Union Depot St. Paul - a black and white photo of a train station
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Union Depot St. Paul

3.3
·54 reviews·Saint Paul, United States

A grand, historic transportation hub and event venue in St. Paul, renowned for its stunning architecture and lively special events.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Union Depot St. Paul - a black and white photo of a train station

Union Depot St. Paul

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A grand, historic transportation hub and event venue in St. Paul, renowned for its stunning architecture and lively special events.

3.3
(54 reviews)

"The architecture is amazing, and you can do some shopping and grab a bite to eat or a drink."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Event Schedule First

Union Depot hosts many events! Plan your visit around festivals or markets for a unique experience.

Admire the Architecture

Take time to appreciate the stunning, restored architecture. It's a photographer's dream!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Architectural Grandeur

Architectural Grandeur

Main concourse

Marvel at the beautifully restored historic architecture, a stunning blend of grandeur and detail.

European Christmas Market

European Christmas Market

Outdoor plaza

Experience a festive holiday market with European food, drinks, and unique gifts.

Train Days Event

Train Days Event

Various platforms and concourse

Explore vintage trains, model railroads, and enjoy family-friendly activities during this special event.

Amtrak Travel Hub

Amtrak Travel Hub

Amtrak platforms

Catch an Amtrak train for a scenic journey, with comfortable seating and charging outlets.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

Union Depot hosts various events throughout the year, from holiday markets to train shows. Check their schedule in advance to align your visit with special happenings. For a more relaxed experience, aim for weekdays outside of major event times to avoid crowds.

Getting to and from Union Depot

Union Depot is a hub for Amtrak and bus services, making it accessible. If arriving by car, there's covered parking available. For airport transfers, consider ride-sharing services or public transit connections as direct airport trains aren't available.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
During special events
Why
Festive atmosphere, unique activities
Crowd
High
When
Holiday season evenings
Why
Magical Christmas market ambiance
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Reply to @r1039940 For those wondering more about my 120k/yr union job… Yes I Really do, I’m in Local #633 Cement Masons Union in the Metro area of Minneapolis, St. Paul Minnesota and we build a lot of big shit, pour thousands of yards of concrete and lay semi truck loads of block and brick each day #unionmoney #minnesota #concrete
@boxwell_
10.8K likes • 246.7K views

Check Event Schedule First

Union Depot hosts many events! Plan your visit around festivals or markets for a unique experience. Instagram+1

Admire the Architecture

Take time to appreciate the stunning, restored architecture. It's a photographer's dream! InstagramReddit

European Christmas Market at Union Depot located in St. Paul, MN. This is a free event that has over 70 vendors, live entertainment, and a festive holiday train. Remaining 2024 Schedule: • December 13-15 • December 20-22 Open: • Friday-Saturday: 11AM-9PM • Sunday: 11AM-6PM You have to try the Glühwein out of one of their festive holiday collector mugs 🍷. And shop handmade European crafts and...
moseyinaroundmn
19 likes • 654 views
Train Days are happening at Union Depot in St. Paul this weekend! 🚂 I had a sneak peek this afternoon and it’s going to be more awesome than I anticipated. ✨ The number one thing you have to do is to climb aboard the amazing train equipment that has come into Union Depot especially for Train Days. My favorite is the Hiawatha that was chartered by Frank Sinatra and transported the Rat Pack whe...
thriftyminnesota
120 likes • 4.4K views

Airport Transfer Options

No direct airport train. Consider ride-shares or public transit from Union Depot. Reddit

Cozy Up with a Drink

Enjoy festive drinks like Glühwein during the Christmas market. Instagram

European Christmas Market in St Paul MN 🎄 This event is full of delicious European food, hot Christmas drinks with a commemorative cup, and tons of hand crafted, adorable Christmas gifts and ideas. Check out this event if you're in the St. Paul, MN area. Cheers! #cheers2now #europeanchristmasmarket #christmas #christmasmarket #stpaul #mn #minnesota #christmastime #christmasspirit #winter #winte...
cheers2now
0 likes • 560 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Event Schedule First

Union Depot hosts many events! Plan your visit around festivals or markets for a unique experience. Instagram+1

Admire the Architecture

Take time to appreciate the stunning, restored architecture. It's a photographer's dream! InstagramReddit

Airport Transfer Options

No direct airport train. Consider ride-shares or public transit from Union Depot. Reddit

Cozy Up with a Drink

Enjoy festive drinks like Glühwein during the Christmas market. Instagram

Family-Friendly Fun

Look out for events like Train Days with activities for all ages. Instagram+1

Charging Outlets Available

Many seats have electric outlets, perfect for keeping devices powered up. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.3
(54 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Union Depot for its stunning, beautifully restored architecture and its role as a vibrant event venue. Many highlight the positive experiences at special events like the European Christmas Market and Train Days, as well as its functionality as an Amtrak station with convenient amenities like charging outlets. Some guests have noted a desire for more consistent food and beverage options within the depot.

"Wow! The Red Cap Room at Union Depot was cool for our 15-Year Red Gala + Award Show celebrating the Twin Cities Wedding & Event Professionals. Just look at the images and you'll see how phenominal of an event space the Union Depot is. We didn't even know about this room until a few months before our event. It's tucked up above the hustle and bustle of the main corridors, easy to get to, but a bit private. Ideal for what we were doing. We can't recommend Union Depot and their friendly/accomidating staff enough. Our event was epic."

TCWEP Network

"Love this place, from the life size games like checkers to a great train ride to see Santa at the north pole they have some great stuff to offer in our city with a Europe Christmas out door shops every Christmas is nice and fun if it were just free for you guys? Waite it is free for all ages and you can get cool stuff you’ll have to buy but ya gift or two will be worth it to seek out a new place for some family fun."

Amber Dawn

"Union Depot is a great place for large events. We had a great experience having our TCWEP event in their great space. All the details were immaculate and perfect. The history in this venue is incredible. Was fun to experience this event and even hear my dad's story about coming into this Union Depot on a train from California while on leave after the Vietnam War in the US Navy in the '60's."

Michelle Tverberg

What People Like

Beautiful historic architecture
Great event venue
Festive holiday markets

What People Dislike

Limited food options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

There isn't a direct train connection from Union Depot to MSP Airport. Travelers typically use ride-sharing services (like Uber or Lyft), taxis, or public transportation options like Metro Transit buses to reach the airport. The journey can take approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Reddit

Yes, Union Depot offers covered parking. It's generally considered reasonably priced and convenient for visitors driving to the station. Reddit

Union Depot serves as a bus station for various intercity bus services, in addition to being an Amtrak hub. Check with specific bus companies for routes and schedules. TikTok

The address for Union Depot St. Paul is 214 4th Street East, Saint Paul, MN 55101. TikTok

Yes, Union Depot is a major transit hub and is well-served by Metro Transit buses, making it easily accessible via public transportation from various parts of the Twin Cities. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, general entry into the main concourse and public areas of Union Depot is free. You only need tickets if you are traveling on Amtrak or attending a ticketed event. Instagram

Union Depot is generally open daily, but specific hours can vary, especially for individual businesses or during special events. Amtrak services operate according to their schedules. It's best to check the official Union Depot website for the most current information. Instagram

The European Christmas Market at Union Depot is a free event to attend. While entry is free, you will need to purchase any food, drinks, or gifts you wish to buy. Instagram+1

Parking rates at Union Depot are generally considered reasonable. Specific pricing can vary, so it's advisable to check the Union Depot website or signage upon arrival for the most up-to-date parking fees. Reddit

While you can purchase Amtrak tickets at the station, it's often recommended to book in advance online or via the Amtrak app, especially for popular routes, to ensure availability and potentially better pricing. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The main concourse with its grand architecture, the historic waiting areas, and the exterior facade are excellent for photography. During events like the Christmas Market, the festive decorations offer great photo opportunities. Instagram

Yes, personal photography is generally allowed inside Union Depot. However, commercial photography or videography may require special permits. Always be respectful of other visitors and operational areas. Instagram

During events like Train Days, you can get close to vintage locomotives. The European Christmas Market provides a festive backdrop with lights and stalls. Instagram+1

Yes, you can photograph the Amtrak trains. During events like Train Days, there are often opportunities to get up close to various types of historic train equipment. Instagram+1

The main concourse has large windows providing natural light during the day. In the evenings and during events, the interior is often lit with decorative lighting, creating a warm ambiance. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While there are some food and beverage options available, particularly during events, some visitors have noted a lack of a dedicated coffee shop or a wide variety of dining establishments within the depot itself. It's advisable to check current offerings. Reddit

