UNION STATION

STL

Courtesy of St. Louis Union Station.

REVITALIZED

After years of laying low, St. Louis Union Station’s new additions are ready to wow locals and visitors alike.

By Moe Godat

When tourists think of destinations in St. Louis to visit, the two most obvious choices are the Gateway Arch and the Saint Louis Zoo. Though both deserve a visit, a new contender is rising in St. Louis as one of the city’s best attractions: Union Station. Though the last passenger train left St. Louis Union Station in 1978, it still remains a destination for tourists and locals alike looking for an authentic St. Louis experience. The building itself was designed by architect Theodore C. Link who pulled inspiration from the Carcassonne in France. Union Station’s high walls and solitary towers are outshined only by its 65-foot barrel-vaulted ceiling and wrought-iron chandelier. With its iconic architecture and long history in St. Louis, Union Station is now a place of growth inside city limits. Over the past several years, it’s undergone a revitalization that brings it back to its original importance and integrity in St. Louis. Check out some of Union Station’s newest attractions!

The St. Louis Wheel

See the St. Louis skyline any day of the year from The St. Louis Wheel! Opened in 2019, the St. Louis Wheel can take you and your family for three to four rotations, giving everyone a gorgeous view of the city. There’s no need to worry about the weather; The St. Louis Wheel features enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas that make the ride comfortable any time of year. Buy tickets at thestlouiswheel.com.

St. Louis Aquarium St. Louis’s newest and most exciting attraction is here! The long-awaited St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station promotes education, conservation and imagination for children and adults alike in the St. Louis area. Explore the shallow waters of salt marshes, admire the mysteries of the open ocean and take a visit to the 250,000-gallon shark tank! Opened in late 2019, the St. Louis Aquarium features 13,000 animals across 44 exhibits; it’s the perfect place to take the whole family. To buy tickets and learn more, visit stlouisaquarium.com.

The Soda Fountain Tired after a long day of experiencing St. Louis? The best place to refresh after a fun day with the family is The Soda Fountain at Union Station. Whether you’re wanting soda, milkshakes, malts, sundaes or even classic diner options with a spin, The Soda Fountain has something for every age. Sit down, relax and satisfy your sweet tooth!