2) You MUST walk over to Millennium Park and see the Bean and the Fountains. 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. 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. You have the Sears Tower couple of blocks away. Up to 48% Off Drive-Through Safari at Safari Lake Geneva. You can do more than merely catch a train at and near Chicago Union Station, such as: . Overall a nice place to visit or spend some extra time before or after your Amtrak or Metra train, the L or bus ride. 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. It was beautiful. Devastated our child, who was already dressed in his Polar Express pajamas and ready to go. Is there wheelchair assistance available at Union Station? lol. We will be arriving at about 3-4pm and leave at about 10pm. 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 @2023 Chicago Union Station. I use it always. The Polar Express journey begins with a visit to the Founders Room to collect our Golden Tickets. 3. Intersection of Clark and Ohio, ~9-minute drive from Union Station. =). Chicago Amtrak Station. Get the Divvy app: Android and iOS. We went by Coach ride and were amazed at the leg room and comfortable atmosphere on the train. Kids' Activities Near Libertyville, Illinois. 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. 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. I'll probably be nervous we'll miss boarding and will be way early. Here you can be involved in the winemaking process from the crush and fermentation to the blend. Two things to see on Jackson Blvd other than Willis are The Federal Reserve Bank and the Chicago Board of Trade. So when it was in the school library it was still fairly new. I whiteness employees at the McDonalds twice a year giving these workers a hard time. The Clinton station is two blocks south of Union Station, and the northwest terminal of the Blue Line is under the O'Hare Airport main garage. And then our sons went by train one time and had an easy and nice ride. Youll meet at the Southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive. Is it generally safe to walk from union station to millennium park during the day on the weekend? 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. 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. Check with your hotel to see if they will hold your luggage until check-in. A couple blocks away is the French market. =) Report inappropriate content 1-10 of 12 replies Sorted by 1 2 Dave148 Illinois Destination Expert The Field Museum is home to Sue the Tyrannosaurus Rex and a range of other child-friendly exhibits, including the Underground Adventure, where children get the opportunity to experience life as a bug, and the Inside Ancient Egypt exhibit, focusing on Egyptian life, including mummies and tombs.The museum's Crown Family PlayLab gives young children the opportunity to explore their own exhibit, featuring hands-on attractions designed just for them. Showers were available, but I never saw them, we didn't even go upstairs, we just settled into a comfortable spot. 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. Thanks so much! Maybe it was a quiet weekend or time of day but very little people were walking through or sitting on any of the benches. It's less than half a mile from Union Station. Her articles have been published on sites such as Goodkin, Go Green Street and Living the Healthy Way. You feel the pain. With 90 minutes notice until the train departed, we were informed by text that our tickets would be cancelled and we would be refunded. Metra services areas like Wheaton, Barrington, Winnetka and Homewood, while Amtrak connects passengers to Denver, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, New York and othercities across the country. $16.77 $12.00. 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. Then, like now, the station was a major transfer point between passenger trains. 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. She didn't want to walk too far, so we took a cab over to Greektown and had a leisurely lunch at Greek Isles. http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g1-i12483-Train_Travel.html, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Once I get to the station, where do I go? Does the train station provide any baggage storage lockers so that we could visit Willis tower without toting our bags? Passengers looking to grab a bite before taking off can expect airport-like fare including Nuts on Clark, Gold Coast Dogs, Robinson's No. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. Just grab a RTA Visitior Transit Map and its all at your finger tips. 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. Kids of all ages and interests will find something exciting to do in Chicago, from the heights of the Willis Tower to the exotic fish of the Shedd Aquarium. My aunt had a similar layover a few years ago. Here is what I would do: if you want to eat right away, breakfast at Lou Mitchell's is a good choice. Go to the Concourse level where youll find the baggage check. Second City one of the world's premier improv comedy theatres has been delighting audiences for more than 50 years. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. 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 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41527197', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Chicago. Based in Florida, Mandi Titus has been writing since 2002. Users simply pick up a bike from a self-service docking station and return it to a station near their destination. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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 . 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 ? 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. There is also the free trolley to some of the shopping areas such as State Street and Navy Pier. 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 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Enjoy an immersive wine experience at City Winery. 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. Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? 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. The interior of the building is a classic, with the iconic stairway, the Great Hall and the glass ceilings. What else is there to do 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. Also located on the north side of the city is the Lincoln Park Zoo. But myself, I'd walk south on Michigan a few blocks to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Fulton Market, Randolph Market, Jackson Boulevard and Greek Town make up the West Loop. If you are looking for a good place for a sit down dinner. Bellemore's lunch menu is wildly underrated, which is great news for you, weary traveler. We arrived early enough so I could wander around the Grand Hall and study everything. Dotted with factories and warehouses, West Loop is packed with various types of dining and nightlife options. The last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing. This classic Chicago landmark opened in 1925 as a replacement for an 1881 train station. Loading happens quickly and you should try to have luggage you can manage well and move quickly with. You may have to clomb narrow stairs to board the train. The tour guides are actors who take on the personas of 1920s gangsters. 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). Then, take a water taxi from the Madison St stop to Michigan Avenue, a nice way to see some of the buildings. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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What day of the week and what time of day is your layover? People come from all over the world to take the train from Union Station. Familiarize yourself with the Grand Hall and its location as this is where youll wait to board your connecting train. They even texted me when the room was ready and allowed me to check in at noon with no additional charge. 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. 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. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The station is huge and has many gorgeous areas. I wasn't the only one there taking it all in. 10Best Says. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Once youre comfortable getting around the station, its time to check your bags for your day in Chicago. The attached garage is best and less cost than hotel areas. If you have a lengthy layover and a love of food, this is the perfect Union Station layover activity for you. That first layover wasnt my proudest moment as a solo traveler. Interested in Chicagos diverse and iconic architecture? Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. We are taking an Amtrak trip with a "layover" in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We got there at the 30 minute mark and over 200 people were in line for our train. Inside the station, be sure to take in the Grand Staircases in the Great Hall, made famous by the movie The Untouchables. We will have about 6 hours to spend near Union Station. We came here to catch the Empire Builder Amtrak train to Seattle but I've always wanted to visit this station just to see its beauty in person. 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. If travel is on your agenda, there are plenty of options. You could visit the Art Institute if that's an interest. Hop on board the Untouchable Tours Gangster Bus for the original Chicago gangster tour. Millennium Park is an award-winning center for art, music, architecture, and landscape design. Do you need to book in advance to visit Union Station? Thank you so much for all the great suggestions & tips. Thanks for subscribing! Youll enjoy 360-degree views that span up to 50 miles and four states. The tunnel from Union Station to Northwestern Station. Heres amap to help guide you through this historic Beaux-Arts beauty.Download aPDF of this map [link opens in anew window]. 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. RickMP: The water taxi & lake tour sounds interesting. Where in Union Station do I catch the Amtrak to Princeton, IL? Amtrak trains on many different routes arrive and depart from the Chicago Union Station at 225 S Canal Street. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. I think the Tribune Tower with its rocks from around the world is fascinating. 255 South Canal StreetChicago, Illinois 60606, Open 7 days a weekUnion Station closes dailybetween 1am-5am. Explore different ways to experience this place. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41530204', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Wendella River/Lake tour. I do wish they had clear marked parking for the facility. Good Morning! This is the 1st leg of a total relaxation vacation. 1200 W. Randolph Street, ~7-minute drive from Union Station. 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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. (Photo: Tim Boyle/Getty Images News/Getty Images ). And since you have 6 hours, if you are into Architecture, you might want to take a taxi to Oak Park to see some of Frank Lloyd Wright's homes and his house. Do NOT forget the Peppers, http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willis_Tower, https://www.orderalsbeef.com/Media/Menus/adams%20web%20menu.pdf. Tickets are bought, but Im wondering if there are any ambulatory services available to take them to their train? IlliniTrav: We were thinking of Greektown. Today, the transportation hub runs Amtrak and Metra trains in and out of the city. 1 Ribs and a bevy of fast food chains. 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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. All rights reserved. If you have a roomette or sleeper car,you can hang out in the Metrpolitan Lounge while you wait. Several sub-neighborhoods within West Loop make this a unique neighborhood to visit. During my first train trip from Kansas City to Washington, D.C., I arrived in Chicagos Union Station on my first layover with several hours to fill before departing. Thanks so much! Chicago was most recently updated with new tips on June 28, 2017. 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. more. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. No later train option, no accommodation, only that we would have a chance to ride AFTER Christmas. Trains board quickly. Everyone's suggestions are really good. Along the Riverwalk, stop by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza and the McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum. Clean restrooms. Union Station also features a variety of retail stores, eateries, and offers a grand ballroom for banquets and weddings. 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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The neighborhood is best known as the location of Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Studios, but this downtown neighborhood is also an up-and-coming spot for Chicago's trendsetters. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. Other Attractions in Chicago. more. I had the tickets and about to hang out for 6hours before ridding up to the train. We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. 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 were here to take the amtrak Texas Eagle for first time but this building is worth a visit either way. 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. Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? Amentities? 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. Interesting how everyone still calls it the "Sears Tower". Grab some Giordino's Pizza and you won't need to eat on the train for a week! Is this where you should park for an eleven day Amtrak trip? 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. 376 N. Michigan Avenue, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. 201 E. Randolph Street, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. Absolutely beautiful architectural masterpiece! 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. You are using an out of date browser. Our train arrives at 9am and cant check into the hotel until afternoon. Lou Mitchell's looks fun. 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. My luggage like a giant, it's 30inches. I'd really appreciate your help :). Belmont, Cta, or CTA - Chicago can be used for nearby transit. How long would that take? Not an ideal way to spend a layover. I was faced with about the same situation and my Hotel was more than accommodating in holding my luggage for me and had their house keeping staff tend to my room first. 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.