Aquarium At Union Station In St Louis Missouri
Introduction
The Aquarium at Union Station in St Louis, Missouri is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. It is situated in the historic Union Station building, which was once a bustling railway station. The aquarium is home to a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. It is a great place to visit with family and friends and learn about the wonders of the ocean.
History of Union Station
Union Station was first built in 1894 and was one of the busiest railway stations in the world. It was the largest and most ornate train station in the United States and served as a gateway to the West for many travelers. Over the years, the station fell into disrepair and was eventually closed in 1978. In 1985, the station was renovated and turned into a shopping and entertainment complex. The aquarium was added to the complex in 2019.
The Aquarium
The aquarium at Union Station is a state-of-the-art facility that features over 13,000 animals from more than 250 species. Visitors can explore the various exhibits and learn about the different ecosystems that make up the ocean. One of the highlights of the aquarium is the Shark Canyon exhibit, which features a 250,000-gallon tank that is home to several species of sharks, including sand tiger sharks and blacktip reef sharks. Visitors can also see a variety of other animals, including sea turtles, stingrays, and jellyfish.
Exhibits
In addition to Shark Canyon, the aquarium has several other exhibits that are worth checking out. The Sea at Night exhibit features bioluminescent creatures that light up the dark waters of the ocean. The Changing Rivers exhibit showcases the diverse ecosystems that make up the world's rivers, including the Amazon and Mississippi rivers. Visitors can also see a variety of animals in the Global Ocean exhibit, including sea turtles, penguins, and octopuses.
Interactive Experiences
The aquarium also offers several interactive experiences that allow visitors to get up close and personal with the animals. Visitors can touch stingrays and sharks in the Stingray Bay and Shark Encounter exhibits. They can also feed the animals in the Caribbean Cove exhibit, which features a variety of colorful fish and coral. For those who want to learn more about marine life, the aquarium offers several educational programs and tours.
Events and Activities
The aquarium hosts several events and activities throughout the year, including holiday-themed events and overnight stays. They also offer birthday party packages and private events for groups. Visitors can check the aquarium's website for a calendar of upcoming events and activities.
Ticket Information
Tickets to the aquarium can be purchased online or at the door. Prices vary depending on age and whether or not visitors want to participate in any of the interactive experiences. Visitors can also purchase combination tickets that include admission to other attractions in the Union Station complex, such as the St Louis Wheel and Mini Golf.
Conclusion
The Aquarium at Union Station in St Louis, Missouri is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in marine life. With its state-of-the-art facilities and interactive experiences, it is a great place to learn about the wonders of the ocean. Whether you are visiting with family or friends, the aquarium is sure to be a memorable experience.
