09/09/2026
One of America’s most recognizable landmarks is spending September in darkness for a surprisingly gentle reason: helping migrating birds travel more safely. 🐦🌙
The National Park Service is keeping the Gateway Arch’s exterior lights switched off every night from September 1 through September 30, 2026, during the fall migration season. St. Louis sits along the Mississippi River corridor, a major route used by huge numbers of migrating birds, including about 40% of the nation’s migratory waterfowl. Bright nighttime lighting can confuse birds that navigate after dark, increasing the risk of collisions and unnecessary energy use during long journeys. The Arch has followed this seasonal practice since 2002, and upgraded lighting installed in 2023 has already reduced glare into the night sky. By simply leaving the monument dark during peak migration, St. Louis is showing how a small change in city lighting can make an important difference for wildlife.
References:
Gateway Arch National Park: National Park Service to Turn Off Gateway Arch Exterior Lights for Bird Migration Season.
Gateway Arch: Why I’m Taking a Break from the Spotlight.
National Park Service: Gateway Arch National Park to Turn Off Exterior Lights During Bird Migration Season.
