Although I've been inside this beautiful edifice many times, I've only just used it as an actual train station for the first time. Such a grand building looks like it could do with a lot more passenger train traffic than it actually gets. But I love coming here, no matter what the reason! There are two busy multi-state Amtrak lines that pass through here. It is also served by local bus routes (Metro Transit, etc.) and national ones like Megabus and Greyhound. The bus platforms are close to the train platforms and are easy to negotiate, and the light rail station is out on 4th Street directly in front. There is a pickup-dropoff area on Kellogg, one floor down from the main hall, where it's easy to get taxis and rideshares, and there is a Hertz rental car place down there as well. There are some shops and a restaurant! Check out my review of 1881 Eating House on their separate Yelp page, but there is a bike shop, a book shop, a toy train shop, and a travel store to check out. And there are often very lively events going on, especially during the holidays. Even if you just show up to stroll through the building I think you will enjoy your visit. It's such a beautiful building that I'm proud of how well it represents Saint Paul to travelers. read more

Union Depot - Train Stations Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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Went to the Union Depot for the Boonion Depot Halloween event. Free event! 10am-2pm Activities: *Inside: trick or treating, coloring, drawing, face painting, balloon making, exploring the stores in the depot, DJ dance party/games, game area: connect 4, jenga, chess, checkers, pictures with princesses, spider man and other characters. *Outside: riding a small train, looking at construction equipment, playground across the street Concessions available- coffee, chips, pastries, hot dogs, drinks and more- plus they are affordable! Parking: $ ramps available, paid metered street parking Stores: book store, train store, 1881 restaurant is inside the Union Depot. It's so cute and a cool vibe! read more

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Gorgeously refurbished space with a great bar as well as a working bus and train station. I wish I had had time to settle in with a drink! read more

Union Depot - Train Stations Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Union depot hosts a holiday market annually and it is just the cutest thing! Takes me right back to Europe. So many unique shops and gift ideas, along with the delicious variety of food stands and drinks that are readily available to whip something up for you. Super festive, well decorated, and quite large. It's nice to be able to take a break inside the station if it is too cold outside. read more

Union Depot - Union depot holiday market - Train Stations Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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I've been in Minnesota all my life and I had never been inside Union Depot! It is beautiful! The architecture of the building is phenomenal! I have yet to take a train from the station but I did enjoy exploring it before and after the European Christmas Market (attached). There are a handful of stores and even a restaurant. The holiday decor was gorgeous! They often host different activities and events throughout the year. There is a paid parking lot available or on street parking in downtown St. Paul. Free street parking on Sundays in downtown read more

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Growing up with a father that spent 30 years working at Kansas City's majestic Union Station, I have always appreciated visiting other train depots on my travels. I had actually travelled by train through this terminal in 1984 on my way between Chicago and Seattle but only saw it from trackside, this week we wandered inside while visiting the area. Although not as large as KC, Chicago, NYC... it is still a very impressive early 20th century neo-classical design. The grand lobby is beautiful with its marble walls and natural light pouring in through the glass ceiling. It still serves as the Amtrak stop for the region and also a light rail hub for the metro. read more

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My first time here and I loved it! The service was amazing and the food even better. I had a mocktail (1881) was yummy! Definitely going back for dinner. read more

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Stroller and long lines and not well planned out market. Epic failure. The entrance and the exit seem to be the same little narrow door and you have people who decide to just stop in the middle of the walkways to chat and eat food and well and slow down traffic. The food lines are insane especially the one to get the little boot drink looked so long that it was going down to Daytona Bluff. There were people with large strollers and double-wide strollers. This event is not stroller-friendly due to the narrow walkways and this made it very difficult to walk around. I mean there were strollers for kids, and strollers for pets it was crazy. While this is a huge family event the location roped off for the market was not planned out for a crowd this large. PROTIP: The best time to go if you really want to shop is early in the morning before you avoid the GLOW crowd as well as the evening crowd. For food in the evening avoid everything in lower town because of GLOW and other events the traffic is bad and most of these places are packed. read more

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What a beautiful train station. I love the architecture. If you are visiting there is parking underground roughly $15 per day. Lots of fun events happen here all the time like the 50+ food truck event in the parking lot or all the fun Xmas polar express trains during the holiday season. A couple of stores to shop at and a new restaurant is coming soon. read more

Union Depot - Train Stations Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

