St. Louis Union Station is a one-stop destination for your next St. Louis trip

Prior to its current life, Union Station – which is on the National Register of Historic Places – opened to the public in 1894 as a train station. Now, in 2023, it has cemented itself as a primo destination for travelers who want to experience some of the best that downtown St. Louis has to offer, without having to go too far. Whether you frequent St. Louis and want a different experience than times prior, or you’ve never visited and want to get as much done before you leave, Union Station – and all that comes with it – is a go-to destination when you’re visiting the Gateway to the West.

St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton

In creating what is now the Union Station Hotel, architect Theodore C. Link was inspired by Carcassonne, a walled city located in southern France. Upon entering the hotel, guests immediately funnel into the Grand Hall. The breathtaking space has a 65-foot barrel vaulted ceiling and initially served as the train station’s main waiting room. Now, the space serves as the hotel lobby, lounging area and bar. As if the gorgeous ceilings weren’t enough, the surface area is utilized every hour on the hour as a projection screen for an immersive 3D light show set to music.

The historical monument’s train station influences carry throughout the nearly 600 rooms of the hotel. The spacious rooms and suites are designed to emulate the era of rail travel and grand architecture. Amenities include a gym and outdoor pool, an outdoor lounge and on-site dining options.

Activities

Imagine having access to at least nine attractions that will entertain the entire family without having to get in the car and drive anywhere. At Union Station, this is a reality. The St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station is right outside the doors of Union Station Hotel, and is a hub for immersive activities and entertainment that can keep visitors occupied all day.

The aquarium, which opened to the public in 2019, is home to over 13,000 animals that live in more than 250,000 gallons of water. From Zebra sharks to spitting archer fish, the St. Louis Aquarium has something for everyone. Guests who like to get their hands wet, can get tickled by doctor fish in one of the aquarium’s touch pools or touch the rubbery skin of a stingray.

If aquatic animals aren’t interesting to you but heights are, Union Station also has a ropes course. Adventurers will soar 3-stories above the fish and navigate their way through more than 90,000-cubic feet of climbing space with over 45 obstacles. Other activities include: a mirror maze, mini golf, a Ferris wheel with a downtown view, a carousel and a fire and light show.

Food

Much like the entertainment and activities, Union Station has a variety of eats for all. There are eight on-site options including the 50s-style St. Louis Union Station Soda Fountain, which offers sandwiches, burgers and, of course, soda and ice cream; The Taco Container; Landry’s Seafood, serving up fresh seafood dishes; and The Pitch Athletic Club and Tavern, which serves guests pub-style fare.

Roshae Hemmings is an arts and culture magazine journalist from St. Louis, MO. A graduate from the Missouri School of Journalism, Roshae has bylines in the Columbia Missourian, Vox Magazine and 5280 Magazine discussing topics ranging from pop culture, social justice and eat and drink. She is a foodie at heart and enjoys eating food as much as learning about the story behind it. When she’s not working on a story, Roshae enjoys cooking, watching and analyzing reality TV, and spending time with family and friends.

This story was originally published April 13, 2023 at 10:50 AM.