Happy 90th Birthday, Union Depot!

Happy 90th Birthday, Union Depot!

Both the Queen of England and Union Depot in St. Pa turned 90 this month. What’s the secret to their longevity? While we can’t speak for Her Majesty, we do know that Union Depot has been a been a welcoming first stop in St. Paul for Amtrak customers full of history and personality. Read on for more info on this historic station, and things to do in this half of the Twin Cities.

First, check out all that the Union Depot has to offer. Snag some Beeline Honey collected from bees that call the station home, and then check out some of the art work that adorns the station. Take a tour of this historic depot, or watch the trains go by with a picnic lunch at the Rail View Picnic Area behind the station.

Next, step out into St. Paul and explore all the city has to offer. You’ll want to fuel on some good eats, so stop by the Buttered Tin for awesome breakfast tacos. Heartland Restaurant is a favorite local farm-to-table eatery with seasonal menu offerings. Need a pick me up? Stop by Golden’s for some freshly brewed beans and live music. Beer lovers, you’re in luck. St. Paul is the Craft Beer Capital of the States, so check out this list of breweries. End with a cocktail at Kelly’s Depot Bar, a popular train-themed local watering hole. Or, if you’re looking for some late-night comfort food, Mickey’s is a diner that’s an actual rail car! Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this diner has everything from sammies to pecan waffles.

Looking for some fun things to do? Take a Padelford Riverboat tour and enjoy the outdoors, or cheer on the Twins at Target field. If you’re in town June 23-25, you’ll be able to catch the Twin Cities Jazz Festival. Or, check out the Minnesota Historical Society for cool exhibits like South Asian cinematic culture or Looney Toons animation.

Little one will have a blast in this town. Take them to the Minnesota Transportation Museum for a #TrainSelfie, or head over to the Minnesota Children’s Museum for plenty of hands-on exhibits and learning fun.

Fun fact: St. Paul is on our famed Empire Builder route, famous for breathtaking views of Glacier Park. Your vacation to St. Paul starts when you step on the train and discover America with Amtrak.

Sound like a plan? Head to www.amtrak.com to book your tickets today, and keep in mind that you can get 20% off if you book before April 30th. Also, be sure to sign up for an Amtrak Guest Rewards account before you ride and turn those points into your next #AmtrakAdventure. From now until May 21st, you can get double the points! All aboard.

But, wait! We can’t forget to mention that Union Depot Train Days, happening April 30 – May 01 will be the kick off event for this year’s Exhibit Train tour, All Aboard America. The Amtrak Exhibit Train will make 10 stops across America in 2016 kicking off in historic Union Depot. The traveling exhibit allows visitors to take a complimentary, self-guided tour to learn about Amtrak history, our operations and future through the display of artifacts, memorabilia and interactive exhibits.