Union Depot

The Great Northern Depot, more commonly known today as Union Depot, is a majestic monument of Neoclassical architecture located in the city of Minneapolis (Twin Cities region), USA. This historic building, opened in 1926, was once one of the busiest railway terminals in the country, and today it is recognized as a symbol of the revival of an entire urban district.

The station's main feature is its impressive Indiana limestone facade, adorned with a strict Doric portico. Inside, visitors will find a luxurious interior finished with several types of marble and dolostone, as well as a unique vaulted ceiling. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a true treasure trove for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Today, the station functions as a modern multimodal hub, connecting trains, buses, and light rail, while remaining an important cultural landmark. It is a place where the spirit of the golden age of railroads meets the rhythm of modern metropolitan life.

To plan your visit or check transport service details, you can use the following official information. This contact data will help you navigate the services of this renovated hub.

Visiting the station is, above all, an aesthetic immersion into the heyday of the railroads. First, head to the main waiting room to admire the unique Guastavino vaulted ceiling, laid with tiles in a characteristic herringbone pattern. Notice the large-scale murals and reliefs: they detail the history of transport development in Minnesota and serve as a perfect backdrop for memorable photos.

Those who appreciate historical details will find it interesting to learn about the building's past. Here, you can find traces of former rooms for immigrants and military personnel, which were considered models of comfort in their time. Today, the building regularly hosts community events and exhibitions, and its spacious halls are always open for thoughtful walks.

If you get hungry, there are many restaurants and cafes within the building and in the adjacent Lowertown district. The station also serves as an ideal starting point for walks along the Mississippi River or rides on the scenic Green Line light rail, which offers a fresh perspective of the city.

Getting to this historic site from Minneapolis (or neighboring St. Paul) is very easy. The most convenient way for tourists is to take the Green Line light rail. The journey takes about 20–30 minutes, and the station is one of the most notable stops on the route.

If you prefer to drive, the trip from the city center via I-94 takes about 15 minutes. There is convenient parking and a curved access road from 4th Street for visitors. The site also serves as a major hub for Amtrak trains and numerous bus routes, making it highly accessible from anywhere in the state.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are bike paths connecting the station to regional parks. Those who prefer taxis will easily find a pick-up point right at the main entrance, which is especially convenient if you are heading to the nearby riverfronts of the Mississippi River.

The history of this grand structure began in 1917, initiated by railroad magnate James J. Hill. Due to the United States' entry into World War I, construction was delayed and only fully completed by 1926. The project cost a staggering $15 million, making it the most ambitious construction project in downtown St. Paul during the first half of the 20th century. At its peak, the station served more than 20,000 passengers daily.

Notably, the current building was not the first attempt to create a major terminal here. Its predecessors, opened in the late 19th century, regularly suffered from fires and wall cracks due to the marshy soil. To protect the new project from the elements and the flooding of the Mississippi, engineers raised the track level using massive amounts of sand fill across more than 30 acres. This was a true technological breakthrough of its time.

By the 1970s, with the rise of aviation and automobile travel, the station gradually lost its significance, and part of its infrastructure was dismantled. However, a large-scale restoration took place in 2011–2012. Specialists restored thousands of square feet of marble and decorative plaster, returning the monument to its original Neoclassical splendor and adapting it for modern transportation needs.

To leisurely explore the main halls, study the architectural details, and take high-quality photos, most tourists will find 1–2 hours to be sufficient. This is plenty of time to feel the scale of the building and see its unique decorative elements.

If you plan more than just a quick tour and want to enjoy a full walk through the historic Lowertown district or use the local transport services, allow about 3 hours for your visit. The site is very conveniently located, making it easy to include in a broader city travel itinerary.

The Great Northern Depot (Union Depot) functions as an active transportation hub, so its doors are open to visitors daily. The general operating hours of the complex are from 06:00 to 22:00, including weekends and holidays.

Please keep in mind that the operating hours of individual services, information centers, or cafes may differ from the general schedule. Before your visit, we recommend checking the information on the official website, especially if you plan to visit the station during special events.

Exploring the area around the station can significantly enrich your travel experience. Nearby, you will find exciting amusement parks and large shopping centers, all easily accessible by public transport.

Below is a list of interesting sites worth visiting if you have free time after your stroll through the station's historic halls: