The St. Louis Wheel is the quickest way to see downtown from above without a ticket for the Arch, and it is the headline of a small amusement quarter built around Union Station, the grand 1894 railway terminal on Market Street. The wheel stands about 200 feet tall and a ride lasts roughly fifteen minutes, long enough to take in the Arch to the east, the downtown skyline and views said to stretch across about twenty miles on a clear day. One gondola has a glass bottom for anyone who likes their height with an extra jolt, and the wheel is set in a landscaped plaza beside the station's train shed, which gives the photographs a nicely historic frame. Around it, the complex has gradually filled with activities that suit a family afternoon: a three-story ropes course with about thirty obstacles and a gentler version for small children, an 18-hole mini golf course, a carousel, and a mirror maze inspired by the 1904 World's Fair. A soda fountain, several restaurants and bars, and the station's Grand Hall, which stages a light show, make it easy to stay for an evening. Trains no longer run here, but the building is the focal point of Downtown West and it is part of a hotel, an aquarium and a food-and-play complex that suits families with a mix of ages.
How to visit
Union Station is at 1820 Market Street, a few blocks west of City Museum and about a fifteen-minute walk from the Arch. Each activity sells its own tickets, and bundles that combine the wheel with mini golf and the carousel are offered, so check the station's own site for current packages, hours and prices before you go. The wheel and several other attractions operate daily with longer hours in summer, and some outdoor activities close in poor weather, so a cold, wet or windy day is better spent at the aquarium or City Museum.
What to expect
A wheel ride is gentle and slow, so it is suitable for most children and nervous adults, with the glass-bottom gondola the only truly dizzying option. The ropes course is the most athletic activity and needs a harness and a head for heights, and it can sell out, so book ahead on busy days. Mini golf, the carousel and the mirror maze are quick, low-pressure ways to keep younger children entertained between the larger attractions. The food options range from snacks and shakes to sit-down meals.
Making the most of it
Ride the wheel near sunset if the weather is clear, because the city glows and the station lights come on, and then eat in the complex. Combine it with the aquarium for a full family day, or treat it as the fun finale to a day at City Museum.
If you only want the view and are short of time, the wheel on its own takes well under an hour including the queue. For a calmer visit, choose a weekday morning. Remember that this is a commercial attraction rather than a civic one, so budget for several separate tickets if you want to do everything.
What to expect
The experience
An observation wheel and a cluster of family activities, including a ropes course, mini golf, carousel and mirror maze, at Union Station.
Best time
Late afternoon into evening on a clear day for the best light and city views.
How long
About fifteen minutes on the wheel; one to three hours for the wider complex.
Tips
Book the ropes course ahead on busy days, check the station's site for bundles, and keep an indoor backup plan for wet or windy weather.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families, groups of friends and anyone who wants a skyline view without the Arch queue.
- Families
- A strong family stop with gentle rides, a carousel, mini golf and a kids ropes course.
- Couples
- A pleasant sunset ride, followed by dinner in the station complex.
- Pair with
- The St. Louis Aquarium in the same building, City Museum nearby or an Arch visit.
- Time needed
- Allow one to three hours.
Good questions
How tall is the St. Louis Wheel?+
It stands about 200 feet tall, and a ride lasts roughly fifteen minutes.
What else is there to do at Union Station?+
The complex has a three-story ropes course, an 18-hole mini golf course, a carousel, a mirror maze, the aquarium, restaurants and the station's Grand Hall.
Is there a glass-bottom gondola?+
Yes, one gondola has a glass floor for a more dramatic view.
Do I need to book ahead?+
The ropes course can sell out, so book ahead on busy days. Check the station's own site for current hours, bundles and prices.
Is it open in winter?+
Hours change with the season and the weather, and some outdoor activities close in poor conditions, so confirm on the station's site before you travel.
