Traditionally the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort, National Public Lands Day celebrates the connection between people and green space in their community. Saturday, September 23 marks the 30th annual National Public Lands Day. To celebrate, the National Park Service and Gateway Arch Park Foundation have teamed up for a day of fun, free activities on the Arch grounds. The events highlight the importance of caring for our public lands and the health benefits these spaces provide.

“With 91 acres of beautiful park land, thousands of trees and native plants, and more than five miles of walking and biking paths, our urban national park provides endless opportunities to enjoy the benefits of nature and improve our health and well-being,” said Pam Sanfilippo, Program Manager, Museum Services and Interpretation, Gateway Arch National Park.

National Public Lands Day activities are free and open to people of all ages, with select activities open to pets.

“The Mississippi River is not only a defining feature of Gateway Arch National Park, but a beloved marker of the history of our city and region. We’ve seen a record number of volunteers sign up to help make the park a beautiful, clean, vibrant place for all visitors this year,” says Camille Brooks, Director of Programming and Events, Gateway Arch Park Foundation. “We’re grateful to the community for coming out in droves to care for our shared environment and National Park so that the River can continue to be a source of adventure and pride. We’re hopeful for another record turnout!”

Just Breathe Yoga | 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Location: Under the North leg of the Gateway Arch
Join The Collective STL for Just Breathe, a free, all-levels yoga session under the north leg of the Gateway Arch. Please bring a mat, towel and water.

Unveiling of STL Artworks’ Old Courthouse Murals | 10:00 a.m. | Location: Old Courthouse
Join Gateway Arch National Park and Gateway Arch Park Foundation for the unveiling of St. Louis ArtWorks’ murals, each depicting a different theme of the Old Courthouse. These temporary art installations are made possible by the National Park Foundation’s Strong Parks, Strong Communities Grant, and the donors of Gateway Arch Park Foundation.

St. Louis Riverfront Clean-ups | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Location: Meet at the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch
Recruit friends and family to help clean up the St. Louis Riverfront! All volunteers will receive materials needed to stay safe during the clean-up and be entered to win a drawing for prizes from partners. The Soulard Blues Band will play on the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch dock from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. This event is organized by Gateway Arch National Park, Gateway Arch Park Foundation, Missouri River Cities & Towns Initiative, Beyond Plastics, Missouri Stream Team, Republic Services and Living Lands & Waters.

B.A.R.K. Ranger Picnic with your Pet | 1:00 p.m – 2:00 p.m. | Location: Meet outside the Gateway Arch visitor Center entrance
Pack your picnic basket and leash up your pooch for Picnic with your Pet at Gateway Arch National Park! Bring your favorite lunch from home or get carry-out from your favorite Downtown restaurant. Picnic-goers will meet outside the entrance to the Visitor Center at the Gateway Arch and walk with a ranger to the picnic location. After arriving at the location, roll out your blanket and enjoy. Event activities include games and photo opportunities, swag, treats, and lots of head scratches for your pet. Plus, your favorite companion can be sworn in as an official B.A.R.K. Ranger!

MonArch Sustainability Fair | 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Location: North Gateway
Learn how to live a more sustainable life by meeting local organizations dedicated to caring for our community. Visitors can expect a variety of activities and demonstrations to participate in. This event will be set up in the North Gateway.

NPS Fee-Free Day: All Day
NPS has designated National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 23 a fee-free day, meaning the entrance fee at all NPS sites is waived. At Gateway Arch National Park, the $3 entrance fee included in each adult Tram Ride to the Top ticket and adult Documentary Movie ticket is waived.