St. Louis, the Gateway to the West, is a city that’s rich in culture and history. It’s known for its iconic Gateway Arch, delicious BBQ, and thriving music scene. But what about its aquarium? Is there one in this bustling city?
The answer is yes! The St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station is a must-visit attraction for both locals and tourists. This 120,000 square foot aquarium is home to over 13,000 aquatic animals and features interactive exhibits that are both educational and entertaining. Let’s dive into what makes the St. Louis Aquarium so special!
Is there an Aquarium in St. Louis?
St. Louis is a city that is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. One of the most popular attractions in the city is the St. Louis Aquarium. The aquarium is a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. If you are planning a trip to St. Louis and wondering if there is an aquarium in the city, the answer is yes! In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about the St. Louis Aquarium.
Location and Hours
The St. Louis Aquarium is located in the heart of Downtown St. Louis at Union Station. The address is 201 South 18th Street, St. Louis, MO 63103. The aquarium is open seven days a week. The hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Friday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
When you visit the St. Louis Aquarium, you can expect to spend a few hours exploring the exhibits. The aquarium is quite large, and there is plenty to see and do. We recommend arriving early in the day to avoid crowds and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy all the exhibits.
Exhibits
The St. Louis Aquarium is home to a wide variety of aquatic life. The exhibits are designed to educate visitors about the importance of ocean conservation and showcase the beauty of marine life. Some of the most popular exhibits include:
- The Shark Canyon exhibit, which features several species of sharks and rays.
- The Confluence gallery, which explores the connection between the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.
- The Global Rivers exhibit, which showcases the diverse wildlife that lives in rivers around the world.
- The Changing Rivers exhibit, which highlights the impact of climate change on river ecosystems.
In addition to the exhibits, the St. Louis Aquarium also offers several interactive experiences. Visitors can touch stingrays, feed fish, and even participate in a mermaid encounter.
Tickets and Pricing
If you are planning a visit to the St. Louis Aquarium, you will need to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased online through the aquarium’s website or at the ticket counter at Union Station. Prices vary depending on the day of the week and the time of day. General admission tickets range from $19.95 to $26.95 for adults and $15.95 to $21.95 for children.
In addition to general admission tickets, the St. Louis Aquarium also offers annual memberships. Memberships include unlimited admission to the aquarium, discounts on merchandise and food, and special member-only events.
Benefits of Visiting the St. Louis Aquarium
There are many benefits to visiting the St. Louis Aquarium. For one, it is a great way to spend time with family and friends. The aquarium offers something for everyone, from young children to adults. It is also an educational experience that can teach visitors about the importance of ocean conservation and the impact of climate change on river ecosystems.
In addition to the exhibits, the St. Louis Aquarium also offers several interactive experiences, such as touching stingrays and feeding fish. These experiences can be a lot of fun and create lasting memories.
St. Louis Aquarium vs. Other Aquariums
If you have visited other aquariums in the past, you may be wondering how the St. Louis Aquarium compares. One thing that sets the St. Louis Aquarium apart is its location. The aquarium is housed in a historic train station, which adds to the overall ambiance of the attraction.
Another thing that sets the St. Louis Aquarium apart is its focus on river ecosystems. While many aquariums focus on ocean life, the St. Louis Aquarium highlights the importance of river ecosystems and the impact of climate change on these ecosystems.
Overall, the St. Louis Aquarium is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting the city. It offers a unique and educational experience that is sure to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
St. Louis is a beautiful city with plenty of attractions and fun activities. Many people wonder if there is an aquarium in St. Louis. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers about the aquarium in St. Louis.
Is there an aquarium in St. Louis?
Yes, there is an aquarium in St. Louis. The St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station is a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. It opened in December 2019 and has been mesmerizing visitors with its interactive exhibits and diverse marine life.
The aquarium is located in the historic Union Station building, which has been transformed into an entertainment complex. The aquarium is home to more than 13,000 animals, including fish, sharks, rays, and other marine creatures.
What can I see at the St. Louis Aquarium?
At the St. Louis Aquarium, you can see a wide variety of marine life from all over the world. Some of the most popular exhibits include the shark tunnel, where you can walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks, and the touch pool, where you can touch and interact with starfish, sea urchins, and other creatures.
The aquarium also has a sea turtle exhibit, a jellyfish exhibit, and a stingray exhibit. In addition to the marine life, there are also interactive exhibits that teach visitors about water conservation and the importance of protecting our oceans.
What are the hours of operation for the St. Louis Aquarium?
The St. Louis Aquarium is open seven days a week. The hours of operation vary depending on the day and time of year. Generally, the aquarium is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Thursday, and from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Friday through Sunday. However, it’s always a good idea to check the website or call ahead to confirm the hours before you go.
During peak season, which is typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the aquarium may have extended hours. The last entry is usually one hour before closing time.
How much does it cost to visit the St. Louis Aquarium?
The cost of admission to the St. Louis Aquarium varies depending on age and whether you purchase tickets online or at the door. Generally, adult tickets cost around $25, while children’s tickets (ages 3-12) cost around $18. Children under 2 are free.
If you purchase tickets online, you may be able to save a few dollars per ticket. There are also discounts available for military personnel, seniors, and groups of 15 or more.
Is there parking available at the St. Louis Aquarium?
Yes, there is parking available at the St. Louis Aquarium. The Union Station parking garage is located adjacent to the aquarium and offers convenient access. Rates vary depending on the time of day and day of the week, but generally, parking costs around $10 for the day.
There are also other parking options available in the area, including street parking and other parking garages. However, it’s always a good idea to check the parking regulations and fees before you park.
St Louis Aquarium at Union Station Tour & Review with The Legend
In conclusion, the answer to the question “Is there an aquarium in St. Louis?” is a resounding yes! The St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in marine life. With over 13,000 animals and 44 exhibits, the aquarium offers an immersive experience that is both educational and entertaining.
Visitors can explore the many exhibits, including the shark canyon, the stingray bay, and the octopus garden, among others. The aquarium also offers interactive experiences, such as feeding the animals and touching sea creatures in the touch pool.
Overall, the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station is a great place to visit for families, couples, and anyone who loves marine life. With its engaging exhibits and interactive experiences, the aquarium provides a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate the wonders of the ocean.
