ST. LOUIS — Union Station is planning a huge expansion with new amusement rides to hopefully open next summer.
While some of the best attractions remain at Union Station, the National Historic Landmark keeps reinventing itself.
"From what it was 20 years ago, it's unrecognizable. It really is. And I think that's part of the magic of Union Station," said Cameron Schoeffel, the Director of Sales and Entertainment at Union Station.
Schoeffel said they are always thinking of more reasons for locals to stay downtown and visitors to come downtown.
"We're really focused on bringing families down to, you know, the inner city, and specifically here. Union Station kind of reimagined itself over the years, and we're just going to kind of lean into that and continue that growth," Schoeffel said.
The expansion will include three new amusement rides, six new carnival game booths, and food and beverage concessions, all designed to give the area a "Coney Island Feel."
If the city approves their plan, a teacup roller coaster and a wave swing will be set up in the train yard next to the St. Louis Wheel.
Schoeffel said within the next month or so, they hope to get that approval.
"The reason for the expansion is because of the success of everything that we've already had on property," Schoeffel said.
When Lodging Hospitality Management bought the historic Union Station in 2012, it spent around $187 million to create new attractions like the St. Louis Aquarium and the St. Louis Wheel, which have become huge tourist attractions since opening.
"I wouldn't expect us to slow down anytime soon; with the enhancements, we will continue to grow and expand our footprint and make St. Louis Union Station the premier family attraction destination not only in St. Louis but in the Midwest as a whole," Schoeffel said.
Whether visitors are looking forward to the new attractions or the ones that are already there, Schoeffel said they plan to open the rides in the summer of 2025.
"All these rides, games, and food outlets really complement everything that we have here on property. But, you look at our neighbors across the street at City Park, and it's really going to compliment fans coming down for soccer games and blues games and concerts and all that good stuff," Schoeffel said.
The new additions will be 1904 World's Fair-themed. The planned attractions will be part of a multi-million-dollar makeover at Union Station.
Construction is expected to start early next year.