I have had the opportunity to experience the city’s unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. And when it comes to iconic landmarks, few can match the beauty and charm of the Reunion Tower. 

Rising 560 feet above the ground, this stunning structure is a true masterpiece of architecture and engineering. 

But beyond its sheer height and beauty, the Reunion Tower is also a hub of entertainment, offering visitors a host of exciting experiences and breathtaking views of the city. 

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, a trip to the Reunion Tower is an absolute must-do, and in this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this iconic Dallas landmark. 

What is inside the Reunion Tower in Dallas?

Inside the 560-foot-tall Reunion Tower in Dallas, you’ll find an observation deck with panoramic views, several dining options, event spaces, and a rotating bar that offers stunning views of the city as it rotates 360 degrees. 

The Reunion Tower is more than just an observation deck. It is a complete entertainment venue that offers visitors a unique experience. Once you enter the tower, you are greeted by a sleek and modern lobby that sets the tone for what’s to come.

One of the main attractions is the GeO-Deck observation level, which is located 470 feet above the ground. 

From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, including famous landmarks such as the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, AT&T Stadium, and the American Airlines Center.

But the observation deck is just the beginning. The Reunion Tower also houses several restaurants, including Wolfgang Puck’s Five Sixty, a fine dining establishment that offers breathtaking views of the city while you dine on delicious cuisine. 

The restaurant rotates 360 degrees, giving you an ever-changing perspective of Dallas as you enjoy your meal.

For a more casual dining experience, the Cloud Nine Cafe offers a variety of snacks and beverages while you take in the stunning views of the city. 

The cafe is located on the GeO-Deck level, so you can grab a bite to eat before or after you explore the observation deck.

If you’re looking for something more interactive, the Reunion Tower also features a 3D experience called “The Journey.” This virtual tour takes you on a journey through Dallas, highlighting the city’s rich history and cultural significance. 

It’s a great way to learn more about Dallas and its unique character.

In addition to these attractions, the Reunion Tower also has event spaces available for private functions, such as weddings and corporate events. 

These spaces offer the same stunning views of the city that make the tower such a popular destination.

H2. Why is it called the Reunion Tower? 

The Reunion Tower takes its name from the nearby Reunion Arena, which in turn was named after the historic “Reunion” district of Dallas, a transportation hub for the city’s railway system. 

It is part of the Hyatt Regency Dallas hotel complex built to celebrate the city’s centennial in 1978. 

Who owns the Reunion Tower? 

Reunion Tower is owned by Hunt Realty Investments, a real estate development and investment firm based in the city of Dallas. 

The tower was built in 1978 as part of a downtown revitalization project spearheaded by Ray Hunt and his father, H.L. Hunt. 

What was the Reunion Tower built for?

The Reunion Tower in Dallas was built in 1978 as part of the Reunion development project to revitalize downtown. 

Its purpose was to provide a viewing platform for visitors, promote tourism, and attract businesses. It remains an iconic landmark and a symbol of the city’s growth and prosperity.

The tower was constructed to serve several purposes, the most significant of which was to provide a viewing platform for visitors to see the city from above. 

The observation deck, which is located 470 feet above the ground, offers a stunning panoramic view of the city, making it a popular tourist attraction. 

Another reason for the construction of the Reunion Tower was to promote the Reunion development project. The project was aimed at revitalizing downtown Dallas, which had been in decline for many years. 

The Reunion development project included several other buildings, including the Hyatt Regency Dallas Hotel and the Dallas Convention Center, which were built to attract tourists and businesses to the city. 

The Reunion Tower has undergone several renovations over the years, including the installation of a new LED lighting system in 2013, which allowed for more dynamic and colorful light displays. 

The tower also received a major upgrade in 2018, which included the addition of a restaurant and lounge, making it an even more popular destination for locals and tourists alike. 

For Dallas residents, the Reunion Tower is more than just a tourist attraction; it symbolizes the city’s growth and prosperity. It’s a reminder of the efforts that were made to revitalize downtown Dallas and make it a thriving hub for commerce and culture. 

Reunion Tower History and Interesting Facts 

The Reunion Tower is a striking and iconic landmark in the heart of Dallas, Texas. It has been an essential part of the city’s skyline for over four decades. 

The tower’s unique design, observation deck, dynamic lighting, and Starship restaurant make it a must-see destination for tourists and locals alike. 

In this part, we’ll discuss the fascinating history and interesting facts that make the Reunion Tower a beloved symbol of Dallas culture. 

Construction and Design 

Reunion Tower was built as part of the Reunion development project, designed by Welton Becket & Associates and constructed by Turner Construction Company. 

It stands at a height of 561 feet and is shaped like a geodesic dome with a sphere on top. The tower’s exterior is clad in aluminum panels that reflect the sunlight during the day and light up at night.

Observation Deck 

The Reunion Tower is renowned for its observation deck, which provides stunning 360-degree views of the city. 

The observation deck is located at a height of 470 feet and features floor-to-ceiling windows that allow visitors to take in the panoramic views of Dallas. 

It was renovated in 2011 to include interactive exhibits, telescopes, and a state-of-the-art video wall.

Dynamic Lighting 

The Reunion Tower is famous for its dynamic lighting system, which can create a wide range of patterns and colors. 

The tower’s exterior is fitted with 259 LED lights that are capable of producing over 16 million color combinations. 

The lighting system is controlled by a computer program that can create custom light shows for special events or holidays.

