things to do near union station chicago

Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. And Lou Mitchell's at 565 W. Jackson is walking distance. Once I get to the station, where do I go? I concur with the previous answer. Then, like now, the station was a major transfer point between passenger trains. 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. Try another? My luggage like a giant, it's 30inches. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Get the Divvy app: Android and iOS. Amentities? The facility cost $75 million dollars to build - more than $1 . 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. We did walk it once because we were dropped off at the wrong station. Union Station. Open since 1925, Union Station remains Chicago's intercity rail terminal and the largest terminal for commuter trains. Download a PDF of this Dave148: We were thinking of breakfast. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. Second City one of the world's premier improv comedy theatres has been delighting audiences for more than 50 years. Jill Dutton 5. Check with your hotel to see if they will hold your luggage until check-in. The staff there are super helpful and can show you where to take luggage. Besides, Chicago is such a vibrant city; it would be a shame to pass through without taking in any of the sights and activities. Chicago Attractions | Amtrak 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. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41527197', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Chicago. We got there at the 30 minute mark and over 200 people were in line for our train. Restaurants near Union Station 225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606-5702 Read Reviews of Union Station Sponsored JoJo's Shake Bar - River North 27 reviews 23 W Hubbard St "JoJo's Doesn't Disappoint" 02/26/2023 "Best boozy milkshakes! Photo Credit: Nagel Photography / Shutterstock, Tavarius / Shutterstock. Then we just sat and enjoyed the beauty of the Great Hall right at the train station. Chicago Transit Authority (L Trains & Buses). You are using an out of date browser. Open 7 days a week Union Station closes daily between 1am-5am. Its a massive train station nearly the size of 10 city blocks and I felt lost. Gets less confusing but it is at first when you arrive and try to figure out where things are here though. Can someone please tell me the process to board the train? We loved it and looking forward to going back to La Crosse with Amtrak, of course. They may serve their brunch menu on Saturdays as well, not sure. Older children, taller than 55 inches, are also able to participate in the aquarium's behind-the-scenes tour for an additional fee. THE 10 BEST Things to Do Near Union Station, Chicago, IL Devastated our child, who was already dressed in his Polar Express pajamas and ready to go. The food area was currently closed due to COVID but later an employee came around and offered to get us sodas, snacks, etc., from a list he said was available. 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 number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 9 Things To Do On A Layover At Chicago's Union Station Hi, just want to check if the luggage storage is still available currently. Do NOT forget the Peppers, http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willis_Tower, https://www.orderalsbeef.com/Media/Menus/adams%20web%20menu.pdf. While killing time before heading to Ohare we decided to stop by and see the historical Union Station. The Skydeck entrance is located on Franklin Street (the east side of the building). This classic Chicago landmark opened in 1925 as a replacement for an 1881 train station. As a Kansas City expert, Jills travel guide, The Best of Kansas City: 3-Day Itinerary, launched number one in its category on Amazon. 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. 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. It is about a 20 to 30 minute walk from Union Station depending how fast or slow you walk. More adventurous foodies will want to pad their schedules with time to explore the surrounding neighborhood for light bites and boozy drinks. =). The Polar Express journey begins with a visit to the Founders Room to collect our Golden Tickets. Hotels near Chicago Union Station 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. Familiarize yourself with the Grand Hall and its location as this is where youll wait to board your connecting train. 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. Having a compartment allows entry. 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 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? Interested in train travel? Union Station: Things to See & Do | Colorado.com Top 10 Hotels Near Chicago Union Station from $76 | Expedia Is it generally safe to walk from union station to millennium park during the day on the weekend? the two floored amtrak club accommodations are also nice. Also located on the north side of the city is the Lincoln Park Zoo. CHICAGO FRENCH MARKET - 919 Photos & 612 Reviews - Yelp 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. Here you can be involved in the winemaking process from the crush and fermentation to the blend. Best Restaurants Near Union Station Chicago - timeout.com Jill is currently writing the first of 12 train travel guides: Ride the Southwest Chief. Do you need to book in advance to visit Union Station? I will check their website out more. I am bringing 2 elderly people (89 and 84) in late August for a trip to Seattle. http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html - a quick cab or bus ride. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Malaysia. 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. With 90 minutes notice until the train departed, we were informed by text that our tickets would be cancelled and we would be refunded. 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. That first layover wasnt my proudest moment as a solo traveler. Study the map before taking off on a train trip with a Chicago layover. 3. Trains board quickly. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. 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. Divvy, Chicago's bike-share program, offers over 580 stations and 5,800 bikes across the city, available for rent 24/7. Union Station Chicago | Chicago, IL | Things to do in West Loop, Chicago We followed the young generation and we felt that experience was amazing. The artwork was eye pleasing and there are windows to look out to the Great Hall. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Find Divvy locations and rates. Maybe it was a quiet weekend or time of day but very little people were walking through or sitting on any of the benches. Union Station Train Travel. By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. We live in La Crosse, Wi. Clean restrooms. The station used to be a grungy zoo but over the past few years they have made some updates. 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. 