Union Station, Kansas City (must see)

Kansas City's Union Station is a historic station that opened in 1914, serving as a key transportation hub for the city and the surrounding metropolitan area. It replaced the smaller Union Depot from 1878, known for its distinctive blend of Second Empire and Gothic Revival architectural styles, designed by Asa Beebe Cross. By the early 20th century, the original depot struggled with overcrowding and flood risks, prompting the Kansas City Terminal Railway to commission a grand new station at 25th Street and Grand Avenue.

Designed by architect Jarvis Hunt in the Beaux-Arts style, Union Station covered 850,000 square feet, featuring a 95-foot-high Grand Hall, three massive chandeliers weighing 3,500 pounds each, and a prominent 6-foot clock face. When it opened on October 30, 1914, it was the third-largest train station in the United States, reflecting Kansas City's significance as a rail hub. During its peak in 1945, Union Station handled over 670,000 passengers annually, but usage declined rapidly in the 1950s, leading to its closure in 1985.

A transformative restoration effort began in 1996. This project revitalized the station, which reopened in 1999 as a cultural and entertainment complex featuring museums, theaters, and various attractions. By 2002, train service resumed when Amtrak began operations, making Union Station Missouri's second-busiest train station.

The station hosts attractions like Science City, the H&R Block City Stage Theater, the Regnier Extreme Screen, and the Gottlieb Planetarium, plus various restaurants, shops, and exhibits. Key tenants include the Irish Museum and Cultural Center (since 2007) and the Todd Bolender Center for Dance and Creativity (since 2011). Since 2016, it has also been a KC Streetcar stop, making it a vibrant, multi-use destination.

Why You Should Visit:
Science City is an interactive science city with hands-on exhibits for all ages.

Other on-site attractions include the Regnier Extreme Screen, the largest 3D theater in the area at five and a half stories tall. There's also the H&R Block City Stage Theatre for live shows and the Todd Bolender Center for Dance and Creativity, home to the Kansas City Ballet.

Various museum exhibitions are shown from time to time, and the region's largest planetarium is found here. There are also historical exhibits about the golden age of train travel and a model train exhibit.

Tips:
- There's a lot to see and do here; make sure to check out the venue's website for current theater and movie screenings and times.
- Don't miss traveling exhibitions that occasionally pass through town.