Discover Union

When choosing a hotel in Union, it is worth considering the focus you want for your stay: downtown and history, green spaces, or the Bourbeuse River each lead to different places. Hansen Park is a historically significant public space downtown. Clearview Park combines views of the river with a natural hiking trail through a secluded forest; Union Access, by contrast, is relevant for fishing and boating on the Bourbeuse River.

Parks and the Bourbeuse River

Hansen Park’s public character and historical significance are its main features. City Park adds a Liberty Swing designed for wheelchair users to the selection of parks. This puts a historic downtown space and a park with a specific amenity for wheelchair users side by side as distinct points of interest.

Clearview Park offers two ways to experience the river: you can enjoy views of the Bourbeuse River and a natural hiking trail through a secluded forest. Union Access, by contrast, provides access to the Bourbeuse River for fishing and boating. River views and river activities are different considerations: when planning, you can decide whether you are looking for scenery and a trail or fishing and boating.

Downtown and history

Union’s Farmers Market takes place at Oak & Main Street next to Hansen Park downtown. If you plan to visit during the 2026 season, check the dates and operating details in advance, as they may change. Since the market is next to Hansen Park, the two can be considered neighboring downtown destinations; the market is also tied to its seasonal dates.

The historic Franklin County Courthouse gives Union a notable landmark. It was built in 1923 and completely renovated in 1970. The year before the renovation, it was bombed as a diversion during a bank robbery. The building also houses the Franklin County Veterans Museum. German cultural influence remains evident in Union’s architecture. This influence pertains to the city’s architecture as a whole, while the year of construction, bombing, and renovation relate to the history of a single building.

Visit the Franklin County Historical Society

The Franklin County Historical Society offers private visits for groups, organizations, and extended families. Visits are also possible on the first and third Wednesday and the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 12 to 4 p.m.; visits by appointment are also available. Check visiting hours before you travel. For planning, you can distinguish between the listed monthly time slots and an appointment; private visits are another option for the groups mentioned.

Discover more destinations: Saint Clair, Pacific, Villa Ridge, New Haven, Sullivan.

See the overview of the wider travel area: Franklin County.