St. Louis Union Station | St Louis

St. Louis Union Station is a historic and iconic landmark located in downtown St. Louis, Missouri, at 1820 Market Street. Opened in 1894, it was once the largest and busiest passenger train station in the world and played a crucial role in the transportation history of the United States. Today, it has been transformed into a vibrant mixed-use entertainment, hospitality, and retail complex while preserving its historic grandeur and architectural significance. The station is designated a National Historic Landmark, reflecting its importance in American industrial and cultural history.

Architectural Significance and History

Designed by architect Theodore C. Link, St. Louis Union Station is an outstanding example of Romanesque Revival architecture. Its most striking feature is the grand clock tower soaring over 230 feet, which remains a defining element of the St. Louis skyline. The station’s interior boasts an expansive Grand Hall with a soaring barrel-vaulted ceiling reaching approximately 65 feet in height. The ceiling is decorated with intricate mosaics, stained glass windows, and elaborate ornamental plasterwork that exemplify late 19th-century craftsmanship.

Originally built to accommodate multiple railroad companies and their passengers, the station had over 30 platforms and handled up to 100 trains a day at its peak. It was a critical hub connecting St. Louis to the rest of the country, supporting both passenger and freight transportation. With the decline of rail travel in the mid-20th century, Union Station’s operations diminished, eventually ceasing passenger service in 1978. After years of disuse, the complex underwent extensive restoration and redevelopment in the 1980s and beyond, transforming into a multi-purpose venue while retaining historic elements.

Current Attractions and Entertainment

Union Station today offers a diverse array of attractions that appeal to families, tourists, and locals alike, making it a lively destination beyond its transportation origins:

St. Louis Aquarium: Spanning 120,000 square feet, the aquarium features over 13,000 aquatic animals housed in immersive exhibits replicating natural habitats such as coral reefs, freshwater rivers, and deep ocean environments. Highlights include green sea turtles, paddlefish, seahorses, jellyfish, and a blue lobster named Lord Stanley. The aquarium emphasizes education and conservation.

The St. Louis Wheel: This 200-foot-tall observation wheel provides breathtaking panoramic views of downtown St. Louis, the Mississippi River, and the Gateway Arch. The wheel’s 42 climate-controlled gondolas ensure year-round comfort for riders.

Ropes Course: Suspended three stories above the station’s atrium, this aerial adventure course consists of 45 obstacles designed to challenge agility and balance. It offers a thrilling experience with a unique vantage point over the historic interior.

Mirror Maze: A family-friendly attraction where visitors navigate through a labyrinth of reflective surfaces, creating a fun and puzzling experience.

Mini Golf and Classic Carousel: Located in the Wheel Park area, these provide lighthearted entertainment suited for all ages.

Upcoming Attractions (2025): New rides and attractions are planned, including a train-themed mini spinning coaster called Loco Motion, a Flying Louie Pirate Ship swing ride, and the Wave Swinger inspired by the 1904 World’s Fair, along with classic midway games and new concession stands.

Dining and Shopping

Union Station houses a variety of restaurants and eateries, ranging from casual dining to unique culinary experiences:

The Soda Fountain: A nostalgic diner-style restaurant famed for its extravagant milkshakes and classic American fare such as burgers, fries, and sundaes.

Multiple Retail Shops: Offering souvenirs, apparel, toys, and specialty gifts, including the Build-A-Bear Workshop where guests can create custom stuffed animals.

Seasonal Food Vendors: Throughout the year, especially during special events and holidays, additional food booths and concessions appear offering a variety of snacks and treats.

Events and Special Programming

The station hosts a robust calendar of events and activities designed to attract visitors year-round:

Seasonal Festivals and Holiday Events: These include family-friendly celebrations like Peppa Pig Meet & Greets, Mother’s Day brunches, and themed seasonal events such as Pirates & Pumpkins and Trick or Treat Nights in October.

Concerts and Performances: Live entertainment is often held in the Grand Hall or other designated spaces, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Community and Corporate Events: Union Station serves as a popular venue for conferences, weddings, banquets, and trade shows, leveraging its historic ambiance and modern amenities.

Accommodation

The St. Louis Union Station Hotel, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, occupies a portion of the original station complex. The hotel marries historic charm with modern luxury, featuring train-themed decor and upscale amenities. Guests enjoy convenient access to all Union Station attractions as well as downtown St. Louis landmarks.

Accessibility and Transportation

Union Station is highly accessible for visitors:

MetroLink Light Rail: The Red and Blue lines serve the station directly via an underground MetroLink station, connecting guests to the wider St. Louis metropolitan area, including the airport and neighboring cities.

Parking: Multiple parking garages and lots surround the station, offering hourly and event-based rates.

Public Transportation: Bus routes and taxi services operate in the vicinity, facilitating easy access for those without private vehicles.

Visitor Experience and Atmosphere

Walking into Union Station, visitors are immediately struck by the grandeur and historic ambiance of the Grand Hall with its soaring vaulted ceiling, intricate tile mosaics, and dramatic stained-glass windows. The atmosphere balances nostalgic reverence for a bygone era of rail travel with vibrant energy generated by entertainment, dining, and shopping activities.

Visitors often spend hours exploring the aquarium, riding the observation wheel, challenging themselves on the ropes course, and enjoying meals at various eateries. Families appreciate the mix of educational exhibits, interactive experiences, and play spaces. The station’s adaptive reuse as a mixed-use complex has preserved its architectural integrity while making it a modern-day cultural and entertainment hub.

Summary

St. Louis Union Station stands as a monumental testament to the city’s rich transportation heritage, architectural beauty, and capacity for reinvention. From its origins as a bustling railroad terminal to its current incarnation as a premier entertainment complex, it offers visitors a unique blend of history, recreation, education, and leisure. Its grandeur, combined with diverse attractions such as the aquarium, observation wheel, and aerial ropes course, makes it a must-visit destination in St. Louis that appeals to all ages and interests.