More Stunning US Rail Stations
- G. Rhodes
- Mar 29
- 5 min read
From cutting-edge modern architecture to stunning Beaux-Arts designs, the US is dotted with incredible train stations. But, which is the prettiest of them all? That’s a very difficult question to answer. Many US train stations are considered stunning due to their architectural grandeur, historic significance, and the unique features they offer, making them not just transportation hubs, but also cultural landmarks. We covered a few of them in a recent post, which spanned everything from historic transport hubs dating from the Golden Age of Rail Travel to newly renovated buildings guaranteed to, dare I say it, “stop you in your tracks.” Here are several more I consider to be worthy enough to be counted among America’s most beautiful railway stations. (First, let me explain why so many are called Union Station. In the Nineteenth and early Twentieth Centuries, many railroad companies built their own lines and stations. As cities grew, it became advantageous to consolidate these operations into a single, larger station to facilitate passenger transfers and streamline operations. These stations, which served multiple railroads, were often named Union Station to reflect that collaborative or unified nature.)
Union Terminal, Cincinnati, OH
Cincinnati’s Union Terminal is a prime example of Art Deco Architecture, featuring a soaring rotunda, mosaic murals, and a distinctive design that reflects the era's emphasis on both engineering and aesthetics. Construction on the terminal began in 1929. It was completed in 1933 and underwent a comprehensive restoration in 2018. The terminal’s architectural significance and historical importance have earned it the designation of a National Historic Landmark. The rotunda features massive mosaic murals by Winold Reiss depicting the history of Cincinnati and the United States, adding to the terminal's grandeur and artistic value. It now serves as the home of the Cincinnati Museum Center, which includes the Cincinnati History Museum, the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History, the Cincinnati Children's Museum, and the Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX Theater. The terminal is known as a "temple to transportation" due to its impressive design and the way it was built to facilitate the movement of passengers and trains. As one of the last great American train stations built, it played a vital role in transportation during its heyday, and even served as a major point of departure for soldiers during the Second World War. In its heyday, Union Terminal offered a wide array of services, including shops, restaurants, and even bathtubs in the restrooms, making it almost a city within a city. While passenger train service stopped in 1972, Amtrak resumed service at the station in 1991. Today, the Cardinal Line traveling between Chicago and New York City makes stops at Union Terminal three times per week.
Union Station, Chicago, IL
Chicago's Union Station is special for its grandeur, serving as a major transportation hub and a treasured part of Chicago's history. It was designed by prominent American architect and urban planner Daniel Burnham, best known for his influential role in the development of the skyscraper. and completed by the well known Chicago architectural firm of Graham, Anderson, Probst and White. This grand building covers two city blocks and is a marvel of modern transportation. It's a major hub for Amtrak and Metra, connecting Chicago to over 500 destinations while also serving the Chicagoland area with commuter rail. Union Station has been a valued asset for the city's future and a treasured part of Chicago history. It’s is the only "double stub" station in the United States, with 24 tracks approaching from two directions and is the the third-busiest station in the country, behind Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station, and is Amtrak's fourth busiest station. The station has served as a backdrop for countless narratives of drama, suspense, and romance in both movies and television shows and is currently experiencing a renaissance. Recent projects have concentrated upon restoring and re-utilizing spaces, including the historic Great Hall. Current plans call for developing real estate in and around the station, as well as increasing capacity, accessibility, and safety.
Union Station, Kansas City, MO
A historic landmark and a celebrated destination, Kansas City’s Union Station is also now a hub for attractions, events and entertainment. Built in 1914, it served as a major transportation hub, replacing the smaller Union Depot. In its prime, Union Station accommodated hundreds of thousands of passengers annually, with a bustling North Waiting Room (now Grand Plaza) holding 10,000 people. Passenger traffic declined in the 1950s, and the station closed in 1985, facing near-demolition before a bi-state initiative funded its transformation. It then underwent a grand restoration and reopened to the public in 1999, becoming a cultural and entertainment venue. Amtrak resumed service in 2002, making it Missouri's second-busiest train station after that of St. Louis. Beyond the rails, the Union Station complex now includes Science City, an interactive science center with three floors of exhibits and play spaces as well as the state-of-the-art Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium and a movie theater with the largest screen in the region. But, that’s not all. Union station is now a celebrated civic asset, which offers event spaces and hosts permanent and touring exhibitions along with its restaurants and shops. Finally, the City Stage Theatre is a venue for live performances, including dramas, comedies and musicals.
Union Station, Denver, CO
A historic landmark, a vibrant transit hub, and a destination for dining, shopping, and cultural experiences, all within the heart of Denver's LoDo neighborhood, are what set Union Station apart. Originally built in 1881, it’s an outstanding example of Beaux-Arts architecture and was the largest structure in the West at the time. Union Station is now a place where the city's past and present come together, showcasing the city’s history as a major transportation center and a thriving cultural destination. The station underwent a major renovation in 2014, transforming it into a modern, mixed-use space while preserving its historic charm. It now features an open-air train hall, a 22-gate underground bus terminal, and a light rail station, facilitating seamless connections between different modes of transportation. Home to a diverse array of chef-driven restaurants and bars, the station offers a wide range of culinary experiences. Visitors can also find locally curated retail shops, including a branch of the well-loved Tattered Cover Bookstore. The luxurious 5-star boutique Crawford Hotel, located within the station itself, adds to the overall experience, offering a blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Union Station also hosts a variety of events, from live music and festivals to farmers' markets and fitness classes, making it a dynamic and engaging destination.
These railroad station buildings are intertwined with the nation's past and the personal and collective. memories of those who passed through them. We're fortunate that these and other historic US train station have been reimagined for use by modern communities.
Until next time...safe travels.
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