things to do near union station chicago things to do near union station chicago

10Best Says. Our train arrives at 9am and cant check into the hotel until afternoon. They have free snacks, TV's, and comfy chairs. http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html - a quick cab or bus ride. W1612 Litchfield Rd, Lake Geneva. JavaScript is disabled. You have to walk slowly and just feel the history of the building seep into you. My layovers typically range from four to six hours, leaving ample time to explore Chicago activities near Union Station, and Im proud to say that since my first layover, I have learned what to do with my luggage, how to get around, and what there is to do nearby, affording myself some enjoyment instead of a dreaded few hours to fill. Wendella water taxi to Michigan Avenue and then a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The actual book was published a year before I was born. $16.77 $12.00. Kids are able to observe a wide range of animals, including antelopes, lions, seals, tigers, wallabies and zebras. 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 . Other Attractions in Chicago. These are free. Users simply pick up a bike from a self-service docking station and return it to a station near their destination. Then walk or cab back to the train station. 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. Several sub-neighborhoods within West Loop make this a unique neighborhood to visit. 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Gets less confusing but it is at first when you arrive and try to figure out where things are here though. Her articles have been published on sites such as Goodkin, Go Green Street and Living the Healthy Way. 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. http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html, http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/19923. Drive-Through Safari Adventure for 1 Adult (age 16+) Up to 35% Off on Arcade at Galaxi Fun Zone. 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The Station does have lockers that you can rent, or if you are eligible for Amtrak's Metropolitan Lounge they have an open storage area inside the lounge area. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Malaysia. 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. 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. Do your job security your very poor at it .. We had purchased tickets weeks in advance, paid for a hotel room and made holiday plans for our 5 year old to ride the Polar Express. It is about a 20 to 30 minute walk from Union Station depending how fast or slow you walk. Be sure to take a selfie at Anish Kapoors Cloud Gate sculpture, fondly referred to as The Bean because of its kidney bean-like shape. So when it was in the school library it was still fairly new. Youll feel more confident when you detrain and will be able to focus on having fun during your time in Chicago. Grab a seat at the bar and order the "Fire-Bird" chicken sandwich, which is stacked with . Would never recommend, terrible. It's well worth a trip to Chicago. Chicago, Illinois 60606. Its well worth the $10-per-bag charge to check my bags during a layover as it ensures the ease of getting around town hands-free. The Lincoln Park Zoo offers free daily admission to all visitors. I'd really appreciate your help :). Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. 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. Look for the blue awning marking the stairway entrance. 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? Up to 48% Off Drive-Through Safari at Safari Lake Geneva. 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. Youll find restaurants and concessions during the summer months, plus benches and lookout points, boat rentals, and water tours. This is the 1st leg of a total relaxation vacation. 555 ratings. The last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing. We loved it and looking forward to going back to La Crosse with Amtrak, of course. If you're just visiting Chicago and not taking the train, well worth the quick visit to see the interior. Union Station also features a variety of retail stores, eateries, and offers a grand ballroom for banquets and weddings. You have the Sears Tower couple of blocks away. 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. Take a brisk walk to Portillos Hot Dogs for a classic Chicago hot dog. Open since 1925, Union Station remains Chicago's intercity rail terminal and the largest terminal for commuter trains. The outside of the station was a little grayish but it was so much more impressive inside. If travel is on your agenda, there are plenty of options. