things to do near union station chicago

93% of travelers recommend this experience. Everyone's suggestions are really good. One of the most beautiful stations in the United Stations, it opened in 1925 next to the Chicago Loop. The tour guides are actors who take on the personas of 1920s gangsters. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The neighborhood is best known as the location of Oprah Winfreys Harpo Studios, but this downtown neighborhood is also an up-and-coming spot for Chicagos trendsetters. JavaScript is disabled. We followed the young generation and we felt that experience was amazing. Second City one of the world's premier improv comedy theatres has been delighting audiences for more than 50 years. As a Kansas City expert, Jills travel guide, The Best of Kansas City: 3-Day Itinerary, launched number one in its category on Amazon. Step foot near Union Station during rush hour, and you'll witness how many Chicagoans depend on Metra and Amtrak trains to get them in and out of the city. more. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. People come from all over the world to take the train from Union Station. Showers were available, but I never saw them, we didn't even go upstairs, we just settled into a comfortable spot. Bellemore. There's a bunch of touristy stuff to do near that area. Would definitely want to wait in the Metropolitan again if given the opportunity. These are the best experiences near Union Station: These places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station: Which are the best experiences near Union Station? Indoor activities, like the city's many museums, ensure a respite from the windy winters while outdoor sights, like the Lincoln Park Zoo, offer a good reason to get outside. Acquainting yourself with the layout of the station ahead of time will help. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. So when it was in the school library it was still fairly new. W1612 Litchfield Rd, Lake Geneva. Any of the architecture tours are just amazing. Founded by Michael Dorf, City Winery is a unique facility that combines a fully functioning winery with intimate concerts, food and wine classes, and private events in their working winery. Here is what I would do: if you want to eat right away, breakfast at Lou Mitchell's is a good choice. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. 1200 W. Randolph Street, ~7-minute drive from Union Station. Belmont, Cta, or CTA - Chicago can be used for nearby transit. I had the tickets and about to hang out for 6hours before ridding up to the train. Shallow: Great reminder. More adventurous foodies will want to pad their schedules with time to explore the surrounding neighborhood for light bites and boozy drinks. After grabbing my luggage from the train, my first course of action was obvious: Follow the hoard of passengers from the tracks to the station. There's a trip planner tool on the homepage of - http://www.transitchicago.com/, http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g35805-i32-k5480757-Union_Station_LAYOVER_Help_for_Amtrak_Trip-Chicago_Illinois.html. My luggage like a giant, it's 30inches. But as folks have stated there are great dining options only a few block away-take advantage of one of them-bundle up and enjoy! Here's a map to help guide you through this historic Beaux-Arts beauty. It's a building that fits the purpose in a visually pleasing way: very comfortable inside with more than a few places to eat in the food court. We went by Coach ride and were amazed at the leg room and comfortable atmosphere on the train. Kids of all ages and. It is about a 20 to 30 minute walk from Union Station depending how fast or slow you walk. We never went anywhere by train. 233 S. Wacker Drive, ~5-minute walk or 2-minute drive from Union Station. They have free snacks, TV's, and comfy chairs. Its a massive train station nearly the size of 10 city blocks and I felt lost. I'm going to look in to that too. I am traveling from Chicago to NY on the Lake Shore LTD and I've never used Amtrak before (i'm coming from New Zealand). These cruises sell out quickly, so consider purchasing tickets in advance. We will be arriving at about 3-4pm and leave at about 10pm. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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With 90 minutes notice until the train departed, we were informed by text that our tickets would be cancelled and we would be refunded. Interested in train travel? Along the Riverwalk, stop by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza and the McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum. This classic Chicago landmark opened in 1925 as a replacement for an 1881 train station. The tunnel from Union Station to Northwestern Station. Daily activities, such as the opportunity to meet a zoo animal and ape training sessions, teach children about the zoo's many residents. 4.6. Older children, taller than 55 inches, are also able to participate in the aquarium's behind-the-scenes tour for an additional fee. We always travel business class, so there is a nice lounge to take advantage of with free snacks and soft drinks. