Union Station in St. Louis offers a fun and relaxed atmosphere without needing to book a room at this historical landmark

On my last post, Sold to the Highest Bidder, I came across the beautiful St. Louis Union Station after learning it was no longer used a train station. It’s a hotel and with a carnival-like outdoor area currently. But there’s a stark difference between the actual historical building and the outdoor entertainment area. Of course, I couldn’t help but to see it for myself.

As always, you learn a bit as you visit places. After realizing my train to St. Louis was not arriving in Union Station, since it was renovated into a hotel (generations ago!), I still wanted to visit. The historical landmark is almost intimidating to see in person.

While you’re at this spot, you can look at Union Station St. Louis. Best view of the full building is across the street.

Not associated in the hotel, but across the street is a long city fountain. As you’re getting your full-length exterior views of the building, make sure to take a look. It’s a slightly strange concept but eye catching due to all the sculptures involved and water spouting everywhere.

It helps with the imagery of fish splashing around among multiple mermaids and mermen. There is a single man and woman in the center facing each other. The 1939 Milles Fountain is meant to symbolize the joining the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. It’s entitled, “The Meeting of the Waters.”

Exterior Architecture of STL Union Station

The building exterior is Romanesque style, aka looks like a castle. A giant one at that. Incredibly beautiful, this stone building makes me think of the perfect blend of castle and church. It has pointed towers, and multiple dormers topped with a point.

There are multiple large, wide arches nearly lining the base of the building. A clock tower at one end. Most of the building is a hotel, and a regal one at that.

Make sure to visit both night and day. Union Station St. Louis looks just as glorious at night. Seeing the same place at night and day, as seen in Taking a Look at History in the Hoosier State and Chasing the Sun in Indianapolis, makes you appreciate different elements in different environments.

On later posts, I’ll be going in depth with their respective Architecture & Sculpture Profiles.

At the time I was visiting, the Grand Hall was closed for a private event for the weekend. But I was still able to take a peek on my way to the hotel restaurant.

Inside Union Station STL

Arches all around, including the ceiling, which is a soft pink. Light gold details, a far cry from Chicago Union Station with a heavy gold color palette. Union Station feels grand, like a museum. A partition separated the majority of Grand Hall since it was being prepped for a private event.

Normally, Grand Hall is open to the public with plush furniture and a bar. People can come in for a drink and enjoy this historical landmark. Especially for the light show, which starts on top of the hour every evening. Lighting is darker than what the photos appear. A much more comfortable ambiance.

Even the hallway is stunning (and much brighter!). Perfect for interior design lovers, it reminded of magazine features. Not sure if this style is specific to St. Louis but this small lamp with multiple distinctive heads reminded of a city lamp in the Central West End neighborhood.

The decorative wooden daisy petals throughout the ceiling draws your attention. And the rest of the room wall colors are meant to make sure they don’t distract from the decorative ceiling. And the door straight ahead catches your attention second. All entryways are wide arches.

Unfortunately, this was all I was able to see of the interior at the time. But I visited the outdoor entertainment area of Union Station on multiple occasions during my trip. I finally got to see what the public outdoor area is like.

Outdoor Area of Union Station

Outside of the historical building itself, the highly promoted entertainment area with a giant Ferris Wheel, a pond featuring a fire show, games, restaurants and snack shacks.

It’s a great place for families. Kind of like a carnival but with no rides other than the Ferris Wheel and carousel. But the aquarium is also here. During my trip, there was also a petting zoo during the day, which is not a regular event. I didn’t partake in that but like there were still things to see during the day. Games available are a mirror maze, ropes course, and mini golf.

The area has a pier atmosphere with a pond for the fire and water show and wooden boards that make up the pathways in the middle. The design of the roof provides a great visual in person and in photos, especially when lit as it gets dark. The pond has Koi fish that can be fed but bring quarters for the machines.

The fire and water show lasts about a single song with fire shooting in bursts in accordance with the song. It occurs top of the hour, every hour, in the evenings. Fun to watch, very quick though. At Union Station, they do have a diner-style restaurant, Soda Fountain. Yep, their shakes are a big draw.

The Ferris Wheel is the main event at Union Station, standing at 200 feet high. There are 42 fully enclosed gondolas so you can ride year-round. Each trip takes 3-4 times around, so plenty of time to enjoy the city lights. Although seeing the exterior of Union Station outdoor roof is also a great sight.

All around a nice area to spending an evening or two, especially if you’re looking for a more family-friendly or low-key evening. Despite the major changes to this historical landmark, you can still enjoy the hotel Grand Hall for the light show and the outdoor area.