Spring Break Staycation at Union Station in St. Louis

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Right in the heart of downtown St. Louis on Market Street you’ll find a historic train station that has been converted into not just a gorgeous hotel, but an extraordinary destination filled with activities for the entire family to enjoy. You cannot go wrong with a spring break staycation at Union Station in St. Louis. It’s also the perfect place for the locals to visit for the day!

Spring Break Staycation at Union Station in St. Louis

Union Station has become a favorite spot for our family during all the months of the year and for good reason. It’s a great place to simply enjoy time together because there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy. I’ve been visiting Union Station (through it’s various changes over the years) since my own childhood and I love being able to share the memories with my family now.

The old train station turned premier shopping mall (before closing its doors) and hotel has been transformed yet again to be a destination that is perfect for a vacation or a spring break staycation! This magnificent hotel is filled with all the modern amenities and with a variety of hotel packages to choose from (some even complete with a delicious breakfast) there’s sure to be something to accommodate your whole family. Our family stayed in a king deluxe junior suite with a connecting 2 queen beds room. It was the perfect size for our family of 6!

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Spring Break Staycation at Union Station Family Fun

While there is not an indoor pool, Union Station has so many of the best places for kids of all ages to enjoy a staycation.there are so many other activities that will provide more than just a couple of hours of fun. There are even outdoor activities to enjoy 

So much family fun in one location!

What is the history of Union Station?

The history of this elegant train station dates back to the late 19th century. Here are some highlights of what has happened over the years at Union Station in St. Louis:

• Grand Opening: On September 1, 1894 Union Station opened as the largest and busiest passenger rail terminal in the world for the time period. It’s entirety was designed by architect Theodore Link. While the stone outside appears to be multi-level (due to the high ceilings), the structure contained tracks and passenger areas that were all on one level.
• Gateway to the West: St. Louis was already known as the “Gateway to the West,” and Union Station solidified its role as a major transportation hub connecting passengers to various destinations across the country. Over two dozen railroads operated from the station at its peak.
• Golden Age: The early to mid-20th century marked Union Station’s golden age. It was during this time that Union Station served as a bustling center of activity with millions of passengers coming and going annually. The station housed the Fred Harvey Restaurant which was known for having elegant dining experiences.
• Decline of Passenger Rail: By the late 20th century the rise of automobiles and airplanes led to a decline in passenger rail travel. The last Amtrak passenger train departed Union Station in 1978.
• Landmark Status: Union Station holds significant historical and architectural importance. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970 and a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1981.
• Transformation and Revitalization: In the 1980s, efforts began to revitalize the historic station. A massive renovation project transformed it into a mixed-use development featuring a hotel, shopping mall, restaurants, and entertainment options.
• Today’s Union Station is an entire entertainment district. A place to stay and play!

Spring Break Getaway in St. Louis

The perfect place to stay and play!

Don’t miss out on the Grand Hall light show! It’s definitely an experience unlike any other. Shows run on the hour from 5pm-10pm each day with the exception for when the Grand Hall is rented out for a private event. (You can see the click here to check the schedule and see if the hall is rented out.)

Hotel Room Options at Union Station

Our guest room connected with another to accommodate our entire family. 

St. Louis Aquarium

Board an imaginative train that will take you on a tour of St. Louis region both past and present with views of the Mississippi River and soaring high above the city before plunging below the surface into the St. Louis Aquarium. Featuring quite the array of diverse aquatic life, you will explore areas devoted to freshwater rivers, vibrant coral reefs, and even the deep open ocean. This aquatic wonderland even spans different levels. From river otters to stingrays to jellyfish to sharks and prehistoric paddlefish, the aquarium offers encounters in several interactive displays. This aquatic wonderland combines interactive displays It’s an aquatic journey that’s unlike any other!

St. Louis Wheel

Climb aboard a Ferris wheel that provides a great view of the St. Louis skyline! The Wheel takes you 200 feet above the ground, providing a panoramic view of the surrounding area. There are 42 fully enclosed and climate controlled gondolas that can seat up to eight riders each. Passengers take three to four rotations on a typical ride and the activity lasts about 15 minutes.

Selfie Express

One of the newer attractions at Union Station, this walk through attraction pays homage to the train theme. It consists of 10 unique selfie stations that are perfect for capturing some fun family photos. A great time for the entire family!

Ropes Course

This fun ropes course that goes three stories up is quite the adventure! It has two zip lines that soar over the main concourse of Union Station and many catwalks of varying difficulties. There’s even a Sky Tykes course for kids under 48 inches in height.

Mirror Maze

This wacky mirror maze was designed with the 1904 World’s Fair in mind. Perfectly fitting for an attraction in St. Louis and makes for a fun spring break staycation at Union Station.

Carousel

Everything that the toddler needs and more! This carousel features 52 hand carved animals and is a delightful experience for the entire family. Take a nostalgic ride on this vintage feeling carousel and you will not be disappointed because you will feel young again.

Mini Golf

This 18-hole outdoor course offers a fun and accessible course for all ages. It’s right next to the carousel and you can bet that there won’t be snow on it for spring break! *wink*

On-Site Restaurants

With 9 different places to grab a bite to eat or a snack, there’s sure to be something to satisfy the hunger of everyone in the family. Our family likes to grab a hot dog and fries from the Soda Fountain or eat some delicious ice cream for lunch… that’s allowed on spring break!

A spring break staycation at Union Station in St. Louis is truly the perfect getaway!

Book everything you need to have the best spring break HERE.

More at St. Louis Union Station

Look for special events that happen throughout the year. Particularly our family favorite, the Polar Express train ride at Union Station!