If you’re too busy to take a trip out of town this season, take it from your Toyota dealer—there are still plenty of exciting things to do right here in St Louis, MO. Whether you’re looking for a trip out of Florissant or some history away from Hazelwood, the Gateway Arch is an iconic piece of history as well as a National Monument, and it deserves a closer look.

Your Toyota dealer has learned that the Gateway Arch, also known as the Gateway to the West, was completed in 1965. It is without a doubt the most iconic image of St Louis, and is a site that every local resident should take the time to visit. Not only is it a sign of St Louis, it is the nation’s tallest monument. You can take a tram to the top, where there is an observation deck that will give you an amazing view of the area.

As part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, the site commemorates the beginning of Lewis and Clark’s journey to explore the Louisiana Purchase. It also honors the first civil government west of the Missouri, as well remembers the famous Dred Scott trial. The Dred Scott trial was a turning point in American history, bringing the debate over the injustice of slavery to the national stage. Your Toyota dealer has learned that the courthouse where this case was presented is also part of the Memorial. In every way, this area is filled with the history that shaped our nation.

Since the Gateway Arch and the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial are located within St Louis, you’ll find that it is a quick drive to get there from St. Peters or St. Charles. You can experience American history as well as obtain an amazing view of the St Louis area that your Toyota dealer knows you will appreciate. You don’t have to leave the area to have a little escape. By taking a short trip in your new or used Toyota you can be in the heart of history in a matter of minutes.