MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS Screens at the New ST. LOUIS WHEEL Every Friday and Saturday Night in October

By Tom Stockman | October 7, 2019

As Judy Garland exclaimed in Meet Me in St. Louis, “I can’t believe it. Right here where we live — right here in St. Louis!”

This October watch Judy in the classic film as Esther Smith and her family anticipate the 1904 World’s Fair and navigate the joys and sorrows of life in turn-of-the-century St. Louis. The free movie series is being held every Friday and Saturday night in October to celebrate the 125th anniversary of St. Louis Union Station, which opened in 1894 and was the biggest and busiest train terminal in the United States.

WHAT: 125th Anniversary Free Movie Nights at St. Louis Union Station. October: Meet Me in St. Louis

WHEN: Every Friday and Saturday night in October at 7 p.m.

WHERE: Outside in the Purina Pet Care Plaza at Union Station, under the St. Louis Wheel.

DETAILS: Cozy up next to the fire pits and enjoy a free showing of Meet Me in St. Louis on the big screen. The St. Louis Wheel will be open for ticketed rides. Guests also can purchase tickets for the Carousel and mini-golf. The Soda Fountain will be open for dinner or delicious ice cream treats and bulk candies.

ABOUT THE ST. LOUIS WHEEL

Towering 200 feet over this city’s historic Union Station, the St. Louis Wheel is the biggest attraction to thrill this Mississippi River city since the Gateway Arch. With 42 climate-controlled gondolas, the Wheel operates from 10 a.m. until 10 .m. 365 days a year.

The giant observation wheel is part of the $187 million family entertainment complex under construction at 125-year-old St. Louis Union Station. The development’s St. Louis Aquarium will open in December 2019.
The St. Louis Wheel is illuminated at night with 1.6 million LED lights that can be arranged in a huge variety of 16.7 million colors and patterns. From the top of the Wheel, guests can see nearly 20 miles in the distance with views of the Gateway Arch and the downtown St. Louis skyline to the east and Forest Park to the west.

Rides on the St. Louis Wheel will last approximately 15 minutes and ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children. During the 2019 holiday season, all guests on The Polar Express Train Ride at St. Louis Union Station can show their golden ticket to ride the Wheel for the children’s price. Tickets are available online at www.thestlouiswheel.com.
In the Wheel Park surrounding the towering attraction, guests can enjoy rides on the new Carousel at St. Louis Union Station. The classic 36-foot-wide merry-go-round features 30 whimsical animals and two themed chariots. It is manufactured by Chance Rides of Wichita, KS. An 18-hole mini-golf course also is open near the Wheel as part of the new entertainment complex. The Purina Performance Plaza at the Wheel Park offers space for special events and concerts. At the Union Station lake next to the Wheel, a fire and light show set to music plays daily.
The Soda Fountain at Union Station, a modern take on a retro-style diner, also has opened overlooking the Wheel. The restaurant features over-the-top Freak Shakes stuffed with candies, cookies, pastries and more. Burgers, hot dogs and other classic diner foods are on the menu and bulk candies and creative ice cream flavors by St. Louis’ Clementine’s Creamery add to the fun.

What’s next at Union Station? The St. Louis Aquarium is under construction under the historic trainshed. Opening in December 2019, the 120,000-square-foot two-story aquarium will be home to more than 13,000 animals including 60 sharks and rays. The aquarium will explore the oceans, rivers and lakes of the world and will be a highly interactive experience for visitors who should expect to leave with their hands wet.
The St. Louis Union Station Hotel, a Curio Collection by Hilton, is the centerpiece of the historic complex. The hotel has been named one of the world’s top railway themed hotels by Condé Nast. St. Louis Union Station opened in 1894 and was the biggest and busiest train terminal in the nation with 22 railroads moving passengers across the country. For more information, visit www.stlouisunionstation.com. 

St. Louis Union Station is owned by St. Louis-based Lodging Hospitality Management (LHM). The Wheel’s operator is ICON Attractions, which also operates The Capital Wheel, Flight Deck and Harbor Carousel at National Harbor in the Washington, DC region.