdoor areas, leashed dogs can use the paved walking paths and grounds around the Arch.
Can dogs go in the reflecting pools at Gateway Arch National Park?
No. The park’s pet rules say dogs may not swim in the reflecting pools.
Is there camping for dogs at Gateway Arch National Park?
No. Gateway Arch National Park does not have campgrounds, so there is no in-park camping option for visitors with dogs.
Is there a kennel at Gateway Arch National Park?
No. The park does not provide a kennel, so visitors should make outside arrangements if they want to tour indoor attractions without their dog.
Do I have to pay an entrance fee to walk my dog on the grounds?
No general entrance fee is required to walk the outdoor grounds, visit the museum, or enter the Old Courthouse. A $3 NPS entrance fee is included only in each adult tram or documentary ticket.