Aquarium At Union Station St Louis
Union Station is a historic train station located in St Louis, Missouri. It has been transformed into a mixed-use development that includes a hotel, restaurants, and shops. However, the highlight of the development is the Aquarium at Union Station. The aquarium is a world-class attraction that features a wide variety of marine life, interactive exhibits, and immersive experiences. In this article, we will explore what makes the Aquarium at Union Station St Louis a must-visit destination in Missouri.
The History of Union Station
Union Station was built in 1894 and served as a bustling train station for many years. At its peak, it was the largest and busiest train station in the world. However, as air travel became more popular, train travel declined, and Union Station was eventually closed in 1978. It sat abandoned for many years until it was renovated and transformed into a mixed-use development that includes the aquarium.
The Aquarium at Union Station
The Aquarium at Union Station is a 120,000 square foot facility that features more than 13,000 animals from 60 different species. The aquarium is divided into six different habitats, each with its own unique exhibits and interactive experiences.
The Shark Canyon Habitat
The Shark Canyon Habitat is one of the most popular exhibits at the aquarium. It features a 250,000-gallon tank that is home to a variety of sharks, including sand tiger sharks, nurse sharks, and blacktip reef sharks. Visitors can walk through a tunnel that goes through the middle of the tank, giving them a 360-degree view of the sharks swimming above and around them.
The Sea Turtle Beach Habitat
The Sea Turtle Beach Habitat is another popular exhibit at the aquarium. It features a 17,000-gallon tank that is home to several sea turtles, including loggerhead turtles and green sea turtles. Visitors can watch the turtles swim and play in the tank and learn about the threats they face in the wild.
The Jellyfish Gallery Habitat
The Jellyfish Gallery Habitat is a mesmerizing exhibit that features several species of jellyfish. Visitors can watch the jellyfish as they pulse and swim through the water, creating a hypnotic display of color and movement.
The Freshwater Habitat
The Freshwater Habitat is home to a variety of freshwater fish, including catfish, bass, and trout. Visitors can learn about the different ecosystems that these fish come from and the importance of freshwater conservation.
The River Otter Habitat
The River Otter Habitat is a playful exhibit that features several North American river otters. Visitors can watch the otters as they swim, play, and explore their habitat.
The The Deep Habitat
The Deep Habitat is a mysterious exhibit that features several deep-sea creatures, including anglerfish, viperfish, and lanternfish. Visitors can learn about the unique adaptations that these creatures have evolved to survive in the extreme conditions of the deep sea.
Interactive Experiences
In addition to the exhibits, the Aquarium at Union Station St Louis also features several interactive experiences that allow visitors to get up close and personal with the marine life.
The Stingray Touch Tank
The Stingray Touch Tank is a popular attraction that allows visitors to touch and feed the stingrays. Visitors can learn about the different species of stingrays and their importance to the marine ecosystem.
The Penguin Encounter
The Penguin Encounter is a unique experience that allows visitors to get up close and personal with the penguins. Visitors can learn about the different species of penguins and their habitats while watching them waddle and swim around.
The Shark Dive
The Shark Dive is a thrilling experience that allows certified divers to swim with the sharks in the Shark Canyon Habitat. Visitors can watch from the tunnel as the divers swim among the sharks, getting an up-close view of these incredible creatures.
Conclusion
The Aquarium at Union Station St Louis is a must-visit destination in Missouri. With its wide variety of marine life, interactive exhibits, and immersive experiences, it offers something for everyone. Whether you are a marine life enthusiast or just looking for a fun and educational day out, the Aquarium at Union Station St Louis is sure to impress.
