Union Station in the Heart of Denver

In addition to being a train station and a transportation hub, Union Station has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a wide range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. The station’s historic architecture and design have been preserved and integrated into a modern renovation, making it a unique and iconic landmark in downtown Denver.

Union Station is located in LoDo or Lower Downtown, the heart of Denver. Also referred to as the Larimer Square district. A historic block identified by string lights that illuminate the square and surrounding elegant Victorian buildings.

What to Expect at Union Station

a vibrant and bustling transportation hub that features a wide range of amenities for travelers and visitors. Here are some of the things you can find at the Station:

• Transportation: Union Station serves as a major transportation hub for the Denver metro area, with connections to Amtrak, regional rail lines, including the A-Line, which goes direct to DIA, and the city’s light rail and bus systems.  The station also has a bike share program and a dedicated drop-off and pick-up area for ride-sharing services.
• Dining: Union Station is home to several restaurants, cafes, and bars, offering a variety of dining options for visitors. These include the popular Terminal Bar, the upscale Cooper Lounge, the casual Mercantile Dining & Provision, and the French-inspired Cafe Marmotte, among others.
• Shopping: Union Station has several retail shops, including the iconic Tattered Cover Book Store, a gift shop, and a flower shop.
• Hotel: The Crawford Hotel inside Union Station offers luxury accommodations in a historic setting. The hotel features 112 guest rooms, suites, and several meeting and event spaces.
• Public spaces:  Union Station has several public spaces for visitors to enjoy, including the Great Hall, a grand space with soaring ceilings, historic architecture, and comfortable seating areas. The station also has a large outdoor plaza, which hosts events and activities throughout the year.

The History

The station was originally built in 1881 by the Denver Pacific Railway and has served as a major transportation hub for the region ever since.

Over the years, Union Station underwent several renovations and expansions to accommodate the growing demand for train travel. In the 1910s, the station was expanded and transformed into a grand Beaux-Arts-style building that included a hotel, restaurants, and retail shops. During World War II, the station played a crucial role in transporting soldiers and supplies to the war effort.

In the latter half of the 20th century, as automobile travel became more popular, the station’s role as a transportation hub declined, and the building fell into disrepair. However, in the early 2000s, a major renovation project was undertaken to restore and revitalize Union Station.

The renovation, which was completed in 2014, transformed Union Station into a modern transportation hub that includes a hotel, restaurants, bars, retail shops, and a public plaza. The station now serves as a major transportation hub for the Denver metro area, with connections to Amtrak (the Zephyr line or the snow train, which provides direct transport to Winter Park), regional rail lines, and the city’s light rail and bus systems.