A National Historic Landmark, St. Louis’ Union Station has been a fixture in the community for over a century. Once the world’s largest train station, Union Station was converted into a hotel, shopping center, and entertainment complex in the early 1980s. Today, Union Station has become a balance of nostalgia and renovation. The shopping center will no longer be available, but Union Station is now home to a number of awe-inspiring attractions, with even more things to come in the future.
- The Grand Hall. In Union Station’s Grand Hall, you can enjoy a 3-D projected light show. The spectacular show features 30 video vignettes that are set to music as well as narrations from local celebrities like John Hamm. Adorned with beautiful mosaics, archways, and stained glass, the Grand Hall lobby is also home to the hotel’s main bar. The bar offers a seasonally inspired menu of shareable plates and filling dishes, train-themed craft cocktails, and a great selection of microbrews that honor St. Louis’ rich brewery traditions.
- Fire & Light Show. Under the train shed within the lake can be seen a mesmerizing show featuring fire, water, and music. The show features a 100-foot-long waterfall as well as fire that shoots 20 feet into the air, all of which is synchronized with lighting throughout the Train Park area. This magnificent show occurs every night from 5 to 9 p.m.
- St. Louis Aquarium (coming 2019). The 65,000-square-foot St. Louis Aquarium will be located in the former mall area within Union Station and will feature one-of-a-kind exhibits housing thousands of aquatic species. The Aquarium will play an active role in the conservation of marine life while educating guests about the delicate balance of our waterways. While the highly anticipated project is still in the design phase, construction is expected to be completed by summer 2019.
- The St. Louis Wheel (coming 2019). Another attraction set to open in 2019 is the St. Louis Wheel, a 200-foot-tall observation wheel with 30 fully enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas. Each gondola can seat up to six adults. The St. Louis Wheel will be an addition to St. Louis’ iconic skyline and a fun way to take in the city year-round.
- Polar Express. You and your family can hop aboard Union Station’s historically refurbished rail cars and experience the magic of the holidays with The Polar Express. The event runs from November 24 to December 30. Tickets start as low as $35 for an enchanted journey to the North Pole, filled with singing, hot chocolate, and the man of the hour, Santa Claus. Book early, as the event sells out every year.
Union Station has so much to offer for both adults and children. Polar Express, put on by Lodging Hospitality Management (LHM), is an amazing family-friendly event. Your child’s favorite holiday novel will come to life in one of the most historic places in the St. Louis area. This is one unforgettable experience you do not want to miss.
This post was created by St. Louis Partner Studio on behalf of Lodging Hospitality Management. Visit their site to learn more about their upcoming projects.
