ST. LOUIS, MO–(Marketwire – July 13, 2010) –  Midwest residents and visitors can rediscover the Gateway Arch and the many fun things to do in downtown St. Louis through the Core of Discovery, a newly created downtown attractions district that focuses on art, history and culture in a fun and educational environment. The Core of Discovery, which is anchored by the Gateway Arch and Citygarden, features downtown St. Louis family activities and attractions, including the Old Courthouse, Gateway Arch Riverboats, Riverfront Trail, Kiener Plaza, Eads Bridge and Discovery Bike Rentals.

Created by the National Park Service, Jefferson National Parks Association and Metro, which operates the Arch trams and the riverboats, the Core of Discovery is a multi-faceted, downtown destination to attract local families and increase visibility of the many downtown St. Louis attractions and activities. The idea was conceived through extensive research of visitors and locals.

“We know the Gateway Arch attracts millions of out-of-town visitors every year and that St. Louisans view it as the iconic fabric of our city,” said Tom Bradley, superintendent, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (JNEM), which features the Gateway Arch. “However, our research revealed an opportunity to encourage area families to rediscover the wealth of things to do in downtown St. Louis, including world-class attractions, events and activities at the Gateway Arch and surrounding downtown area.”

Several Core of Discovery events and activities are on tap this summer, including:

Family Concerts Under the Arch

• When: 4:30 p.m. Sunday, July 18 and Sunday, July 25
• Information: www.nps.gov/jeff or 877-982-1410
• Cost: Free

Bike-with-a-Ranger Tours 

• When: Every Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. through September 6, 2010
• Contact: 877-982-1410 or www.nps.gov/jeff; reservations required
• Cost: Free

Gateway Arch Walking Tours

• When: 10 a.m. daily through Labor Day
• Information: www.nps.gov/jeff or 877-982-1410
• Cost: Free

National Park Service Junior Ranger Experience

• When: Varies
• Contact: www.nps.gov/jeff/forkids/beajuniorranger.htm; reservations required
• Cost: Free

National Park Service Scouting Badge Programs

• When: Varies
• Contact: www.nps.gov/jeff/forteachers/scout-programs.htm
• Cost: Free

Special Exhibits at JNEM

• When: Daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Faces of the Riverfront painting exhibit runs through August 22 and Baseball’s Gateway to the West runs through October 31
• Contact: 877-982-1410 or www.nps.gov/jeff
• Cost: Free

Riverboat Cruises

• When: Daily, depending on river conditions
• Contact: http://www.gatewayarch.com/Arch/info/act.riverboat.aspx for complete schedule
• Cost: One-hour sightseeing cruises — $14 per adult, $8 per child ages 3 to 15, and free for children ages 3 and under. Costs of special cruises vary.

Citygarden Sculpture Park

• When: Daily from sunrise to 10 p.m.
• Information: www.citygardenstl.org
• Cost: Free

For more information on the Core of Discovery, visit www.coreofdiscovery.com. To learn more about National Park Service programming, visit www.nps.gov/jeff/planyourvisit/upcoming-events-and-programs.htm.