Guide to Union Depot
A gathering place, starting point and hub of activity from the past, present and future.
History
Union Depot is a historic railroad station and intermodal transportation hub located in Lowertown Saint Paul.
- 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.
- In 1974 the Union Depot's Head House Was Placed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Developed a transportation hub located along the Green Line and in redeveloping neighborhood
- In 2002, the LOCATE committee develops a plan to revive Union Depot and make it a viable transportation hub in the community
- In 2010, Ramsey County Railroad Authority bought Union Depot and began an extensive two-year restoration process to revive the natural architecture of the space.
- The Union Depot reopened on December 8, 2012, and has operated as an essential transportation hub and dynamic event space since.
Learn more about this venue's rich history on a private or public tour!
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.
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
Bus & Light Rail
- Greyhound, Jefferson Lines and the Megabus also offer affordable alternatives to travel throughout North America.
Metro Transit
- 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
Minnesota Valley Transit Authority
- Weekday service from Gate A for buses 480, 484 and 489
Taxis & Rental Cars
- 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.
Trains
In 2012, Union Depot reopened as a functioning train station with the Amtrak national train system.
- 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.
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.
“Trainscape”
The "Trainscape," created by Minnesota Artists Amy Baur and Brian Bolton, is a 146-foot ceramic and glass mural that welcomes visitors into the Carriageway. Each digitally printed ceramic tile in this masterpiece features a glass prism that captures and reflects light.
Choo Choo Bob's Train Store
Formerly located in the Merriam Park neighborhood of Saint Paul, Choo Choo Bob's now calls the iconic train station its home.
Opened in May 2024, this interactive train-themed toy store welcomes train enthusiasts and wooden railway lovers to discover, explore and pay-to-play.
The space is also open to festive birthday parties and features regular story times and live music events.
Food & Drink
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.
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.
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, Suite 200, Saint Paul 55101