The St. Louis Aquarium is located in the heart of Union Station, one of the country’s most famous train terminals. You will be astounded at what you are about to see as you enter the train station lobby to begin your adventure. And once you’re “all aboard,” you’ll have St. Louis’ own John Goodman as your conductor for the first leg of your 90-minute trip, making for an unforgettable start.
A black split-flap board near the ticket booth, as you walk through the arched doorway to the St. Louis Aquarium, flips over guest information in the same manner that train schedules are updated by the clacking of tiles moving to the next departure.
You’ll be transported away on a virtual train excursion after paying your tickets. The experience, which is projected on a giant screen, transports you on a journey similar to those depicted in the Magic School Bus novels. The train chugs along, then rockets into the air before crashing into the sea.
“It was really important for us to continue the train theme in the aquarium, to reinforce that we’re in this beautiful, historic train shed,” says Tamera Lash Brown, executive director of the aquarium.
“If you leave without getting your hands wet in this aquarium, we send you back through,” jokes Aaron Sprowl, the aquarium’s general curator.
“Lesser devil rays can get to be 6 feet wide when full grown,” says Erin Clark, director of animal projects. The creatures are like aquatic ballerinas that glide right over you.
“There is going to be a lot of movement, no matter where you’re at,” says Sprowl. “There’s always going to be something to see.”
If you’ve ever wanted to pet a stingray or a shark, or feed a turtle, the St. Louis Aquarium is the place to go.
According to Tami Brown, Executive Director of the St. Louis Aquarium, a lot of thought and planning went into every detail of this location, including the Aquarium’s high-touch, high-tech approach, which begins the moment you walk in.
“Providing this higher level of connection for our guests with these wonderful aquatic animals has always been our goal. This interactive approach ultimately leads to a better understanding of the creatures we house here, and their environments. It allows our guests to realize that they might want to become better stewards of our planet, and our waters, allowing for these animals to continue to thrive,” she explains.
If a sea life experience excites you then this place is one not to be missed. It really is such a huge place with endless amount to do and entertain you and the family alike. Well worth a visit!
If water adventures is your vibe then you really must check this out!
