Guide to Union Depot
A gathering place, starting point and hub of activity from the past, present and future.
Celebrating 100 Years of Travel
Union Depot is a historic railroad station and intermodal transportation hub located in Lowertown Saint Paul, and 2026 marks its centennial anniversary! As a defining gateway to Minnesota's Capital City, the Union Depot is a historic icon that continues to connect people across generations.
A Brief History
The first Union Depot location opened in 1881 and operated for a couple years before burning down and being rebuilt in 1884. In 1888, this second station peaked, helping 8 million passengers and overseeing about 150 trains per day before the facility unfortunately burned down for a second time in 1913.
Ushering in a new era of train service, the construction of the larger and grander (to accommodate for the rail demands) current building began in 1917. Train services operated out of this hub until the last passenger train called Burlington's Afternoon Zephyr left the depot on April 30, 1971, and the Head House was later placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
In the early 2000s, Ramsey County purchased Union Depot with the goal of restoring both its beauty and purpose, paving way for one of the region's most ambitious preservation projects.
In 2012, the Union Depot reopened as a multimodal transportation hub and dynamic gathering space.
Tours
Dive into the lesser-known stories and fun facts of Union Depot. This isn’t just a tour, it’s an experience. From its earliest days to the present, and even hints of the future, discover the rich tapestry that makes up Union Depot’s history.
- Tours held twice monthly on Wednesdays promptly at 1 p.m.
- Approximately 60 minutes.
- Departs from the East Clock, near the restaurant in the Head House.
- Price: Free of charge.
Transportation
There are two locations for passenger pick-up/drop-off: The front entrance on 240 East Kellogg Boulevard or inside the parking ramp entrance on Kellogg Boulevard and Broadway Street.
Bus & Light Rail
- Greyhound, Jefferson Lines and the Megabus also offer affordable alternatives to travel throughout North America.
- Daily service to Gate A for buses 2t21 and 54
Weekday-only service to Gate A for buses 94, 262 and 417
Eastern terminal for Green Line Light Rail
- Weekday service from Gate A for buses 480, 484 and 489
Biking & Walking
- Lowertown provides easy access to a variety of biking and walking paths. The facility also offers a train viewing area, outdoor picnic area on the East and North Plazas, and close access to the skyway system, as well as the Mississippi River.
- Biking repair stations are available in the North and East Plazas
- 24-hour indoor bike storage is available through Door 7 off of North Sibley Street
Trains
Tickets are available 24 hours at self-serve kiosks or visit the ticketing office from 6:45 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Amtrak Borealis trains with expanded daytime-only service between Saint Paul and Chicago via Milwaukee are now available. These trains offer Coach and Business Class tickets levels (with reclining seats, ample legroom and no middle seats) with access to a cafe car that will feature regional items to try.
Taxi & Car Rentals
- Saint Paul Yellow Taxi, Blue and White Taxi and Surburban Taxi are available for service.
- Rental Cars are available through Hertz which is located at the Kellogg Boulevard entry.
Retail
Public Art
For the building's historic renovation in 2012, the Ramsey Country Regional Railroad Authority spent $1.25 million on commissioned art installations.
Since, the building has acquired several significant pieces to enhance the visitor experience and complement the existing architecture of the historic Union Depot.
We highlighted a few notable works here, but to discover more awe-inspiring masterpieces visit the Union Depot website.
“Twin Waves”
Artist, Ray King, constructed this work from glass, laminating films and other materials to create a dynamic light structure that emulates the look of "two floating waves in space," At night the sculptures are illuminated by a computer-controlled system. However, by day, the installation transforms in color and shape from natural light and pedestrian movement in the Head House atrium.
“Union Table”
This regulation-size Ping-Pong table by Andrew MacGuffie, Noah Keesecker and Peter Haakon Thompson is constructed of steel and is equipped with paddles and balls for visitors to enjoy a game in the iconic Waiting Room.
“Forever St. Paul” Lite-Brite Mural
It's the largest Lite-Brite in the world! Featuring over 600,000 bulbs, this vibrant installation, created by Saint Paul Artist Tacoumba T. Aiken, stretches 24 feet and is 9 feet tall.
Food & Drink
1881 Eating House
For the first time in its 40-year history, The Lake Elmo Inn opened a new restaurant. The name, "1881," pays homage to both the year Union Depot and the Inn opened, fusing the charm of the storied pasts with a modern, culinary experience. The menu features a few Inn favorites like the potato-crusted sunnies or the butternut squash ravioli, as well as an array of salads, steaks, and decadent desserts.
Lowertown Bike Shop & Coffee
Lowertown Bike Shop & Coffee Shop in the Head House features a full craft coffee bar with local pastries and delicious sandwiches.
Bee Line Honey
Union Depot partnered with Saint Paul beekeeper and chocolatier, Mademoiselle Miel, to oversee their beehives and honey production. The flavor found in this honey is a result of the nectar collected from Basswood trees along the Mississippi River Valley. Containing local pollen, the sweet concoction features the added benefit of alleviating seasonal allergies to local consumers.
Purchase a jar (or two) at the Union Depot Management Office located at 214 4th Street East, Saint Paul 55101
Farmer’s Fridge
The Farmer's Fridge vending machine offers fresh, healthy on-the-go options like salads and wraps on Level 1 near the escalators.
Rail View Picnic Area
Head outdoors to the Rail View Picnic Area to view freight and passenger trains while munching on good eats at one of the six picnic tables covered by pergolas.