Union Station is the grand front door of Kansas City and one of the most beautiful public buildings in the Midwest. Opened in 1914 when the city was one of the busiest rail hubs in the country, it fell into decline after passenger rail faded and was saved by a major restoration that reopened it as a civic and cultural centre. Today you can walk in for free and stand under the vaulted ceiling of the Grand Hall, with its giant chandeliers and the clock hanging in the arched entrance to the North Waiting Room, a favourite meeting point for generations of Kansas Citians. Amtrak trains still call here, and the KC Streetcar stops right outside. Inside the station you will find Science City, a large hands-on science centre for children and families, a planetarium, a giant-screen theatre, touring exhibitions, restaurants and shops. The building is open from early morning until late evening, and the National WWI Museum and Memorial stands on the hill directly across the street, so a visit to one naturally leads to the other.
The free part of the visit is the building itself. Walk through the Grand Hall and the North Waiting Room, look up at the coffered ceilings, and find the clock that has hung above the arched entrance since the station opened. Displays around the station tell the story of the rail age, and a history exhibit on the city’s streetcars has recently been added. Some areas, including the Model Train Gallery, the Grand Plaza and the Freight House pedestrian bridge, are currently listed as closed to the public, so check before planning around them.
Science City is the main paid attraction and is aimed squarely at families, with hands-on exhibits covering physics, the body, light and engineering, and a mobile discovery lab. Touring exhibitions change through the year and are ticketed separately, so look at the events calendar to see what is on during your visit. The giant-screen theatre and planetarium add more paid options for a rainy day.
Getting there is easy. The KC Streetcar, which is free to ride, stops outside and connects the station with downtown and the River Market, and an enclosed walkway called the Link connects it to Crown Center, home to SEA LIFE and LEGOLAND Discovery Center. The Kansas City Trolley Tour departs from in front of the station. Pair Union Station with the WWI Museum across the street, and stay for dinner at one of its restaurants.
What to expect
The experience
A restored 1914 rail station with a free-to-visit Grand Hall and North Waiting Room, still used by Amtrak, plus ticketed Science City, a planetarium, a giant-screen theatre and touring exhibitions.
Best time
Weekday mornings are quietest for photographs of the Grand Hall, while families should arrive at opening to enjoy Science City before school groups and weekend crowds.
How long
Half an hour is enough to admire the building, and families can easily spend three or four hours in Science City and the exhibitions.
Tips
Check the events calendar for current exhibitions, use the free streetcar to arrive, and walk the enclosed Link to Crown Center if the weather turns cold.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Architecture lovers, rail fans and families looking for a big indoor attraction for a rainy or cold day.
- Families
- Science City is one of the best family attractions in the city, packed with hands-on exhibits for curious children.
- Couples
- Meet under the clock, admire the Grand Hall, then cross to the WWI Museum or stay for dinner in the station.
- Pair with
- The National WWI Museum and Memorial across the street, or SEA LIFE and LEGOLAND via the Link walkway to Crown Center.
- Time needed
- From thirty minutes for the building to half a day with Science City.
Good questions
Is Union Station Kansas City free to visit?+
Yes, the station building, Grand Hall and North Waiting Room are free to walk through. Science City, the planetarium, the theatre and touring exhibitions charge admission.
What is Science City?+
Science City is a large hands-on science centre inside Union Station, aimed at children and families. It covers subjects such as light, physics and engineering.
Do trains still run from Union Station?+
Yes, Amtrak trains still call at Kansas City Union Station. The KC Streetcar also stops outside the building.
How do I get from Union Station to Crown Center?+
An enclosed walkway called the Link connects Union Station with Crown Center. It is a handy covered route in cold or wet weather.
Is anything closed at Union Station right now?+
The Model Train Gallery, the Grand Plaza and the Freight House pedestrian bridge are currently listed as closed to the public. Check the official site before you go.