I love old train stations. I wish I lived in an alternative universe where train travel took off in America instead of cars. I think they are so convenient and easy and I love old train station architecture. I remember the first time I saw Grand Central in NYC when I started college and I've been smitten since. So when I get the chance to wander an old school train station, I do. We came here because it's the last stop on the Metro to St Paul from downtown Minneapolis and because I also love European Christmas markets. The St Paul European Christmas Market is here, just outside by the train tracks. I haven't been able to go to one in Europe, so I try to go to ones domestically when I can. To be perfectly honest, I was underwhelmed. I think I was expecting something grander and more fun. The squeeze is tight and there are many people who don't understand the concept of standing to the side when conversing with friends. I liked many of the vendors but it was hard to even see what was being sold so we just walked around once and left. What was more interesting? There was a bakery show something going on in the events center of the station. We actually bought a very delicious smore set from that. read more

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The first time I've ever been here was for the "Doggie Depot" event just recently, it was a great event filled with various vendors (filled with dog items). The venue it's self is really nice. I loved seeing all the pups wandering around and it was great to buy from local businesses. Parking is tricky, as they have a lot - but for some reason it was closed off for this event so we had to park a few blocks away which was outside vs underground parking. read more

Union Depot - Getting to the top floor for the event! - Train Stations Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

This by far was one of the worst places I have ever came across. The employees were down right nasty and mean they made me leave my belongings along side the train as we pulled away. It was 2 hours of hell as they laughed at me and I was crying. They were making fun of me because I went to the mall of America before leaving and had a bunch of shopping bags to carry on and they would not let me. When I told the conductor on the train they said that they were completely wrong in what they did. I will ever travel with Amtrak again read more

I cut through here when I was downtown. It's a nice looking historic building with a few displays of old train memorabilia, etc. The space is large and I'm not sure how much of it is used on a daily basis. Seems like a nice space for events or if you're waiting for a train but otherwise a quick walk through here would probably be enough to check it out. read more

If you've been to New York's Grand Central Terminal or Kansas City's Union Station, it feels like a younger, less differentiated version of that. I recommend visiting on a weekday if you can, the quiet is almost haunting and really highlights the ornate interior. read more

Union Depot - Train Stations Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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Cushion seats in the main Amtrak waiting area. Two phone-charging stations, both at 240 East Kellogg entrance. Free wifi works great. No password needed. read more

Union Depot - Escalator at Kellogg entrance. Two elevators also. - Train Stations Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

I did a self-tour of Union Depot soon after it was refinished. At the time, it was pretty empty and quiet but seems to have picked up since. It was very clean, very spacious, and even had a lounge area for different train lines. There's different pieces of art to be found along the walls, and at the time a Snoopy with railroad themed decor was by one of the tracks. It made me wish it was more convenient to travel by train! read more

Union Depot - Train Stations Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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Been here twice in April for MN Blogger Bash and LowerTown Pop Event which is a bit small and underwhelming compared to the Minneapolis events. It's confusing the layout of the building and the parking lot. There are very minimal signage to direct you throughout the floors and hallways. Doesn't seem to have staff around so you have to figure your own directions. It's a bit out of the way for event spaces but it is nicely located right at downtown st paul so you can walk to the river, baseball stadium and farmers market easily. read more

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Im Only doing 1 star because I can't not pick a star it makes you. However my husband was kicked off a train for asking a question. the woman LaDonna Wilkins on train 27 car 2714 lied and said my husband called her names and was disrespectful I was on the phone with him the whole time and all he did was ask why she was yelling at him when all he did was come out of the bathroom. She then proceeded to yell at other passengers. So now my husband is stuck in Minot waiting for a ride cause they wouldn't let him back on that train. But if he wanted to spend another 100 or so dollars he could get on the next train that's headed that way. The worst part of all of this is that it was a straight up hate crime as she was black and my husband is white he witnesses her being nice to other black passengers but the white passengers were treated like crap. He will no longer be taking the train which is sad cause he has been taking the train for years. read more

We recently took Amtrak from here to Chicago. The Union Depot has been beautifully restored. It's very clean with ample seating. This is a great location for events and I see they actually have events here. The seats also had electric outlets for charging phones and devices. Parking is covered and very reasonable. There were plenty of parking spaces available. My only gripe is that there is no coffee cart or coffee shop here. I was actually quite surprised by this. I saw a coffee shop in Union Depot, but it was closed. We were here at 8:00am on a Friday, so I'm not sure if it's ever open. read more

Union Depot - Union depot - Train Stations Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Came with a friend who was checking out this venue for a future company event. It was so unreal to have the huge train space as event space. It was so classic and fun, and hope to be there for a future event! read more

Union Depot - Waiting room - Train Stations Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

