There’s a unique attraction in Illinois that is often overlooked. Shooting water hundreds of feet into the air, Gateway Geyser in East St. Louis is the best part of Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park. You don’t want to miss this amazing sight.
We bet you didn’t even know this unique attraction existed in our state. Scroll on to see what it’s all about.
Everyone who knows about St. Louis knows about this iconic attraction: Gateway Arch. Across the Mississippi River, though, stands a lesser known sight you need to see.
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Gateway Geyser is the main feature of Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park in East St. Louis. Matching the height of the arch, water shoots 630 feet into the air.
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The main fountain is surrounded by four smaller ones that represent the four rivers that converge near the city: The Mississippi, the Missouri, the Illinois, and the Meramec.
TripAdvisor/Kim W The geyser fountain discharges 7,500 gallons of water per minute from a six-foot tall nozzle. The fountains surrounding it draw water from the pool in which they sit.
Though not built until 1995, Gateway Geyser was actually designed in 1987. It was partly funded by Malcolm W. Martin who envisioned creating a landmark along the riverfront.
Wikimedia Commons/Paul Sableman An additional feature of the fountain is an elevated viewing point overlooking the Mississippi River. It is a five-tier walkway that leads to a platform 40 feet above the water. A bronze statue of Martin sits at the top.
The geyser operates May through September, though high winds and inclement weather may cause it to be temporarily shut off. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. any day of the year.
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For more attractions you may have never heard of, check out 10 more underrated places in Illinois.
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The geyser fountain discharges 7,500 gallons of water per minute from a six-foot tall nozzle. The fountains surrounding it draw water from the pool in which they sit.
Wikimedia Commons/Paul Sableman
An additional feature of the fountain is an elevated viewing point overlooking the Mississippi River. It is a five-tier walkway that leads to a platform 40 feet above the water. A bronze statue of Martin sits at the top.
Have you ever visited Gateway Geyser? Share your experiences and photos with us in the comments below!
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