We went by Coach ride and were amazed at the leg room and comfortable atmosphere on the train. Whetheryou're waiting on a train or passing through the building,you can't miss Union Station's crown jewel, the Great Hall. Based in Florida, Mandi Titus has been writing since 2002. Readers of her USA by Rail blog have come to expect an intimate look at authentic experiences. As a Kansas City expert, Jills travel guide, The Best of Kansas City: 3-Day Itinerary, launched number one in its category on Amazon. We got there at the 30 minute mark and over 200 people were in line for our train. I use it always. 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 4.6. I would recommend arriving 30 minutes early to Union Station at a minimum. The Pritzker Family Children's Zoo area provides children the opportunity to view snakes and insects at their eye level, and there is a treetop-themed climbing area for them to explore. Location Provided With Ticket Purchase, ~10-minute drive from Union Station. I whiteness employees at the McDonalds twice a year giving these workers a hard time. 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. Chicago Amtrak Station. If you are looking for a good place for a sit down dinner. $$ - $$$ Mediterranean Greek Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ International Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options, $$$$ American Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options, Historic Sites Points of Interest & Landmarks, Points of Interest & Landmarks Monuments & Statues. As I walked to the train tracks there was a little more activity but passage was restricted to ticket holders. Chicagos Union Station is the third-busiest rail station in the U.S., with about 140,000 passengers passing through each day. Devastated our child, who was already dressed in his Polar Express pajamas and ready to go. more. 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 . Amtrak trains on many different routes arrive and depart from the Chicago Union Station at 225 S Canal Street. The attached garage is best and less cost than hotel areas. Her articles have been published on sites such as Goodkin, Go Green Street and Living the Healthy Way. Everything you need to know about visiting Union Station(225 S Canal St, Chicago IL 60606). Youll enjoy 360-degree views that span up to 50 miles and four states. 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. Safety is not a big issue IMHO. 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 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. Here's a map to help guide you through this historic Beaux-Arts beauty. Photo Credit: Nagel Photography / Shutterstock, Tavarius / Shutterstock. Walk from the Gold Coast neighborhood to Old Town with a guided tour of the local architecture while sampling mom and pop specialty food items along the way. We will be arriving at about 3-4pm and leave at about 10pm. 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 Neoclassic exterior is dominated by the colonnades. I concur with the previous answer. What else is there to do near Union Station? 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. Taxis; Rideshare; Bike Share; Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. Do NOT forget the Peppers, http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willis_Tower, https://www.orderalsbeef.com/Media/Menus/adams%20web%20menu.pdf. 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. 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? Download a PDF of this Can someone please tell me the process to board the train? Youll hear about the 1920s and 30s in Chicago, learn about the exploits of famous gangsters, and view the sites of the St. Valentines Day Massacre, plus the Biograph Theatre and Holy Name Cathedral. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Is the Metropolitan Lounge in full operation, that is, as it was before Covid reductions? 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. Is it generally safe to walk from union station to millennium park during the day on the weekend? 233 S. Wacker Drive, ~5-minute walk or 2-minute drive from Union Station. Two things to see on Jackson Blvd other than Willis are The Federal Reserve Bank and the Chicago Board of Trade. Lou Mitchell's looks fun. 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. 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. It may not display this or other websites correctly. more. Next to the Great Hall is the Metropolitan Lounge where we waited for our next train. We are taking an Amtrak trip with a "layover" in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Find Divvy locations and rates. 2020 USATODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. We recommend booking Union Station tours ahead of time to secure your spot. 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. Wendella water taxi to Michigan Avenue and then a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The station used to be a grungy zoo but over the past few years they have made some updates. 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. If you want to take a bus from Union Station you could probably get on one on either Jackson or Adams which border Union Station. We already have this email. Hi. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Millennium Park, The Art Institue and the Adler Planetarium are also on the trolley routes. Acquainting yourself with the layout of the station ahead of time will help. lol. 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. We did walk it once because we were dropped off at the wrong station. We always travel business class, so there is a nice lounge to take advantage of with free snacks and soft drinks. 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. 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. We found 1,736 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 5 minutes from Union Station Experiences from $8 See 38 Experiences Chicago Riverwalk 3,057 Reviews Chicago, IL 60601 5 minutes from Union Station On the south side of town the Willis Tower . Dave148: We were thinking of breakfast. But myself, I'd walk south on Michigan a few blocks to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Also Hemingway's house is there with a museum. Here is what I would do: if you want to eat right away, breakfast at Lou Mitchell's is a good choice. Today, the transportation hub runs Amtrak and Metra trains in and out of the city. It's well worth a trip to Chicago. Oops, forgot to tell you that the trip is in late December. http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html, http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/19923. Thanks for subscribing! 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. You can't help but look up and around. Hi, just want to check if the luggage storage is still available currently. This is the 1st leg of a total relaxation vacation. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. (Photo: Tim Boyle/Getty Images News/Getty Images ). 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 . As for chow, if you are not in a Pizza or Diner mood, Al's Beef just around the corner on Adams tosses out an excellent Italian Beef Sandwich. What day of the week and what time of day is your layover? Great breakfasts! Older children, taller than 55 inches, are also able to participate in the aquarium's behind-the-scenes tour for an additional fee. The Windy City is more than just big sports stadiums and amazing museums. This is the 1st leg of a total relaxation vacation. Take a brisk walk to Portillos Hot Dogs for a classic Chicago hot dog. 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 to walk slowly and just feel the history of the building seep into you. Other child-friendly accommodations include family bathrooms and ramps designed for easy stroller maneuverability. 3. Go international with our nine tips for traveling Europe by rail. They have free snacks, TV's, and comfy chairs. You could go to the Sears tower or go to millennium park to see the bean or the magnificent mile. My aunt had a similar layover a few years ago. We arrived early enough so I could wander around the Grand Hall and study everything. Alternatively, you may use, Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown / Magnificent Mile, InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, an IHG Hotel, Best Western Chicago Downtown-River North, http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g1-i12483-Train_Travel.html. 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 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. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. A family-friendly museum highlight tour is given daily, and hands-on learning activities are offered on the weekends. You may have to clomb narrow stairs to board the train. 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 Absolutely beautiful architectural masterpiece! Chicago, Illinois 60606. 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 number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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 . To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. This classic Chicago landmark opened in 1925 as a replacement for an 1881 train station. Tickets are bought, but Im wondering if there are any ambulatory services available to take them to their train? The last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing. 10Best Says. The Chicago Riverwalk runs along historic Wacker Drive from Lake Michigan west to Lake Street, with access at street level from each major intersection. 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. What else is there to do near Union Station? 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They need real working security at the union station I find many unmasked trouble makers also homeless asking for money in the mornings you have crack heads Asking for money. Things to Do at and near Union Station. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. So callous and unapologetic in completely ruining part of our Christmas experience. I do wish they had clear marked parking for the facility. Yes, red caps service and handicapped transportation (wheel chairs or Tram carts) are available in the station. 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. Once I get to the station, where do I go? 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. 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. 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. Familiarize yourself with the Grand Hall and its location as this is where youll wait to board your connecting train. Where in Union Station do I catch the Amtrak to Princeton, IL? She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Stetson University. If you'd like to shop, walk north on Michigan (the "Magnificent Mile" area of high end stores). 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