Diamond Jubilee: Union Depot, St Paul, Minnesota

I arrived into Union Depot at night and beat a hasty retreat to my hotel (next to the station). The following day I started my tour of the city with a stop back at the station - which I had rushed through to get to the room.

July 2021

The station is an amazing piece of architecture from the days of peak rail travel in the US. It has been very well-maintained. And, at the time of my visit, hosted just TWO trains each day. Although I love rail travel and preservation of old places, I wondered what could justify the expense of maintaining such a massive place that is barely used? I felt sad for its apparent unsustainable lease on life (unless the US suddenly embraces rail travel again).

The depot felt cavernous (and totally empty) My footsteps echoed in its grand corridors.

After feeling I had paid homage to my entry point, I started off into downtown St Paul. I only had one full day to explore, so I had to make the most of it. Why? The only available ticket returning to Chicago (for my rail pass) was early the next morning!

So my adventure in St Paul really began.