Saint Louis Union Station, Saint Louis
St. Louis Union Station, designed by Theodore Link and opened in 1894, was once the world鈥檚 largest and busiest train terminal, with all tracks and passenger areas on one level. Expanded in 1903 for the 1904 St. Louis World鈥檚 Fair, it became a powerful symbol of the city鈥檚 prosperity. At its peak in the 1940s, the station served 100,000 passengers daily and united 22 railroads鈥攎ore than any other terminal in the world. A mural by Louis Grell, added during this period, depicted iconic scenes from St. Louis鈥檚 history, reflecting the grandeur and spirit of the city鈥檚 golden age of rail travel.
However, as air travel became dominant in the 1950s and 1960s, passenger rail declined, and the enormous station grew too costly to maintain. By 1961, some of the once-busy train tracks had been converted into parking spaces. In 1970, St. Louis Union Station was designated a National Historic Landmark, but by 1978, the last Amtrak train had departed, marking the end of an era.
A major renovation in the 1980s gave St. Louis Union Station a new life as a hotel, shopping, and entertainment complex. The former headhouse and parts of the vast train shed were transformed into the elegant St. Louis Union Station Hotel, now operated by Marriott. Around the hotel, restaurants, boutique shops, and family-friendly attractions line a scenic lake.
On the upper level, the Memories Museum showcases artifacts and exhibits celebrating the station鈥檚 railroading history. The Grand Hall, with its 65-foot barrel-vaulted ceiling, stained glass, and gilded details, remains the station鈥檚 most breathtaking feature. Its 鈥渨hispering arches鈥� still delight visitors, while the evening light show across the ceiling adds a magical touch to this architectural gem.
Tip:
A light show happens every hour, from 5-11pm. It is on the ceiling of the historic Grand Hall. There are comfortable seats and a full-service bar.
However, as air travel became dominant in the 1950s and 1960s, passenger rail declined, and the enormous station grew too costly to maintain. By 1961, some of the once-busy train tracks had been converted into parking spaces. In 1970, St. Louis Union Station was designated a National Historic Landmark, but by 1978, the last Amtrak train had departed, marking the end of an era.
A major renovation in the 1980s gave St. Louis Union Station a new life as a hotel, shopping, and entertainment complex. The former headhouse and parts of the vast train shed were transformed into the elegant St. Louis Union Station Hotel, now operated by Marriott. Around the hotel, restaurants, boutique shops, and family-friendly attractions line a scenic lake.
On the upper level, the Memories Museum showcases artifacts and exhibits celebrating the station鈥檚 railroading history. The Grand Hall, with its 65-foot barrel-vaulted ceiling, stained glass, and gilded details, remains the station鈥檚 most breathtaking feature. Its 鈥渨hispering arches鈥� still delight visitors, while the evening light show across the ceiling adds a magical touch to this architectural gem.
Tip:
A light show happens every hour, from 5-11pm. It is on the ceiling of the historic Grand Hall. There are comfortable seats and a full-service bar.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Saint Louis. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 911爆料网 App
Saint Louis Union Station on Map
Sight Name: Saint Louis Union Station
Sight Location: Saint Louis, USA (See walking tours in Saint Louis)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Saint Louis, USA (See walking tours in Saint Louis)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Saint Louis, Missouri
Create Your Own Walk in Saint Louis
Creating your own self-guided walk in Saint Louis is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Forest Park Walking Tour
Forest Park, a massive urban park in Saint Louis, offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. Renowned for its multiple entertaining and educational facilities, such as museums, zoo, and green areas, it is often and quite deservedly regarded as one of the city's crown jewels 鈥� an ideal location for a great time out! Let's see what you can find on the... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.9 Km or 3.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.9 Km or 3.7 Miles
Historical Religious Buildings Walking Tour
Saint Louis, Missouri, is a perfect destination for those with a taste for great architecture, especially if it is associated with an important spiritual value. Indeed, this city features some of the most famous and interesting churches in the USA.
One such landmark is the Saint Mary of Victories Catholic Church. A stunning example of Mannerism architecture, it has been a spiritual hub for the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
One such landmark is the Saint Mary of Victories Catholic Church. A stunning example of Mannerism architecture, it has been a spiritual hub for the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
Saint Louis Downtown Walking Tour
Missouri鈥檚 main city, Saint Louis, is a vibrant metropolis, alive with culture, music, and art. But before the French fur traders ever showed up, this land was home to the Mississippian tribes, who had already built thriving communities along the river.
Fast forward to 1764: two French fur traders plant their flag and name the place after King Louis IX of France. Ironically, that very year,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Fast forward to 1764: two French fur traders plant their flag and name the place after King Louis IX of France. Ironically, that very year,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles