An unforgettable experience awaits you at St. Louis Union Station where you find a perfect blend of nostalgia and modernity.
The Grand Hall is a masterpiece of stylish sophistication, featuring elegant historic touches such as the original terrazzo floor, green glazed terracotta bricks, stained glass windows, and wooden carpentry detailing. Among the beautifully restored details, you’ll be captivated by the Allegorical Window — a hand-crafted stained glass design. This stunning piece depicts three women in Tiffany glass, symbolizing the expanse of train travel in the 1890s, connecting New York, St. Louis, and San Francisco. You can almost feel the historical ambiance when imagining trains arriving, soldiers departing for war, and the joyous reunions upon their return.
In addition to the historical charm, Union Station boasts a breathtaking 3D light show set to music, projected across the Grand Hall’s entire 65-foot vaulted ceiling every day at 5 p.m. (be sure to check for blackout dates). Enjoy the mesmerizing display from the fabulous lobby or lounge bar, where you can sip on a cocktail or savor a delicious meal with friends. Alternatively, you can witness the spectacular animated fire and light show, synchronized to music, dazzling visitors at Union Station’s small lake.
For those wanting to stay close to the action, the St. Louis Union Station Hotel offers an ideal option. This AAA Four Diamond hotel honors the past while providing modern amenities. The 539 spacious guest rooms and suites are fully renovated, beautifully modern, and historically rich, with many rooms featuring artwork and décor that nod to Union Station’s railroad history. Some suites even offer views of the historic side of the building overlooking Market Street and the landmark Meeting of the Waters Fountain.
Your journey is not complete without visiting the nation’s most interactive aquarium. The St. Louis Aquarium is home to over 10,000 animals and offers unique opportunities for you to get your hands wet with touch tank exhibits. Your experience starts along a freshwater river and the shallow waters of a salt marsh, then moves into the deep, dark abyss of the open ocean.
Visitors can also enjoy a bird’s eyeview of the train shed and the iconic St. Louis skyline by boarding the 200-foot St. Louis Wheel. Open year-round, the observation wheel features 42 enclosed gondolas, each accommodating eight adults. For those looking to splurge, there’s a special “VIP” gondola with leather bucket seats, a stereo system, and a glass floor.
Union Station’s train attractions, such as the popular St. Louis Polar Express Train Ride enjoyed by families during the holidays, pay homage to the building’s original purpose of exploring new directions. Anchoring the entire Union Station development is the stunning St. Louis Aquarium, located in the former retail space inside the station. This 120,000-square-foot attraction features one-of-a-kind exhibits and tanks housing thousands of aquatic species from rivers and oceans worldwide.
With so many wonderful things to see and do in St. Louis, the new additions at Union Station capture the essence of history, fun, and entertainment that the city offers. Plus, with the added bonus of being able to stay in the hotel right on site, Union Station remains a convenient, easily accessible, and inspiring must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike.
