Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park — Attraction in East St. Louis

It was a very nice park. Although it seems like most of its purpose is to view the Gateway Arch. That's fine since that's why we went there. It allowed us to get a nice view without all the hassles of traffic and parking. We didn't want to go up in the arch, so this was a nice alternative. The platform was wonderful that gives you a perfect view of the arch and surrounding park. There is a bonus that you have the Mississippi River in your view as well. It's very nice and probably results in really nice pictures. Unfortunately for us. It was late afternoon so the sun was starting to get low and facing us. It was also hazy out. But we still snapped a few shots and enjoyed the view. The pictures still we not bad. The rest of the park seemed pretty basic, but a nice place to hang out and relax. They had rest rooms as well. So it's a nice little park. But it's also a really nice alternative view of the arch. So it's...

The view of the arch is awesome with the Old Courthouse framed perfectly behind it, especially from the higher vantage point, which allows you to see the lawn over there, too. But, the roads getting to the park are pretty rough (at least the way our GPS took us). And, there are a lot of large contraptions for loading things onto ships that can hamper your ability to get a nice panorama of the city. They are part of the landscape, but they diminish your ability to get a truly amazing view.

Also, the "geyser" fountain wasn't running when we were there, so we didn't get to enjoy that end of the park, but I'm sure it's lovely when it's flowing. Also, the location of the flag makes for some really cool photos with the arch in the background. So, generally a pretty nice spot. Definitely glad they didn't let the industrial complex take over the whole area because it's a view you're not really going to get from...

Went to this area to see the Independence Day fireworks this year...kind of on a whim. Wasn't disappointed. Planned to go to the park but parked at the Casino Queen parking lot and another family explained a lot people watch them from the wall bridge over the Mississippi River just about the Metro Train level. So we tried that instead. A lot of people there...I would suggest getting there reasonably early...hard to say because we got there around 7pm and went and ate at the casino first. The food area there is open to all ages and decent variety and prices. Came out around 9 and although the middle of the bridge looked full already, we found a peaceful spot just above the shoreline I think. Great photo spot/angle for the arch and explosions. Want to try the park area...