Tour of the Federal Court House #2
Date – Time
Monday, March 10, 2025
– 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location
Thomas F. Eagleton US Courthouse
111 South Tenth St.
St. Ljouis, MO 63102 US
Additional Information
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE TIME OF THIS FIELD TRIP
HAS BEEN MOVED UP TO 9:30 AM!
ALSO, THERE IS ROOM FOR 50 PEOPLE NOW.
SHARE MEMBERS ONLY!
The Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse is the largest single courthouse in the United States. It is the main office of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. It was named after U.S. Senator Thomas F. Eagleton. The courthouse is 29 stories tall and comprises 987,775 square feet. The exterior follows the tripartite scheme and utilizes split-level stacking. The construction was completed in 2000. The building cost $186 million to build.
Our tour guide will explain many of the different aspects involving the building with some detail of the government agencies and departments that operate on a daily basis. We will visit some of these areas where guests are allowed. The Judicial Learning Center presents a history and background of the U.S. federal court system. Also, we will visit an actual courtroom where an arraignment is in progress. When we visited in the past there was an opportunity to meet and speak to one of the federal judges. As time allows, possibly we can spend some time with a judge in the courtroom and ask questions. Please remember to be respectful and quiet when entering a courtroom.
Meet inside the main lobby entrance on Tenth Street, so we can assemble in order to go through security.
Length of time - Approximately 1 1/2 Hours+
For questions about registration, contact Cathy at [email protected].
For questions about the field trip itself, contact Mary Murphy at [email protected]
PLEASE READ EVERYTHING BELOW--These are the rules of the Federal Courts Building for visitors!
You are visiting a federal courthouse that houses three different courts, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. One or more of these courts will likely be in session during your visit. Due to scheduling and the changing nature of court hearings, we cannot guarantee a live courtroom observation or any other specific tour component or speaker. However, we do promise an interesting and educational experience for your group!
COURTHOUSE EXPECTATIONS AND RULES
Everyone will need to go through security. All adults need photo ID--bring it with you! Please discourage backpacks and large bags as this slows the entrance at security. Cameras are not allowed and photography is prohibited except in designated areas (as identified by your tour guide). The following items are strictly prohibited:
- Liquids/beverages – empty water bottles are allowed
- Lighters and matches
- Vapes/e-cigarettes
- Cameras/recording devices
- Firearms/projectile weapons
- Bladed, edged or sharp tools – this includes metal cutlery in lunch boxes
- Club-like items/striking tools
- Explosives or chemicals
- Mace, pepper spray, etc.
If we are fortunate to be able observe live court, it is absolutely required that everyone, including teachers and other adults, turns their phones all the way off before entering an active courtroom. There will be no exceptions. See attached “Electronic Device Policy.”
No food or drink on the tour. If you bring sack lunches, please have them together in boxes, bags, baskets, etc. This will speed up building entry and allow us to store them during the tour. We are required to collect all food and beverages entering the building and stow until the lunch break. Any members of your group arriving later/not with the group will NOT be allowed to bring liquids in.
Other than in packed lunches, NO LIQUIDS may be brought into the building. Empty water bottles are allowed if necessary. There are bottle fillers on site.
Business casual attire at a minimum, please. No hats or hoods up. (We are somewhat flexible on attire, but strict on no hats/hoods. Thank you!)
PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
Arrival by car: Unfortunately, the building does not have public parking, but there are plenty of options nearby. Street parking may be available, but the limit is 2 hours and it is strictly enforced. If needed, you can add more time from your phone if you have the app. Most tours last longer than two hours, so we strongly recommend garage parking. The most convenient parking garage is Stadium West, across the grassy area from the front entrance of the courthouse. The entrance is on 9th Street between Clark and Walnut. Garage parking is also available at the Justice Center Garage. The entrance is on Clark between 11th and Tucker. All local parking garages have height limits so larger passenger vans would need to park in a street spot or on a surface lot like the Starr Lot at 611 South 8th Street 63101. Regardless of which garage/lot used, all visitors must enter through the main entrance on 10th Street.
PREPARE FOR YOUR VISIT
If you would like to prepare students in advance, please use the learning materials on the Judicial Learning Center’s educational website, linked below.