111 S. Michigan Avenue, ~8-minute drive from 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. Then walk or cab back to the train station. I think the Tribune Tower with its rocks from around the world is fascinating. 2020 USATODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. 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. Great breakfasts! Is there wheelchair assistance available at Union Station? Acquainting yourself with the layout of the station ahead of time will help. Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? Hop on board the Untouchable Tours Gangster Bus for the original Chicago gangster tour. She didn't want to walk too far, so we took a cab over to Greektown and had a leisurely lunch at Greek Isles. Safety is not a big issue IMHO. 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The tunnel from Union Station to Northwestern Station. Go to the Concourse level where youll find the baggage check. You could visit the Art Institute if that's an interest. It's well worth a trip to Chicago. 555 ratings. 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. The Windy City is more than just big sports stadiums and amazing museums. All products featured on TravelAwaits are independently selected by our writers and editors. Chicago Union Station Luggage Storage | Bounce | $5.90 / Day | Book Chicagos Union Station is the third-busiest rail station in the U.S., with about 140,000 passengers passing through each day. 1200 W. Randolph Street, ~7-minute drive from Union Station. Passengers looking to grab a bite before taking off can expect airport-like fare including Nuts on Clark, Gold Coast Dogs, Robinson's No. We already have this email. 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. 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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. It may not display this or other websites correctly. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. On the south side of town the Willis Tower . The Top 10 Things to Do Near Union Station, Chicago - Tripadvisor This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Chicago Transit Authority ('L' Trains & Buses) Greyhound; Other Transportation. We usually take Amtrak to Chicago from Jackson Mi. Originally a tiny hotdog stand called The Dog House, this relic was opened by Dick Portillo in 1963. 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 . Would never recommend, terrible. The Best Luggage Storage in Chicago | $5.90 / Day | Bounce ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41529991', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Millennium Park and explore there. Two things to see on Jackson Blvd other than Willis are The Federal Reserve Bank and the Chicago Board of Trade. Even if you're not catching a train to anywhere, you really need to just step into this building and feel the history. Amtrak allows two bags, a cooler, and a personal item per person, so I always have at least four pieces of luggage. Traveling to San Francisco via Amtrak's California Zephyr from Chicago will take you through two mountain ranges; along the way, you can relax and watch bald eagles soar over . 93% of travelers recommend this experience. Today, the transportation hub runs Amtrak and Metra trains in and out of the city. Not an ideal way to spend a layover. Enjoy an immersive wine experience at City Winery. Drinks and snack items were offered. So callous and unapologetic in completely ruining part of our Christmas experience. Union Station (Chicago) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. One of the most beautiful stations in the United Stations, it opened in 1925 next to the Chicago Loop. You could even bottle a few cases of their wine with your own custom-designed label. $$ - $$$ 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. Several sub-neighborhoods within West Loop make this a unique neighborhood to visit. 4.6. I live in Chicago - Sears Tower, Greek Town for food are great ideas! (Photo: Tim Boyle/Getty Images News/Getty Images ), Zoos & Aquariums Near Champaign, Illinois, Shedd Aquarium: Plan a Visit -- Hours and Calendar, Famous Tourist Attractions in the State of Illinois, Rock Climbing Walls for Kids in Central Illinois, Kids' Attractions Near Union Station, Chicago, Illinois, Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights. You have the Sears Tower couple of blocks away. 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. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41530204', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Wendella River/Lake tour. And then our sons went by train one time and had an easy and nice ride. Also Hemingway's house is there with a museum. Thanks so much! RickMP: The water taxi & lake tour sounds interesting. Shedd Aquarium is one of the attractions for children near Union Station. The second floor was currently roped off but the main floor was large and the seating comfortable with numerous electronic outlets. Amata_(ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I would recommend arriving 30 minutes early to Union Station at a minimum. We were here to take the amtrak Texas Eagle for first time but this building is worth a visit either way. 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 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. i need to know is there any place some one can wait if there lay over is after 12am? It was late only 12 minutes from La Crosse and making it on time to Union Station, Chicago. Taxis; Rideshare; Bike Share; There are cool boat tours up and down the Chicago River. My aunt had a similar layover a few years ago. The Top 10 Things to Do Near Union Station, Chicago - Tripadvisor 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. Grab some Giordino's Pizza and you won't need to eat on the train for a week! Bellemore's lunch menu is wildly underrated, which is great news for you, weary traveler. No later train option, no accommodation, only that we would have a chance to ride AFTER Christmas. I'm going to look in to that too. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If you have a roomette or sleeper car,you can hang out in the Metrpolitan Lounge while you wait. As a frequent train traveler located in Kansas City, I often pass through Chicago to get to my final destination. 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 ? Kids are able to observe a wide range of animals, including antelopes, lions, seals, tigers, wallabies and zebras. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Amtrak trains on many different routes arrive and depart from the Chicago Union Station at 225 S Canal Street. I too sometimes call it the Sears Tower in a weak moment. These cruises sell out quickly, so consider purchasing tickets in advance. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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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. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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