Aquarium At St Louis Union Station
Introduction
If you're looking for a fun and educational experience in St Louis, then you should definitely check out the Aquarium at St Louis Union Station. It's a great place to learn about marine life and see some amazing creatures up close. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what the aquarium has to offer and why it's a must-visit destination.
History of the Aquarium
The aquarium opened in December 2019, and it's located inside the historic St Louis Union Station. The station was originally built in 1894 and served as a transportation hub for many years. In recent years, it has been transformed into a mixed-use development that includes a hotel, restaurants, and retail space. The addition of the aquarium has made the Union Station area even more of a destination for visitors.
Exhibits
One of the best things about the aquarium is its exhibits. There are more than 13,000 animals and 250 species on display, so there's always something new to see. Some of the exhibits include:
- The Mississippi River Gallery: This exhibit showcases the wildlife of the Mississippi River, including alligators, turtles, and fish.
- The Global Rivers Gallery: Here, you can learn about the world's major rivers and the animals that call them home.
- The Shark Canyon: This exhibit features several species of sharks, including sand tiger sharks and nurse sharks.
- The Ocean Voyager: This exhibit is home to a variety of ocean creatures, including sea turtles, jellyfish, and rays.
Interactive Experiences
The aquarium also offers a number of interactive experiences for visitors. These include:
- The Stingray Touch Tank: Visitors can touch and feed stingrays in this interactive exhibit.
- The SeaTREK Helmet Diving: This experience allows visitors to walk on the bottom of the Ocean Voyager exhibit while wearing a special helmet that provides air.
- The 4D Theater: This theater shows short films with special effects like wind, water, and bubbles.
Events and Special Programs
The aquarium also hosts a variety of events and special programs throughout the year. These include:
- Animal Encounters: Visitors can meet and interact with some of the aquarium's animals, like penguins and sea lions.
- Behind-the-Scenes Tours: These tours take visitors behind the scenes to see how the aquarium operates.
- Summer Camps: The aquarium offers day camps for kids that include animal encounters, crafts, and games.
Visitor Information
If you're planning a visit to the aquarium, here's what you need to know:
- Hours: The aquarium is open daily from 9am-5pm.
- Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online or at the aquarium. Prices range from $25-$40 depending on age and whether you want to add any special experiences.
- Parking: There is a parking garage on site that charges a flat rate of $20 per day.
- Accessibility: The aquarium is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities. Wheelchairs and scooters are available for rent.
Conclusion
The Aquarium at St Louis Union Station is a fantastic destination for anyone who loves marine life or is looking for a fun and educational experience in St Louis. With its incredible exhibits, interactive experiences, and special programs, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So why not plan a visit today?