Iconic Appearances 

The Reunion Tower has made numerous appearances in popular culture, cementing its status as a beloved Dallas landmark. 

It has been featured in several movies, TV shows, and music videos, including Dallas, RoboCop, and Selena’s music video for “No Me Queda Mas.”

Starship Restaurant 

At the top of the Reunion Tower is the Starship restaurant, which offers fine dining with stunning views of the city. 

The restaurant is suspended from the sphere and slowly revolves, giving diners a 360-degree view of the Dallas skyline. 

It has hosted numerous events and has been a favorite spot for romantic dinners and special occasions.

How many floors are in the Reunion Tower? 

The Reunion Tower has 3 floors, but the observation deck known as the GeO-Deck is located on the 50th floor. Visitors can reach it via a 68-second elevator ride and enjoy stunning panoramic views of Dallas. 

So technically, the Reunion Tower has 3 floors and 50 levels. 

How much did it cost to build Reunion Tower? 

Reunion Tower cost around $23 million to build, which is equivalent to roughly $100 million today when adjusted for inflation. The majority of the funding came from the city of Dallas, with additional contributions from private investors. 

The tower’s unique shape and design added to the cost, as did the installation of the observation deck, which required the use of a helicopter to lift materials to the top of the tower. 

Does Reunion Tower in Dallas rotate?

Reunion Tower in Dallas does not rotate itself, but it does have a revolving restaurant on the top floor that rotates 360 degrees every hour. 

This means that while the tower remains fixed, the restaurant provides a constantly changing view of the city.

The Reunion Tower does indeed have a revolving restaurant on the top floor, called Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck. 

It was designed by the architectural firm Welton Becket & Associates, and it was initially built as a telecommunications tower. It wasn’t until 2007 that the tower underwent a major renovation, which included the addition of the rotating restaurant.

How long does Reunion Tower take to rotate? 

Reunion Tower takes approximately 55 minutes to complete one full rotation. Visitors can enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the city from its observation deck without moving. 

What time does the Reunion Tower light up?

The Reunion Tower lights up nightly with its signature light display, which starts at sunset and runs until midnight. However, the lighting schedule varies throughout the year, depending on events and holidays. 

Check the tower’s website or social media for updates on specific lighting schedules.

The tower’s lights are made up of over 259 LED lights that can display over 16 million different colors, making it a spectacular sight to see at night.

It has different lighting schedules throughout the year, depending on events happening in the city or holidays being celebrated.

For example, during the Fourth of July, the Reunion Tower lights up in red, white, and blue in celebration of Independence Day. During the holiday season, the tower shines with festive colors such as green and red in honor of Christmas. 

Additionally, during the month of October, the tower is lit up in pink to raise awareness for breast cancer.

Apart from special events, the Reunion Tower lights up nightly with its signature light display, which begins at sunset and runs until midnight. However, the tower may stay lit until the early hours of the morning, depending on the events happening in the city.

How long is the tour of Reunion Tower?

Visitors to Reunion Tower typically spend 30 minutes to an hour on the GeO-Deck, taking in the views and using interactive technology.

Visitors are free to explore the GeO-Deck at their own pace and take in the sights and sounds of the city from high above. This gives them plenty of time to take photos, use interactive technology, and enjoy the stunning views of the city skyline.

How do you park at the Reunion Tower? 

To park at the Reunion Tower, use its own parking garage on the west side of the tower, or use the Dallas World Aquarium parking lot. 

There are also nearby parking options available if you don’t mind the walk. 

I’ve visited the iconic Reunion Tower numerous times, and I know that parking in downtown Dallas can be quite challenging. However, with a little bit of planning and awareness, finding a spot to park at the Reunion Tower can be a breeze.

Firstly, it’s important to note that the Reunion Tower has its own parking garage, which makes it convenient for visitors to park right at the tower. 

The parking garage is located on the west side of the tower and is accessible from both Reunion Boulevard and Houston Street.

If you’re planning to visit during peak hours or on weekends, it’s advisable to arrive early to secure a spot in the parking garage. The garage is open 24/7, but it can fill up quickly during popular events and busy weekends.

Another great option for parking near the Reunion Tower is the Dallas World Aquarium parking garage, located just across the street. This garage offers affordable parking rates and is within walking distance of the tower.

If you’re on a budget and don’t mind a little bit of walking, there are plenty of parking lots and garages located within a few blocks of the tower that offer lower rates. 

Just be sure to check the rates and hours of operation before parking, as some garages may have restricted hours or higher rates during certain events.

How much does parking cost in the Reunion Tower?

Parking at Reunion Tower costs $8 for the first hour and $4 for each additional hour. The daily max rate is $20. 

Height restrictions apply for vehicles. Other cheaper parking options are available nearby. 

Is there a dress code for Reunion Tower? 

While there is no official dress code for Reunion Tower, visitors are recommended to dress appropriately for the occasion and show respect for the venue. 

Opt for more formal or semi-formal attire, and avoid clothing that is too casual or revealing. Dressing up can add to the overall experience. 

Visitors should dress appropriately for Reunion Tower to show respect for the venue. Formal or semi-formal attire is recommended, while shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops should be avoided. 

Dressing up adds to the experience and shows respect for this symbol of Dallas. Enjoying drinks or dinner with friends while taking in the breathtaking views is a great excuse to dress up and feel fancy for the evening.