This unusual ship-shaped building designed by Mikhail Churilin was built on Markina Square in 1844. There is a tall spire above the roof and a huge clock below. Almost the entire building is glass-fronted; looking at it from a distance, you can see resemblance to an aquarium, and this design is envisioned to reflect the functions of the river station and to carry water motifs. Today, the River Station is no longer used for its original purpose: here you will find the office of a major shipping company and the free-admission Reka-Reka (River-River) exhibition space.

The ticket offices for pleasure boats are located outside near the piers, from where boats, crafts and the Valday hydrofoil ships set off on river cruises.