A cavernous shell of a day long past never to return. One Amtrak arrival and departure a day. An intracity bus company along a hard to find corridor. The Green Line stops in front and some city buses pull into the new terminals. There has been massive remodeling but still the grand terminal in the center exists as I try to think of post WWII and soldiers coming home, people of all sorts traveling on the many train departures a day. One restaurant venue has already closed but the hall is open for weddings and other events. Two security guards were laughing and talking out near the street. I used a men's room deeper into the complex and a middle aged man was hanging out staring and bee lined to stand next to me. Not to get into a fight, but I felt like it, I bee lined out uttering a profanity. read more

Beautiful looking station, but the main waiting room is cordoned off for private events and transit customers are all squeezes against the wall. I'm told that this is apparently the default setup. it certainly didn't look like there was an event anytime soon. read more

Union Depot - Train Stations Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

I have not been here since the old Lee Ann Chins was here. It is a beautiful space. Lovely, spacious and so clean. There were a number of people cleaning the glass on the escalators the day we were there. It looks so nice with all the Christmas decorations. Parking was a little dicey and full, but if you're lucky to find some street parking not a biggie to walk to. Lots of different events happening here. Nice to see this place again. read more

This space is GORGEOUS! I cannot comment on how the area looked before, but it really is a gorgeous space. And as Mary B has said there certainly is a "grand feel" to the Union Depot -- almost like taking you briefly back in time, wondering of how the hustle & bustle was of times gone by. (That would have been so cool to see.) But the large waiting area holds passengers for the Amtrak & Jefferson Lines (bus service). Perhaps it may house a few temporary passengers for the Green Light-rail line as well; but for my experience it was for an Amtrak ride. Because I had purchased a sleeper car, I had access to Amtrak's private waiting area. There were only 3 of us in there - - plenty of room, a couple TV's, and some coffee brewing as well. (I didn't try.) The larger, open waiting area also housed a bunch of chairs -I think I heard a ping-pong table??, and some TV's. So seems to be an upgraded waiting area too. And I think there may have been some vending machines near the entrance too. This space would certainly be perfect for private event or corporate functions -- cool idea! Now I can see why there were a few concerts & art displays here when it re-opened. read more

Union Depot - Amtrak private waiting area - Train Stations Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Beautiful old and restored train station. My experience was great. I loved that the station has some historical fun facts and things around. There are some awesome pieces of artwork as well. I arrived fairly early in the morning, around 6:50 in the morning, for my 8 o'clock Amtrak to Chicago. I was welcomed and pointed in the right direction by David at the ticketing window after being dropped off by a Lyft in a convenient drop off area. The train arrived only 10 min behind due to the blizzard, but the boarding process even in freezing weather is quick and efficient. read more

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This bar should be a hot spot but fails miserably. Unfortunately they are in a great spot with potential. The bartender didn't seem to be able to keep up with 8 customers because it has great seating but she has to run all around plus cover the bar. No one was eating so I can't comment on it. The city should had never got rid of Christo's but they need to find another attractive business to make a successful place you want to go to for the atmosphere but you need it to be fun and affordable read more

The new depot is beautiful and LEED certified. Way to work on sustainability Saint Paul! I've been here for the cookie sale, getting dropped off by the Megabus and just recently the European holiday market. The far south building is where parking and bus pick ups/drop offs are. They have a connecting skyway that goes into the depot itself which is the west end. It's a great space with a lot of cool locally commissioned art work and artifacts found. They also have some hanging installations throughout the buildings. The cookie sale takes place inside the main building while the European Holiday market was outside on the east building. There are plenty of directional signs and seating for folks to rest. If you have car2go or zip car they are parked off Kellogg on the ground floor of the parking lot for Union Depot. All around it's a great spot to explore and for events. read more

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Great events and lovely place to come check out. The cookie bake event was the best I've been to and had great local vendor to sample treats and pick up holiday gifts. Take a stroll outside after to the European market with speedy but very cool winter crafts. Parking is about $4 and half a block walk since the connected parking is usually full so bundle up for a brisk cold walk. read more

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I never visited before the redesign so I can't compare but when I did go to a game night I could see why the waiting room could be a good venue for unique art displays and concerts. It was very spacious and clean. Free WiFi was a plus and my boyfriend and I tried the Greek restaurant within the depot. The food was decent but it was a little noisy since there was a MNDOT event the same night. My only complaint would be parking is kind of tight. read more

