The Gateway Arch in St. Louis has since its mid-1960s construction become as iconic an American landmark as the Statue of Liberty.

Yet many Americans catch sight of the arch only while motoring along Interstate 70 en route to other destinations, and that seems to be good enough.

It shouldn't.

For those not in the know, we present this Gateway Arch primer.

What can one do at the Arch other than look at it?

For one thing, go up it.

Many don't realize that visitors can ascend this structure to enjoy a stellar city view.

However, unlike other such towering landmarks, one doesn't reach the top by way of a staircase or elevator. Visitors climb into one of two trams similar to Disney park passenger cars that bump and jostle and tilt a bit as they head skyward.

Below street level is the Museum of Western Expansion, a theater showing a movie about the arch's construction (who was holding the camera!?); a four-story-high theater presenting the historic Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West; and two gift shops. One gift shop is modern; the other, the Levee Mercantile, recreates an archetypal 19th-century general store.

What is the official name of the arch?

The museum, the Gateway Arch and the Old Courthouse a block away together comprise Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, a cumbersome but accurate name. It is administered by the National Park Service and commemorates the expansion of the American West. The arch itself symbolizes St. Louis as the gateway to the West

What can you see from the top?

One the proverbial clear day, one can see about 30 miles.

Facing west, the most recognizable sites are the domed Old Courthouse and Busch Stadium, where baseball's St. Louis Cardinals play. The courthouse was the site of the infamous Dred Scott slavery trial in 1857. Verdant and finely trimmed squares sandwich the Old Courthouse, while surrounding it is a garden of glass and steel office buildings and hotels. The view is basically the skyline of St. Louis, minus the Arch, of course.

Facing east one sees the Mississippi River, excursion riverboats and a helicopter pad almost at your feet. Beyond the flowing mass of muddy water are the prairies of southern Illinois.

Will claustrophobics or acrophobics freak out on the observation deck?

My daughter has a problem with heights, but she had no fearful feelings at the top. Yes, the deck is 630 feet high, but the observation deck felt secure to her. The deck measures 6 feet, 9 inches high; 7 feet, 2 inches wide; and 65 feet long. There is room for 140 persons to move around. We felt no motion on the observation deck. We were told by staffers that even on the windiest days you can't feel it sway (even though it was built for movement up to 18 inches.)

Who shouldn't go up to the observation deck?

Those with trepidations can sit in advance in a tram replica near the ticket counter to see how it feels. People with mobility issues might want to hold off as there are about two dozen stairs leading to and from the tram exit to the observation deck.

How long is the ride to the observation deck?

About four minutes up, about three minutes down.

How long can the wait be to go up to the observation deck, and when is the busiest season?

As with most cities that have real winters as opposed to Florida winters, summer is the busiest season and the staff recommends that visitors in summer make reservations. In summer, the wait to go to the observation deck can easily reach an hour but is rarely longer than two hours. There is usually no wait on winter weekdays; there may be waits on winter weekends and during vacation weeks.

What about security? What can and cannot visitors bring inside?

Those who have advance reservations can avoid lines at the ticket counters, but everyone has to go through airport-style screeners including X-ray machines and metal detectors before entering the site. Staff advises visitors not to bring anything you'd be stopped for at an airport. You will be asked to empty your pockets. You won't be asked to take off your shoes, but you will be asked to take off your coat.

What is in the museum downstairs?

The Museum of Westward Expansion tells the story of exploration of and migration into that vast American West. Exhibits include posted excerpts from Lewis and Clark's diaries highlighting such events as: a surprise encounter with a black bear; trip tips learned from Sacagawea; and Clark's admiration of the Nez Perce nation's physical appearances ('Stout likeley men, handsom women, and very dressey in their way' [sic]). Life-sized dioramas, such as an armed Buffalo soldier kneeling on a rock amid the vast sagebrush-strewn landscape, and reproductions of period folk art illustrate the commentary.

What else is there to do within walking distance?

Faux 19th-century steamboats are ready and waiting on the big river to take passengers on one-hour long cruises, with optional box or hot-dog lunches. Don't expect to see whitewashed fences and Tom Sawyer on the river's banks. The landscape is mostly industrial today, but the tour is educational nonetheless.

Across the street is the Old Courthouse, also part of Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. Inside the history of the city is told through dioramas and other exhibits. A few blocks away by Busch Stadium is the St. Louis Cardinals museum.

Any other helpful hints?

Allow a good four hours for the museum, the tram ride and at least one of the movies. Save enough space on your digital card for lots of photos. Look up at the arch from different locations and the steel structure seems to curve and bend like one massive elastic band as architecture transcends art.