Your guide to visiting Union Station in St. Louis

Although you won’t find any trains running, you can visit the St. Louis Aquarium, ride the gigantic St. Louis Wheel, or have fun at a number of smaller attractions like a carousel, mini golf, ropes course, and mirror maze.

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If the last time you visited Union Station was when it had a Hard Rock Cafe—or maybe even longer ago, when trains still ran there—then you’re going to want to take a day to explore the updated attraction, revived and reimagined by Lodging Hospitality Management.

Although you won’t find any trains running, you can visit the St. Louis Aquarium, ride the gigantic St. Louis Wheel, or have fun at a number of smaller attractions like a carousel, mini golf, ropes course, and mirror maze. Here's what to know before you go.

Must-See Attractions

St. Louis Aquarium

If it’s been a minute since you’ve visited the aquarium, then you’ll notice one change right off the bat: Its conservation and education center, which used to be located at the entrance, is now integrated throughout the museum. Now, as you stand next to the river otters, you can see information about their home, rather than reading about their environment before you’ve even seen the exhibit. (Wondering what will go into the spot where the education center used to be? Look for an attraction called Selfie Express, a train-themed set with different backgrounds for photo opportunities, coming soon.)

Once you’re actually inside the aquarium, each of the six galleries offers some fascinating creatures to peep.

The first gallery, Confluence, hits close to home, showcasing the fish that populate the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. Crappie, bass, paddlefish, and gar swim all around you.

Global Rivers features the fish of South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, including a doctor fish, one of the most talked-about experiences at the aquarium. Submerge your hands in the home of the tiny aquatic nibblers, and let them snack on your dead skin. 

“Touch everything” is a good guideline to follow at the aquarium.

Sticking your hand in the appropriate tanks will give you a much more complete picture of what’s happening in our waterways (so will chatting with the aquarists stationed throughout the aquarium).

At the Ocean Shore, you can feel for yourself the hard shell of a horseshoe crab or the spines of a sea urchin. Work up the courage to feel the backs of cownose rays and bamboo sharks that also populate the open tanks.

Another big pro tip: Book a behind-the-scenes experience.

At the Life Services area, you can watch aquarium pros concoct the saltwater that fills the tanks (if you’ve ever wondered how they get ocean water all the way to Missouri…they don’t. They make their own). In the kitchens, you’ll get a peek at the preparation of the restaurant-quality seafood that feeds the hungry animals. Or go behind the scenes at Shark Canyon and watch the divers get ready to take a plunge into the 250,000-gallon tank, the aquarium’s largest, where sandbar sharks glide about. At 1:15 p.m. each day, a diver can answer any questions you have about the animals while still underwater thanks to a special mask. 

If it’s animal interactions you’re after, set an alarm for 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.—those are the times each day that the aquarium’s curious river otters, Sawyer, Thatcher, and Finn, get a scrumptious meal at Changing Rivers. And at the last aquarium gallery, The Deep, you can watch illuminated jellyfish propel themselves through the tank. 

The aquarium is also home to a number of terrestrial animals—those who live on land instead of in the water. Aquarium employees are often asked why there are land animals at the attraction. The answer is simple: Water connects everything. Guests most often seek out the sloths, but don’t sleep on a little armadillo named Chico. When you arrive at the aquarium, you’ll see a schedule featuring encounters with these animal “ambassadors.”

Make sure you note the time and location of where they’ll be, so you can pop by for a visit during your time at the aquarium. 

If you’d like to avoid the crowds, a good time to visit the aquarium is first thing in the morning, and typically there are fewer crowds Monday through Wednesday. A good point to keep in mind: Although tickets are timed, if anyone in your party has a meltdown—tot or parent—and you have to cut your visit short, tickets are good for 90 days. You won’t have to miss out on an experience because of a tantrum. Simply reschedule for another time. 

The Wheel, Ropes Course, Mini Golf, Carousel, Mirror Maze, and Freak Shakes

At 200 feet and 640,000 pounds, the St. Louis Wheel, on the Union Station property, is taller than the Statue of Liberty and weighs more than two blue whales. Meaning: It’s massive. And the view is expansive. On your 15-minute ride, you’ll be able to see 20 miles of the cityscape.

If you want a VIP experience and aren’t afraid of heights, ask for the glass-bottom gondola. 

For more adventurous souls who want to try the Ropes Course at Union Station, be sure to plan ahead and book those tickets a few days in advance—they sell out quickly. With the help of a guide, guests will travel three stories up in the air, traverse 90,000 cubic feet of climbing space, and conquer 30 obstacles. (There is also a smaller Ropes Course just for kids under 48 inches called Sky Tykes.)

Or try the SkyRail, a zip line that zooms you 50 feet above Union Station’s lobby.

If you feel more comfortable with two feet planted firmly on the ground, then play a round of mini golf on the 18-hole course or take a ride on the carousel. If you decide to make your trip to Union Station a staycation, check out the package at Wheel Park, which includes unlimited rides on the St. Louis Wheel and carousel, as well as mini golf.

Not included in that package is admission to the Mirror Maze, but if you’re a fan of kooky mirrors that glow with different colored lights and interactive attractions inspired by the 1904 World’s Fair, then we highly recommend it.

Jury’s out on whether the 1904 World’s Fair featured something called a Freak Shake, but stop by the Soda Fountain on your way home to try one. The colossal candy-covered, chocolate-dipped, sprinkle-spackled creations will earn you Favorite Parent status.

Fast Stats

Good for: Even little kids will enjoy looking at all of the aquatic wonders at The St. Louis Aquarium or going for a ride on the Wheel or carousel. The Ropes Course, Mirror Maze, and Mini Golf might be a better fit for older kiddos. 

Food: Eight different dining options for meals and snacks

Price: 

  • St. Louis Aquarium: Adults, $25; Children, $18; 2 and under are free
  • St. Louis Wheel: Adults, $15; Children, $10; 2 and under are free
  • Mirror Maze: $8
  • Rope Course: $15; Sky Tykes, $5
  • Mini Golf: $10
  • Carousel: $5

Hours: 

  • St. Louis Aquarium: Sunday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
  • St. Louis Wheel: Daily, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. 
  • Mirror Maze: Sunday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
  • Rope Course: Sunday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
  • Mini Golf: Daily, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
  • Carousel: Daily, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

Location: 820 Market

Website: stlouisunionstation.com

Phone: 314-923-3900

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