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. Overall a nice place to visit or spend some extra time before or after your Amtrak or Metra train, the L or bus ride. You could go to the Sears tower or go to millennium park to see the bean or the magnificent mile. Amentities? Millennium Park We were shuttled to our train car at the appropiate time, and helped with our luggage. Announcement were regularly made for boarding trains and when ours was called, everyone socially distanced in the hallway near the front and were led by an employee to our train. The Chicago Riverwalk runs along historic Wacker Drive from Lake Michigan west to Lake Street, with access at street level from each major intersection. Randlin: Oh the Exchequer sounds grea!. more, Points of Interest & Landmarks Architectural Buildings. Things to See and Do near Chicago Union Station What to See near Chicago Union Station Millennium Park McCormick Place Wrigley Field Willis Tower Chicago Riverwalk Things to Do near Chicago Union Station Navy Pier Art Institute of Chicago Michigan Avenue Civic Opera House Cadillac Palace Theatre Keep exploring Neighborhoods Landmarks Nearby cities I whiteness employees at the McDonalds twice a year giving these workers a hard time. Open since 1925, Union Station remains Chicago's intercity rail terminal and the largest terminal for commuter trains. The Great Hall with its soaring glass ceilings was quite spectacular. This is the 1st leg of a total relaxation vacation. Union Station also features a variety of retail stores, eateries, and offers a grand ballroom for banquets and weddings. The artwork was eye pleasing and there are windows to look out to the Great Hall. Explore different ways to experience this place. Go international with our nine tips for traveling Europe by rail. Specialties: We are proud to bring together a unique collection of local vendors that were hand selected for their individual passions and high-quality products. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. I saw a sign that said the escalator would take me to the street, so I loaded my bounty of luggage onto the escalator, walked outside the door to the street, turned around, walked back in, and went down the escalator again. We will have about 6 hours to spend near Union Station. When traveling within Chicago near Union Station, you may be close to some bus stations: CTA - 47th and Lake Park Terminal, CTA Bus Stop 1313, or Cta Bus . We may earn commission when you click on or make a purchase via our links. The cruise, which lasts an hour and 30 minutes, will treat you to a view of the city from the water aboard Chicagos First Lady. Where in Union Station do I catch the Amtrak to Princeton, IL? 2) You MUST walk over to Millennium Park and see the Bean and the Fountains. Grab some Giordino's Pizza and you won't need to eat on the train for a week! Amtrak trains on many different routes arrive and depart from the Chicago Union Station at 225 S Canal Street. If you're just visiting Chicago and not taking the train, well worth the quick visit to see the interior. Is it generally safe to walk from union station to millennium park during the day on the weekend? Chicago, Illinois 60606. Hop on board the Untouchable Tours Gangster Bus for the original Chicago gangster tour. Two things to see on Jackson Blvd other than Willis are The Federal Reserve Bank and the Chicago Board of Trade. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. We explored the Great Hall and told our grandchildren about the Ubtouchables staircase and Elliot Ness, and took photos in front of a facsimile of the real Polar Express train engine. For a thrilling view of the city, head to The Ledge at Skydeck Chicago to take in the cityscape from inside a glass box that extends 4.3 feet out from the Skydeck on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, gives children and their families the opportunity to take an elevator to the tower's 103rd floor and experience a bird's-eye view of the city. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41533587', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Millennium Park and stroll around the park. The station is located a short walk from Downtown Chicago and several famous attractions, such as The Loop and Art Institute of Chicago Chicago Riverwalk: at an 8-minute drive from the Union Station, Chicago Riverwalk is the perfect place to make the most of your vacation. Travel writer and publisher of Evolving Magazine, Jill Dutton caught the train travel bug when she spent three months in Europe with a Eurail pass. Sears sold it years ago and it has been the "Willis Tower" for quite some time. Interested in Chicagos diverse and iconic architecture? To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Youll feel more confident when you detrain and will be able to focus on having fun during your time in Chicago. The main attraction Whether you're waiting on a train or passing through. Millennium Park, The Art Institue and the Adler Planetarium are also on the trolley routes. If your timing is right, you can take part in neighborhood events like the West Loop Farmers Market, Craft Beer Fest, or the Randolph Street Market Festival. Premier Chicago River Architectural Lunch Cruise, Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food & Walking Tour, Chicago in a Day: Food, History and Architecture Walking Tour, 45-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile, 90-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour, The Escape Game Chicago: Epic 60-Minute Adventures. This is the 1st leg of a total relaxation vacation. Do you need to book in advance to visit Union Station? I am bringing 2 elderly people (89 and 84) in late August for a trip to Seattle. Taxis; Rideshare; Bike Share; A family-friendly museum highlight tour is given daily, and hands-on learning activities are offered on the weekends. When its time to board, an Amtrak attendant will make the announcement for passengers to form a line, then youll follow the attendant to the correct boarding track. Is the Metropolitan Lounge in full operation, that is, as it was before Covid reductions? If you have a lengthy layover and a love of food, this is the perfect Union Station layover activity for you. The Neoclassic exterior is dominated by the colonnades. Familiarize yourself with the Grand Hall and its location as this is where youll wait to board your connecting train. Just grab a RTA Visitior Transit Map and its all at your finger tips. 2020 USATODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. The outside of the station was a little grayish but it was so much more impressive inside. Spend part of your layover on the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise. Location Provided With Ticket Purchase, ~10-minute drive from Union Station. Considering this was a large transportation hub there was a lot of available metered street parking right along the street. These are the best experiences near Union Station: These places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station: Which are the best experiences near Union Station? Chicago Transit Authority ('L' Trains & Buses) Greyhound; Other Transportation. Shedd Aquarium is one of the attractions for children near Union Station. Today, the transportation hub runs Amtrak and Metra trains in and out of the city. Tickets are bought, but Im wondering if there are any ambulatory services available to take them to their train? All rights reserved. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. The interior of the building is a classic, with the iconic stairway, the Great Hall and the glass ceilings. You can't help but look up and around. Clean restrooms. Do NOT forget the Peppers, http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willis_Tower, https://www.orderalsbeef.com/Media/Menus/adams%20web%20menu.pdf. On the Mezzanine level there were some fast food options like Starbucks, Jersey Mikes. http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html, http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/19923. It's kind of a giant food court. Get the Divvy app: Android and iOS. Also Hemingway's house is there with a museum. the two floored amtrak club accommodations are also nice. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. I was blessed to be born in the 80s, and grown up in the 90s, as a kid one of my favorite books (there was only 3 I was obsessed with) was The Polar Express I was a teenager when the movie with Tom Hanks came out in 2004. My aunt had a similar layover a few years ago. Child-sized attractions and interactive floor displays keep kids entertained before they arrive on the 103rd floor, and the tower's website provides a printable scavenger hunt to help kids find Chicago monuments and attractions from the tower's deck. 1 Ribs and a bevy of fast food chains. If you are really into architecture, and Chicago is world famous for its, I would recommend perusing this site for all kinds of tours and other info. We who live in Chicago wouldn't dream of calling it Willisor Willie. You could visit the Art Institute if that's an interest. We will have about 6 hours to spend near Union Station. Bringing together the best-of-the-best from Chicago neighborhoods and outlying areas, Chicago French Market is largely comprised of entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses and accomplished purveyors and established in 2009. She didn't want to walk too far, so we took a cab over to Greektown and had a leisurely lunch at Greek Isles. Intersection of Clark and Ohio, ~9-minute drive from Union Station. Kids are able to observe a wide range of animals, including antelopes, lions, seals, tigers, wallabies and zebras. Having a compartment allows entry. We found 1,456 things to do for you near Union Station Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower 17,661 Reviews 233 S Wacker Drive entrance on Jackson Blvd (south side of building), Chicago, IL 60606-7147 7 minutes from Union Station Experiences from $11 See 39 Experiences Chicago Riverwalk 3,034 Reviews Chicago, IL 60601 7 minutes from Union Station So callous and unapologetic in completely ruining part of our Christmas experience. Film buffs will recognize the Great Hall from its appearances in movies like The Untouchables, My Best Friend's Weddingand Flags of Our Fathers, among others. There is Metra train service from Union Station to "O'Hare Transfer" but it's (1) weekday only, (2) fairly infrequent, and (3) the "transfer" in the name means that you're a shuttle bus and airport tram . ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41531863', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Chicago: It will be on a Saturday - mid morning to early afternoon. They even texted me when the room was ready and allowed me to check in at noon with no additional charge. Absolutely beautiful architectural masterpiece! I did pass by a number of plaques (National Historic Railroad Landmarks, Great Public Spaces and American Institute of Architecture) recognizing the importance of this Station. If you have time to poke around, find the two Henry Hering statuesone holding a rooster and the other holding an owlwhich represent the around-the-clock nature of an outpost like Union Station. I've been told that I don't need to check in as such but I have luggage so do I just head to where the train is and find a person or is there a counter I need to go to? Stroll the Chicago Riverwalk and watch the kayaks and tour boats float by. We loved it and looking forward to going back to La Crosse with Amtrak, of course. Maybe Wee Willie would work, I still refer to it as Sears Tower because that is how I remember it as a small watching it go up and visiting the Skydeck countless times with the folks. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Train Trips To Experience In 2023, My 9 Favorite Experiences On A Relaxing Weekend Train Trip From Denver To Moab, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum, Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise. If you are looking for a good place for a sit down dinner. I've not been to the museum, but the Wright homes are gorgeous. What day of the week and what time of day is your layover? First time I opened this book I remembered it, looking at the beautiful artwork, I wanted to be one of the kids on the Polar Express. Union Station Train Travel. Jill Dutton 5. In the downtown area (The Loop) the pizza place listed in The Thousand Places To See Before You Die book is the Exchequer: http://www.exchequerpub.com/ (The name comes from the fact that it is next door to a law school.). Thank you so much for all the great suggestions & tips. Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? Youll meet at the Southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive. Our train arrives at 9am and cant check into the hotel until afternoon. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. Is there wheelchair assistance available at Union Station? This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Union Station (Chicago) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. You can check your bags through to your next destination (if you didnt do so on the first leg of your trip) or leave them for the day, freeing you up to check out the city without lugging bags around. Dotted with factories and warehouses, West Loop is packed with various types of dining and nightlife options. I'll probably be nervous we'll miss boarding and will be way early. These are the best experiences near Union Station: These places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station: Which are the best experiences near Union Station? Other child-friendly accommodations include family bathrooms and ramps designed for easy stroller maneuverability. How long would that take? Also, we will be storing our luggage in a locker during the layover Just FYI, when I checked on the Sears Tower last summer for my family, it was pretty expensive. Can someone please tell me the process to board the train? I think the Tribune Tower with its rocks from around the world is fascinating. Millennium Park is bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west, Columbus Drive to the east, Randolph Street to the north and Monroe Street to the south. Does the train station provide any baggage storage lockers so that we could visit Willis tower without toting our bags? Then, take a water taxi from the Madison St stop to Michigan Avenue, a nice way to see some of the buildings. Safety is not a big issue IMHO. We found 1,458 things to do for you near Union Station Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower 17,713 Reviews 233 S Wacker Drive entrance on Jackson Blvd (south side of building), Chicago, IL 60606-7147 7 minutes from Union Station Experiences from 669 See 36 Experiences Chicago Riverwalk 3,055 Reviews Chicago, IL 60601 7 minutes from Union Station If you don't mind spending some money, the Willis Tower is right next door and would be interesting. The attached garage is best and less cost than hotel areas. There's a lot of good food to be had there, quite a few of the stands are outposts of good restaurants in the city. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. But myself, I'd walk south on Michigan a few blocks to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? And then our sons went by train one time and had an easy and nice ride. Rmrmber to be back at the station one hour before train time to check in with the Conductor and get your Boarding Pass. Not knowing where to go or what to see, instead of exploring the area, I filled the layover working on my laptop while eating at the food court, then sat on an uncomfortable wood bench in the Grand Hall for a few hours, waiting for my next train. You can do more than merely catch a train at and near Chicago Union Station, such as: . Luggage storage near Union Station Luggage storage near Art Institute of Chicago Luggage storage near Greyhound Chicago Luggage storage near McCormick Place Luggage storage near Millennium Station Luggage storage near United Center Luggage storage near Lincoln Park Zoo Luggage storage near Millennium Park Luggage storage near Wicker Park 10Best Says. Study the map before taking off on a train trip with a Chicago layover. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. As a frequent train traveler located in Kansas City, I often pass through Chicago to get to my final destination. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. 555 ratings. According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Union Station: journey begins with a visit to the Founders Room to collect our Golden Tickets. Thanks for subscribing! The Art Institute of Chicago 111 S. Michigan Avenue, ~8-minute drive from Union Station Founded in 1879, the Art Institute is one of the oldest art museums in the U.S. and boasts the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art outside the Louvre. If you have a roomette or sleeper car,you can hang out in the Metrpolitan Lounge while you wait. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. Take a brisk walk to Portillos Hot Dogs for a classic Chicago hot dog. We were here to take the amtrak Texas Eagle for first time but this building is worth a visit either way. The staff there are super helpful and can show you where to take luggage. Now, she enjoys travelingand writing aboutthe U.S. and Canada by train. more. Great breakfasts! Everything you need to know about visiting Union Station(225 S Canal St, Chicago IL 60606). Not bad for a layover activity! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Malaysia. The inside of Union Station is absolutely beautiful, but the best part for my friend and I was the Metropolitan Lounge, which we had access to by virtue of being "sleeping car" customers on our AMTRAK trains, both coming and going. Several sub-neighborhoods within West Loop make this a unique neighborhood to visit. Passengers looking to grab a bite before taking off can expect airport-like fare including Nuts on Clark, Gold Coast Dogs, Robinson's No. As beautiful as our little town is driving 5 hours by car and paying for the parking hundreds of dollars or having someone to drive us and go back the same day results in 10 hours of driving in one day. Indoor activities, like the city's many museums, ensure a respite from the windy winters while outdoor sights, like the Lincoln Park Zoo, offer a good reason to get outside. I too sometimes call it the Sears Tower in a weak moment. 5 Smallest National Parks In The U.S. And The Best Experiences At Each, 7 Transportation Decisions Youll Need To Make Before Visiting Costa Rica, Our Favorite Hikes In All 50 States (2023), Celebrating Amtraks 50th: 8 Incredible Small Town Stops, 7 Tips For Riding Amtrak Across The Country, 14 Beautiful U.S.

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