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. We found 1,474 things to do for you near Union Station Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower 17,721 Reviews 233 S Wacker Drive entrance on Jackson Blvd (south side of building), Chicago, IL 60606-7147 7 minutes from Union Station Experiences from RM 36 See 38 Experiences Chicago Riverwalk 3,057 Reviews Chicago, IL 60601 7 minutes from Union Station 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. The attraction is open March to September from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and October to February from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Travel + Trains. Besides, Chicago is such a vibrant city; it would be a shame to pass through without taking in any of the sights and activities. We arrived early enough so I could wander around the Grand Hall and study everything. Multiple ziplines, climbing walls, a mountain bike course, hiking trails and more await you at The Forge: Lemont Quarries, a 300-acre recreation area stocked with just about every outdoor activity. Overall a nice place to visit or spend some extra time before or after your Amtrak or Metra train, the L or bus ride. If youre a sleeping car or first-class passenger, spend some time relaxing in the Metropolitan Lounge (or, if youre a coach passenger, consider paying the daily fee for access) located in the Grand Hall. December can be miserable in Chicago--really miserable. We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. Second City one of the world's premier improv comedy theatres has been delighting audiences for more than 50 years. Chicago Union Station is the size of nearly 10 city blocks, is the third-busiest rail terminal in the United States, and is Amtrak's overall fourth busiest station, serving about 140,000 passengers on an average weekday. 2) You MUST walk over to Millennium Park and see the Bean and the Fountains. I think the Tribune Tower with its rocks from around the world is fascinating. That first layover wasnt my proudest moment as a solo traveler. Good Morning! Safety is not a big issue IMHO. 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. There's a bunch of touristy stuff to do near that area. Taxis; Rideshare; Bike Share; Originally a tiny hotdog stand called The Dog House, this relic was opened by Dick Portillo in 1963. Daily activities, such as the opportunity to meet a zoo animal and ape training sessions, teach children about the zoo's many residents. Everyone's suggestions are really good. Chicago Transit Authority ('L' Trains & Buses) Greyhound; Other Transportation. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. What day of the week and what time of day is your layover? You can do more than merely catch a train at and near Chicago Union Station, such as: . The tour guides are actors who take on the personas of 1920s gangsters. By the way Merlot, Since you are taking the Southwest Chief you might want to go to the train travel forum and do a search there for info on your train. A nearby restaurant I'd recommend is The Gage, a gastropub across from Millennium Park, either for lunch or just drinks/snacks if you had a big breakfast at Lou Mitchell's. If you have a business class ticket you can store your luggage for free in the Metropolitan Lounge - if not go near the Greyhound bus desk and across from there they have the baggage check. Two things to see on Jackson Blvd other than Willis are The Federal Reserve Bank and the Chicago Board of Trade. I found the lounge to be an oasis. 45 Credits, One Popcorn, and One Fountain Drink for One Person. This will be our 1st trip without kids in too many years to count, so we don't mind some splurges. Then, take a water taxi from the Madison St stop to Michigan Avenue, a nice way to see some of the buildings. My luggage like a giant, it's 30inches. I would recommend arriving 30 minutes early to Union Station at a minimum. Jill is currently writing the first of 12 train travel guides: Ride the Southwest Chief. 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 Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? Study the map before taking off on a train trip with a Chicago layover. Youll meet at the Southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive. We always travel business class, so there is a nice lounge to take advantage of with free snacks and soft drinks. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Open 7 days a week Union Station closes daily between 1am-5am. Interested in Chicagos diverse and iconic architecture? The station is located at 225 S Canal St and the west side of the Chicago River between Adams Street and West Jackson Boulevard very close to the city center and just next to the Chicago Greyhound Bus station. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41527197', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Chicago. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41529991', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Millennium Park and explore there. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. I had the tickets and about to hang out for 6hours before ridding up to the train. The Skydeck entrance is located on Franklin Street (the east side of the building). Go to the Concourse level where youll find the baggage check. You could go to the Sears tower or go to millennium park to see the bean or the magnificent mile. We already have this email. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. The staff there are super helpful and can show you where to take luggage. Once inside, I stood for a few minutes taking in the enormity of the station as other passengers moved past me, not knowing where to go next. 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 Dirty, dark & creepy. Would definitely want to wait in the Metropolitan again if given the opportunity. We never went anywhere by train. 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. They may serve their brunch menu on Saturdays as well, not sure. Here you can be involved in the winemaking process from the crush and fermentation to the blend. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The architecture of the Great Hall is worth seeing. Photo Credit: Nagel Photography / Shutterstock, Tavarius / Shutterstock. Shedd Aquarium is one of the attractions for children near Union Station. 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? These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Loading happens quickly and you should try to have luggage you can manage well and move quickly with. Bellemore. Do NOT forget the Peppers, http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willis_Tower, https://www.orderalsbeef.com/Media/Menus/adams%20web%20menu.pdf. Amentities? Not an ideal way to spend a layover. Once I get to the station, where do I go? Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago, located just 12 minutes' walk from Chicago Union Station, is a 4-star hotel offering property cleaning with disinfectant, linens washed at a temperature of at least 60C/140F, and contactless check-in.If you're looking for a more affordable option, Hotel Chicago West Loop is a 2.5-star hotel offering enhanced cleaning measures that is 28 minutes walk from the . 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. If you like art, you can visit the Chicago Art Museum and see among other. What else is there to do near Union Station? Chicago Scavenger Hunt 1 Self-guided Tours from $8.00 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Chicago City Driving Tour Bus Tours from $595.00 per group (up to 1) Gangsters and Ghosts Tour in Chicago 2,223 Recommended City Tours from $35.00 per adult Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Tour 851 Bus Tours from $44.99 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Location Provided With Ticket Purchase, ~10-minute drive from Union Station. 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. 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. I do wish they had clear marked parking for the facility. Fulton Market, Randolph Market, Jackson Boulevard and Greek Town make up the West Loop. Passengers looking to grab a bite before taking off can expect airport-like fare including Nuts on Clark, Gold Coast Dogs, Robinson's No. Lou Mitchell's looks fun. Enjoy an immersive wine experience at City Winery. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41530204', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Wendella River/Lake tour. Dave148: We were thinking of breakfast. 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). In any case, the interior is really a work of art, the big halls are especially beautiful and try to check out the smaller halls. 1200 W. Randolph Street, ~7-minute drive from Union Station. Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? If you don't mind spending some money, the Willis Tower is right next door and would be interesting. more. 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. 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. On the south side of town the Willis Tower . The tunnel from Union Station to Northwestern Station. If it were me, being the kind of person that doesn't like to spend a lot of money and enjoys walking, I would head east towards (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I've not been to the museum, but the Wright homes are gorgeous. Kids of all ages and. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. !" 11/06/2022 Cuisines: Bar Diner Pub Find a table Pret A Manger Be the first to review this restaurant 225 S Canal St Here is what I would do: if you want to eat right away, breakfast at Lou Mitchell's is a good choice. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We live in La Crosse, Wi. This is the 1st leg of a total relaxation vacation. Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? With 90 minutes notice until the train departed, we were informed by text that our tickets would be cancelled and we would be refunded. 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 Shedd Aquarium puts kids face-to-face with more than 32,000 animals. Dotted with factories and warehouses, West Loop is packed with various types of dining and nightlife options. RickMP: The water taxi & lake tour sounds interesting. (Photo: Tim Boyle/Getty Images News/Getty Images ). She didn't want to walk too far, so we took a cab over to Greektown and had a leisurely lunch at Greek Isles. Our Chicagoeditorial team is constantly updating and reviewing the best attractions, activities and venues across the city, so that you're always in the know, with the best of Chicagoat your fingertips. These cruises sell out quickly, so consider purchasing tickets in advance. What else is there to do near Union Station? 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. 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. I concur with the previous answer. Established . The Windy City is more than just big sports stadiums and amazing museums. Youll enjoy 360-degree views that span up to 50 miles and four states. Chicago Union Station is the size of nearly 10 city blocks, is the third-busiest rail terminal in the United States, and is Amtraks overall fourth busiest station, serving about 140,000 passengers on an average weekday. We will have about 6 hours to spend near Union Station. Jill Dutton 5. You can't help but look up and around. The interior of the building is a classic, with the iconic stairway, the Great Hall and the glass ceilings. Spend part of your layover on the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise.