Are you looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in Dallas, Texas? Do you want to see the city differently and enjoy its beauty and history? If so, you should visit Reunion Tower, one of the most iconic landmarks in Dallas and a must-see attraction for locals and tourists alike. This article will tell you everything you need to know about Reunion Tower, from its history and design to its amenities and attractions. Read on and discover why Reunion Tower is more than just a tower!
What’s the Project About?
Reunion Tower is a 561-foot (171-meter) observation tower that offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Dallas and its surroundings. It is part of the Reunion district, including the Hyatt Regency Dallas Hotel and the historic Union Station.
Reunion Tower was completed in 1978 as part of an urban redevelopment project to revitalize the downtown area and celebrate the city’s heritage. The tower was designed by architectural firm Welton Becket & Associates, who also designed the Capitol Records Building in Los Angeles and the Chase Tower in Dallas.
Who Developed the Project? What’s Their Background?
Woodbine Development Corporation, a real estate company founded by Ray L. Hunt, son of oil tycoon H.L. Hunt, developed the project. Their other notable projects include the Anatole Hotel in Dallas, the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa in San Antonio, and the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. The project was also supported by the City of Dallas, which provided tax incentives and infrastructure improvements.
Is the Reunion Tower Ecologically Sustainable?
Reunion Tower is committed to being ecologically sustainable and reducing its environmental impact. The tower features 259 LED fixtures that illuminate its exterior with different colors and patterns, creating a spectacular light show that can be seen from miles away. The tower also uses water-efficient fixtures, recycling programs, and green cleaning products to conserve resources and minimize waste.
What Amenities Does Reunion Tower Have?
Reunion Tower has something for everyone, whether you are looking for a romantic date night, a family outing, or a fun adventure. The tower has three levels that offer different experiences and attractions:
- The GeO-Deck: This is the observation deck that allows you to see for miles in any direction from 470 feet (143 meters) above the ground. You can use telescopes, touch screens, cameras, and interactive exhibits to learn more about Dallas and its landmarks. You can also enjoy a free digital photo souvenir and access to an outdoor viewing area.
- The Cloud Nine Café: This is a casual dining option that serves snacks, drinks, and desserts. You can enjoy your food while rotating 360 degrees around the tower every 55 minutes, giving you a different view every time.
- The Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck: This is a fine dining option that offers Asian-inspired cuisine by renowned chef Wolfgang Puck. You can savor your meal while rotating 360 degrees around the tower every 55 minutes, giving you a different view every time.
Transportation in Reunion Tower
Reunion Tower is conveniently located in downtown Dallas, near major highways and public transportation options. You can easily access the tower by car, bus, train, or bike.
Points of Interest Near Reunion Tower
Reunion Tower is a great destination by itself and a gateway to explore other points of interest near it. Here are some places you can visit near Reunion Tower:
- Dealey Plaza: This is the historic site where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963. You can see the grassy knoll, the Texas School Book Depository, and the Sixth Floor Museum that commemorate the event and its impact.
- Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum: This is a museum that educates visitors about the history of the Holocaust and other genocides and human rights violations around the world. You can see exhibits, artifacts, testimonies, and interactive displays that inspire action and change.
- Dallas World Aquarium: This is an aquarium that showcases the diversity of marine life from different regions and habitats. You can see sharks, rays, turtles, penguins, crocodiles, monkeys, birds, and more.
Fun Places to Visit Near the Reunion Tower
Reunion Tower is also close to many fun places to visit that offer entertainment, culture, and recreation. Here are some of the places you can visit near Reunion Tower:
- Klyde Warren Park: This is a 5.2-acre (2.1-hectare) urban park that connects downtown Dallas with Uptown Dallas. You can enjoy free activities, events, games, food trucks, and a children’s park.
- Dallas Museum of Art: This museum features a collection of over 24,000 artworks from various cultures and periods. You can see paintings, sculptures, textiles, ceramics, and more.
- American Airlines Center: This is a multi-purpose arena that hosts sports events, concerts, shows, and festivals. You can see the Dallas Mavericks basketball team, the Dallas Stars hockey team, or your favorite artists perform.
FAQs—Reunion Tower
Open Hours
Reunion Tower is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The last ticket is sold at 8:30 p.m. The tower is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Why Do People Visit the Reunion Tower?
Reunion Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Dallas. It offers spectacular views of the city skyline and beyond from its observation deck, which is 470 feet above the ground. You can also enjoy a fine dining experience at the rotating restaurant, Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck, or a casual meal at the Cloud Nine Café. Reunion Tower also hosts special events and shows throughout the year, such as fireworks, light shows, and concerts.
What Can You Do in the Reunion Tower?
There are plenty of things to do in Reunion Tower, depending on your preferences and budget. You can:
- Take in the panoramic views from the GeO-Deck, which features high-definition telescopes, interactive touch screens, and a digital photo booth.
- Learn about the history and culture of Dallas through the Reunion Tower Constellation exhibit, which allows you to create your light show with your name and message.
- Experience a thrilling ride on the Halo, a circular platform that rotates around the tower at a speed of one revolution per hour.
- Dine at Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck serves Asian-inspired cuisine and cocktails in a sophisticated setting. You can also enjoy a 360-degree view of the city as the restaurant and the Halo rotate.
- Grab a bite at Cloud Nine Café, which offers sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts in a relaxed atmosphere. You can also watch the sunset or the city lights from the café’s windows.
- Shop for souvenirs and gifts at the Reunion Tower Gift Shop, which sells apparel, accessories, toys, books, and more.
What Are the Areas of the Reunion Tower?
Reunion Tower has three main areas: the GeO-Deck, the Halo, and Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck. The GeO-Deck is located on the tower’s lower level and is accessible by elevator. The Halo is located on the tower’s upper level and is accessible by escalator or elevator. Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck is located between the GeO-Deck and the Halo and is accessible by elevator.
How Long Is the Reunion Tower Tour?
The average time for visiting the GeO-Deck is about an hour. The average time for dining at Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck is about two hours. The average time for riding the Halo is about 15 minutes.
Where does Reunion Tower appear in pop culture?
Reunion Tower has been featured in many movies, TV shows, music videos, and video games. Some of the most notable examples are:
- The opening credits of Dallas, a popular soap opera that ran from 1978 to 1991 and was revived in 2012.
- The final scene of Logan’s Run, a sci-fi film from 1976 that starred Michael York and Farrah Fawcett.
- The music video for “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John was filmed in 1983 and showed him performing on top of the tower.
- The video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, which was released in 2004 and featured a fictional version of Reunion Tower called “The Big Ear”.
Is There Anything Not Allowed?
Reunion Tower has some rules and regulations that visitors must follow for their safety and enjoyment. Some of the things that are not allowed are:
- Smoking or vaping
- Weapons or explosives
- Food or beverages (except those purchased at Cloud Nine Café or Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck)
- Pets (except service animals)
- Tripods or selfie sticks
- Drones or remote-controlled devices
- Backpacks or large bags (lockers are available for rent)
Are Pets Allowed?
Pets are not allowed in Reunion Tower, except for service animals that assist people with disabilities. Service animals must always be leashed or harnessed and have proper identification.
What Is the Entrance Fee?
The entrance fee for Reunion Tower varies depending on your age and whether you want to visit the GeO-Deck only or the GeO-Deck and the Halo. The prices are as follows:
- GeO-Deck only: $19 for adults, $12 for children (4-12), and $16 for seniors (65+)
- GeO-Deck and Halo: $24 for adults, $17 for children (4-12), and $21 for seniors (65+)
You can also save money by purchasing a combo ticket that includes admission to Reunion Tower and other attractions in Dallas, such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, the Dallas Zoo, and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.
Is It Wheelchair Accessible?
Reunion Tower is wheelchair accessible and has ramps, elevators, and restrooms that accommodate people with disabilities. Wheelchairs are also available for rent at the ticket counter. However, some areas of the tower may have limited accessibility, such as the Halo and Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck. Please contact Reunion Tower in advance if you have any special needs or requests.
Driving directions from Reunion Tower to The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Via US-75 S and TX-366 Spur W. 6,2 miles in 13 minutes.
- Head east on SMU Boulevard toward Boedeker Dr – 0.1 mi
- Turn right onto N Central Expy – 0.6 mi
- Take the ramp on the left onto US-75 S – 0.3 mi
- Merge onto US-75 S – 2.3 mi
- Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 1A toward I-35E S/Waco – 0.4 mi
- Keep left, follow signs for St. Paul Street – 0.1 mi
- Continue onto TX-366 Spur W – 0.9 mi
- Continue straight onto TX-366 Spur – 0.2 mi
- Take the I-35E exit – 0.1 mi
- Keep right, follow signs for Commerce St – 0.4 mi
- Keep right to continue on N Stemmons Fwy/N Stemmons Service Rd W – 0.1 mi
- Turn right onto Commerce St – 213 ft
- Turn left at the 1st cross street onto S Riverfront Blvd – 0.2 mi
- Turn left onto Reunion Blvd – 0.3 mi
- Turn left onto Hyatt Regency Hotel Dr – 433 ft
Public transport directions from Reunion Tower to The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Through 440 Bus into the metro station. 35 minutes.
- Start at George W. Bush Presidential Center, 2943 SMU Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75205, United States
- Walk north toward SMU Boulevard
- Turn right onto SMU Boulevard
- Destination will be on the right (about 1 min, 194 ft)
- Take Bus 440SMU Express from SMU at Boedeker – E – MB
- Bus ride for 4 min (5 stops)
- Stop ID: 25727
- Arrive at Smu/Mockingbird Station
- Walk to SMU/Mockingbird Station
- Walk for about 1 min
- Enter via Worcola St
- Take Light rail BLUES – Blue Line – UNT from SMU/Mockingbird Station
- Light rail ride for 16 min (6 stops)
- Stop ID: 22938
- Depart at CityPlace/Uptown Station
- Depart at Pearl/Arts District Station
- Depart at St Paul Station at 7:57 AM
- Depart at Akard
- Depart at West End Station
- Leave at Smu/Mockingbird Station
- Walk from Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station to Reunion Tower for about 7 min
- Take exit
- Head north toward Reunion Blvd W
- Turn right toward Reunion Blvd W
- Turn left toward Reunion Blvd W
- Turn left onto Reunion Blvd W
- Turn left onto Hyatt Regency Hotel Dr
- Arrive at Reunion Tower
- 300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas, TX 75207, United States
Driving directions from Reunion Tower to Salut Event Rentals
Via US-75 N. 11,2 miles in 19 minutes.
- Head east on SMU Boulevard toward Boedeker Dr – 0.1 mi
- Turn right onto N Central Expy – 0.4 mi
- Sharp left to stay on N Central Expy – 0.3 mi
- Use the left lane to take the ramp onto US-75 N – 0.2 mi
- Merge onto US-75 N – 7.4 mi
- Note: Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days
- Take exit 24 toward Belt Line Rd/Main St – 0.2 mi
- Follow S Central Expy, W Belt Line Rd, and N Bowser Rd to your destination – 2.6 mi
- Merge onto S Central Expy – 0.6 mi
- Turn right onto W Belt Line Rd/W Main St – Continue to follow W Belt Line Rd – 1.3 mi
- Turn left onto N Bowser Rd – 0.7 mi
- Use the left lane to turn right – 49 ft
- Turn left – 374 ft
- Turn right – 125 ft
- Turn left – 82 ft
