Photo: The St. Louis Wheel
Photo: Howard J.S. Li
Photo: Freddy Bell
The St. Louis Wheel
★4.6(1,353 reviews)$Entertainment
🕑 30-45 minutes including wait time and the 15-minute ride (allow 2-3 hours if exploring Union Station)👶 Best for all ages! Toddlers and preschoolers love the gentle motion and watching the city get smaller below, while older kids and teens enjoy identifying landmarks and taking photos. The enclosed gondolas make it safe and comfortable even for infants.🧡 Saved by 23 families
About
Soaring 200 feet above St. Louis, the St. Louis Wheel offers families a breathtaking 15-minute ride with panoramic views of the Gateway Arch and city skyline from comfortable, climate-controlled gondolas. Located at the historic Union Station entertainment district, it's the perfect centerpiece for a family outing that combines thrills with educational opportunities as kids spot landmarks from above.
Highlights
- ✓360-degree views of the Gateway Arch and Mississippi River from climate-controlled comfort
- ✓42 spacious gondolas that fit the whole family (up to 8 people)
- ✓Special VIP gondolas with glass floors for thrill-seekers
- ✓Illuminated nighttime rides with spectacular LED light shows
- ✓Educational opportunity to spot St. Louis landmarks and learn city geography
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on weekdays between 12-3 PM to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy shorter wait times
- 2.Request a VIP gondola with glass floors for an extra-special experience that older kids will love
- 3.Combine your visit with other Union Station attractions like the aquarium or mini golf for a full day of entertainment
- 4.Bring fully charged devices,the views from the top make for incredible family photos and selfies
- 5.Window seats fill up fast, so board quickly and position kids on the side facing the Gateway Arch for the best views
Best Time to Visit
Sunday mornings right at 10 AM opening or weekday early afternoons offer the smallest crowds. Visit at sunset (check seasonal times) for magical golden-hour views that kids will remember forever, though expect slightly larger crowds during these popular times.
What to Know
Tickets can be purchased on-site or online in advance (recommended for weekends). Union Station offers several parking garages within walking distance, and the entire entertainment district is stroller-accessible with elevators available.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with climate control making it comfortable in any weather. Summer weekends and holidays see the heaviest crowds. The wheel features special holiday lighting during Christmas season, making evening rides particularly magical for families.
Follow The St. Louis Wheel
Nearby Eats
Union Station's Grand Hall houses multiple family-friendly options including the Hard Rock Cafe and the St. Louis Soda Fountain & Grill, famous for its massive ice cream sundaes. For quick bites, the Union Station Food Hall offers everything from pizza to BBQ that pleases picky eaters.
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The Gateway Arch offers kids a thrilling adventure soaring 630 feet above St. Louis in unique pod-like tram cars that climb inside America's tallest monument. Families can explore the fascinating Museum at the Gateway Arch underground, learning about westward expansion through interactive exhibits, then ride to the observation deck for breathtaking views spanning up to 30 miles on clear days.
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Steinberg Skating Rink
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Steinberg Skating Rink is the Midwest's largest outdoor ice skating venue, offering families a magical winter experience right in the heart of Forest Park. With its expansive ice surface and beautiful park setting, it's the perfect spot to introduce kids to skating or let experienced gliders show off their skills. The rink's festive atmosphere and accessible location make it a St. Louis winter tradition families return to year after year.
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Union Station
★4.1$❤️80
Union Station is a beautifully restored historic train station that's been transformed into a family entertainment destination in the heart of St. Louis. Kids can enjoy mini golf, a mirror maze, a vintage carousel, and even an aerial ropes course, all under the stunning architecture of this 1894 landmark.
Ice Cream
Crown Candy Kitchen
$❤️15
Step back in time at this beloved St. Louis institution where kids can experience an authentic old-fashioned soda fountain that's been serving up sweet treats since 1913. Crown Candy Kitchen delights families with towering ice cream sundaes, classic malts and milkshakes, and a candy counter filled with hand-dipped chocolates and nostalgic sweets that'll make parents reminisce about their own childhoods.