Union Depot - Game night - Train Stations Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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The renovation of Union Depot is wonderful. I appreciate that the building has been kept in a historic style. The waiting area has arms on the bench, a nice nod to the historic building. Train stations had benches with arms to prevent people from sleeping in them. The grand feel of the building reminds me of Union Station in Chicago. The Resturant in the main lobby feels natural in the space. The acoustics were good and I could hear my table conversation. I was surprised that the sound was that good. I have been in other spaces that are similar with horrible acoustics. Overall a well done space and I can't wait to be back. Having the Metro Green line and Amtrack train stop there it has become the transit hub it was built for. read more

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Stopped by the Union Depot to check out the event they hosted called "Doggie Depot" I had never been there before but the place was pretty nice! You can tell they keep it very clean and welcoming to visitors. The event itself was great and it was a good location for it, plenty of open space for the table to be set up and walking space for humans and K-9's alike! Seems like a great place to host those type of markets especially with 2 parking lots right there! read more

Riding the Choo Choo Knocking it off the bucket list. Very nice people. Very comfortable seating.sight seeing is great. Should have done this years ago!! read more

Union Depot - Looking at the loading station platform. Out of an old wooden door in Union station St Paul. - Train Stations Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

I have never been here, born and raised in Saint Paul I should be ashamed, it was so beautiful inside! I would like to come more often for events that they are hosting. I was there to volunteer for the Bloody Mary festival this past weekend, it was awesome. Such a great turn out and an amazing space for an event. read more

This historical building is gorgeous! I bring the majority of my guests here to walk around and take in the architecture. The main waiting area is stunning. As far as transport, this is where you go to take an Amtrak train. There is a light rail stop right in front. There are lots of buses coming and going, too. In addition to being the transportation hub of St. Paul, they host many other events. Free yoga happens 3 times each week. This evening features the European Christmas Market, the Polar Express, and a showing of the movie Elf. read more

This is a huge space and it seems somewhat underused. The little plaques and alcoves of information is really cool. I spent a good half hour wandering around the place poking my head into different little areas. They have a holiday market every weekend till X'mas out in the parking lot. I won't say it compares to the European ones I've been to but it's a good starting point. some cute stuff to be found. read more

I'm at the depot a few times a year when I pick up relatives visiting the Cities. It's really a beautiful building and it has great space for events. One of my favorites is the Holiday Bake Sale. My only complaint is that personnel here tends to be sparse. I never feel completely safe when I'm waiting for the train to arrive. Especially towards later evening in the parking garage security is lax. It's a fine looking, clean facility--however, it would be nice if there were folks around you could get assistance from or just generally know they're actually there. read more

Fun place to chill and read a book. Love the architecture and how it's still used as a transit hub. My only huge pet peeve is that restaurant right In the lobby. Does it really need to be there or take up that much space? No. No it does not. On top of that it's really noises and plays music way too loud. Get rid of it. Replace it with cute little food stands or turn the space into an art gallery. Love this place though. read more

Taking the #7 at 11pm on a Saturday night. It was difficult to find the parking lot if you are not familiar with the station due to one way streets and lack of signage. Entered the parking lot and the machine keep saying the parking lot was full and the gate would not go up. No other available parking lots in the neighborhood. Had to double park in a 15 minute space. Checked in with the Amtrak agents only to be told that security checks those parking spaces on a regular basis. I had a quick goodbye versus a long and meaningful goodbye with my husband. Went upstairs in the grand hall/waiting area only to find a big wedding going on and the entire beautiful train lobby was un-accessible and curtained off. Loud dance music from the wedding made it very uncomfortable to wait. There was a nice modern waiting room for passengers separate from the big station waiting lobby but they wouldn't let us use it until the train pulled into the station. What is the point of having a waiting room if you can't use it??? All very strange and odd. Good thing I got here early to solve all the riddles. Hope the actual train ride gets off to a a better start! read more

Amazing job with keeping the history at the union depot . I love the free yoga on Tuesdays and Saturdays, the union also hosts frequent free events salsa dancing etc. read more

I was stuck for 4 hours here from 7 am to 11 am after getting off my Amtrak train and then waiting for my bus. I put a pillow on my lap and tried to fall asleep with my feet on the ground, head in my lap, and was woken up to a security guard repeatedly kicking my chair until I woke up and telling me 'you can't sleep in here'. This is a major transfer hub, people are here for hours at a time. I get not wanting people to lay on the seats, but this is ridiculous. Honestly, everything here is designed around thwarting homeless people. The chairs are single seats with plastic armrests, they got rid of the comfy couches they used to have because of it. I honestly completely dread stopping here whenever I travel now because I know I'll be sleep deprived but literally forced to keep myself awake for hours lest some gung-ho security guard start kicking my chair because I'm dozing off. read more