The European Christmas Market typically features a variety of European-inspired foods, including traditional Christmas drinks like Glühwein, as well as other festive treats and snacks. Instagram+1

Generally, bringing your own food and non-alcoholic beverages for personal consumption is acceptable in public areas. However, it's always a good idea to be discreet and clean up after yourself. Instagram

Yes, the area surrounding Union Depot in downtown St. Paul has numerous restaurants and cafes offering a wide range of cuisines. You can find options within walking distance. Instagram

Some visitors have reported that a coffee shop within Union Depot was closed or not consistently open. It's recommended to check current operating hours or plan to get coffee nearby if needed. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Union Depot is a fantastic destination for families, especially when special events are happening. Train Days is a must-attend, featuring interactive exhibits, model trains, and the chance to explore real vintage locomotives. Instagram+1 The European Christmas Market also offers a magical experience with festive treats and a lively atmosphere. Instagram+1 Keep an eye on the event schedule for other family-friendly activities. The spacious concourse is great for kids to move around, and many seats have charging outlets for devices, which can be a lifesaver for parents. Reddit

💍 Couples & Event Planners

Union Depot is a highly recommended venue for weddings and special events, lauded for its breathtaking architecture and accommodating staff. Reddit The Red Cap Room is a particularly popular choice for more intimate celebrations, offering a unique and elegant setting. Reddit The grand concourse itself can host large gatherings, providing a memorable backdrop for any occasion. For those planning a visit, consider attending during the European Christmas Market for a romantic, festive outing. Instagram+1

🚆 Train Enthusiasts & Travelers

For train lovers, Union Depot is a pilgrimage site. It's an active Amtrak station, serving routes like the Empire Builder. Instagram You can admire the historic architecture and imagine the countless journeys that have begun and ended here. Reddit Events like Train Days are specifically designed for enthusiasts, offering close-up views of various locomotives and rail equipment. Instagram+1 Even if you're not traveling, visiting to appreciate the station's operational status and historical significance is worthwhile. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Union Depot's History

Union Depot in St. Paul is more than just a transportation hub; it's a landmark steeped in history. Originally opened in 1926, it served as a grand gateway for travelers arriving and departing by train. The building itself is a testament to the Beaux-Arts architectural style, featuring a magnificent concourse with soaring ceilings and intricate detailing. It played a significant role in the region's development, connecting St. Paul to national rail networks. Reddit

After a period of decline with the decrease in passenger rail travel, Union Depot underwent a significant restoration. This revitalization project aimed to preserve its historical integrity while transforming it into a multi-modal transportation center and a vibrant event venue. Today, it proudly hosts Amtrak services, intercity buses, and serves as a popular destination for community events, weddings, and private functions. The echoes of its past are palpable as you walk through its halls, offering a unique blend of historical charm and modern utility. Reddit

Experiencing Events at Union Depot

Union Depot has become a premier destination for a variety of events, drawing locals and visitors alike. The stunning architecture provides a unique and memorable backdrop for everything from large-scale galas and weddings to community festivals and holiday markets. The venue's versatility allows it to host diverse gatherings, making it a sought-after location in St. Paul. Reddit

Popular events include the enchanting European Christmas Market, which transforms the outdoor plaza into a festive wonderland with international food, drinks, and artisan crafts. Instagram+1 Train Days is another highlight, offering families a chance to explore vintage locomotives and enjoy train-themed activities. Instagram+1 The Red Cap Room is frequently mentioned as an excellent space for private events, offering a more intimate setting within the grand depot. Reddit Checking the Union Depot's event calendar is essential to catch these special occasions and experience the venue at its most vibrant. Instagram

Amtrak Travel from Union Depot

Union Depot is a key station for Amtrak, offering passenger rail service to various destinations. The most notable route connecting through St. Paul is the Empire Builder, which travels between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest (Seattle or Portland). Instagram

Travelers often praise the relaxing nature of train journeys, noting the scenic views of lakes, rivers, and charming towns along the way. Instagram The seating on Amtrak trains is generally comfortable, and many seats are equipped with electrical outlets, allowing passengers to keep their devices charged throughout the trip. Reddit While the journey might be longer than flying, many find the experience more enjoyable and less stressful, especially for those who appreciate the opportunity to unwind and watch the landscape change. Instagram

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