New Renderings Show Additions to the St. Louis Wheel Park
New amusement rides are set to open at St. Louis Union Station on Memorial Day weekend 2025. The expansion at the family entertainment destination is part of owner Lodging Hospitality Management’s (LHM) ongoing commitment to enhancing the entertainment offerings at the historic attraction. .
NEW RIDES, GAMES & CONCESSIONS
Guests can look forward to an exhilarating array of new rides, including:
- Mini Spinning Coaster: A thrilling coaster, themed as a train, celebrates the rich railway heritage of St. Louis Union Station. This ride promises to deliver twists, turns, and fun for the whole family. The coaster reaches a height of 22 feet and has 16 seats.
- Pirate Ship: A classic amusement ride that will take guests on a swashbuckling adventure, swinging high above the park and offering spectacular views. The Pirate Ship ride will stand at 48 feet 6 inches high and has 42 seats.
- Wave Swinger: An exciting swing ride themed to pay homage to the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, this ride will elevate guests to new heights with a thrilling and breezy experience perfect for all ages. The Wave Swinger will be 43 feet 6 inches high and seats 64.
Midway Games
Complementing these new attractions, a selection of classic carnival games will be introduced, enhancing the nostalgic, family-friendly atmosphere of the Wheel Park. Guests can test their skills and win prizes in a variety of games.
Concessions
To complete the experience, new concession booths will offer a range of fan-favorite snacks and treats. From classic carnival fare to sweet indulgences, there will be something to satisfy every craving as visitors explore the expanded entertainment area..
PROJECT TIMELINE AND LOCATION
Construction for this project will begin in January 2025, with anticipated completion by Memorial Day weekend 2025, just in time for the summer season. The new attractions will be situated adjacent to the iconic St. Louis Wheel on the south end of Union Station, within the vibrant Wheel Park area, which already boasts popular attractions such as the Carousel and Mini Golf course. St. Louis-based PGAV Destinations is providing Wheel Park architectural design.
ABOUT ST. LOUIS UNION STATION
The new rides at St. Louis Union Station will join the St. Louis Aquarium, 200-foot-tall St. Louis Wheel, the St. Louis Ropes Course, the St. Louis Carousel, the 18-hole St. Louis Mini-Golf course, Selfie Express and the A-Maze-Ing Mirror Maze as St. Louis Union Station’s attractions. The historic landmark also offers the St. Louis Union Station Hotel, a Curio Collection by Hilton. Restaurants at Union Station include the soccer-themed The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern, Train Shed, Soda Fountain, 1894 Cafe and The Station Grille. Opened in 1894, St. Louis Union Station was the biggest and busiest train terminal in the nation. Union Station, a National Historic Landmark, celebrates its 130th anniversary in fall 2024. More information on Union Station is available at www.stlouisunionstation.com or on social media @unionstationstl.
ABOUT LODGING HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
Union Station’s owner, Lodging Hospitality Management (LHM), is dedicated to providing exceptional hospitality experiences. With a diverse portfolio of hotels, meeting and event venues, real estate, visitor attractions and restaurants, and a commitment to innovation, LHM continues to enhance the appeal of St. Louis for visitors and residents.
Lynn (Zipfel) Venhaus has had a continuous byline in St. Louis metro region publications since 1978. She writes features and news for Belleville News-Democrat and contributes to St. Louis magazine and other publications.
She is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved film critic, currently reviews films for Webster-Kirkwood Times and KTRS Radio, covers entertainment for PopLifeSTL.com and co-hosts podcast PopLifeSTL.com…Presents.
She is a member of Critics Choice Association, where she serves on the women’s and marketing committees; Alliance of Women Film Journalists; and on the board of the St. Louis Film Critics Association. She is a founding and board member of the St. Louis Theater Circle.
She is retired from teaching journalism/media as an adjunct college instructor.