An expansion of historic Union Station’s amusement offering is set to open during Memorial Day weekend 2025. The development, made possible by owner Lodging Hospitality Management, aligns with the company’s mission to enhance the tourist and local family attraction to downtown St. Louis.
“The new amusement rides are just another example of how we’re trying to continue to amplify Union Station in St. Louis as a family attraction destination in the Midwest,” says Todd Hotaling, LHM vice president of sales and marketing.
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The expansion plans include a train-themed coaster, paying homage to the station’s “rich railway heritage,” a pirate ship–themed amusement ride, and a swing ride themed after the 1904 World Fair. Additional developments include concession booths and classic carnival games.
LHM had always envisioned an amusement aspect within the expansive property, according to Hotaling. Since the aquarium opened in 2019, the long-term development goal has been to diversify the entertainment facilities. “We always knew we had the space to further enhance a guest experience right there along 20th Street,” Hotaling says. “We knew that we could add more and that it would enhance somebody’s trip to St. Louis Union Station.”
Construction is slated to begin early next year. The new rides join the current aquarium, mini golf course, and wheel at the historic train station. “The magic of Union Station is so significant when you walk in there,” Hotaling says. “You can sense the history of the building—it was once the largest train station in the country—and you can feel that. You can feel the passing and going of people getting on and getting off the trains there, creating memories back then. That’s what we’re doing today. We are creating memories for folks that will last a lifetime.”
