The second floor was currently roped off but the main floor was large and the seating comfortable with numerous electronic outlets. Then we just sat and enjoyed the beauty of the Great Hall right at the train station. 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. 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. Safety is not a big issue IMHO. $$ - $$$ 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. Get the Divvy app: Android and iOS. 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. Thank you so much for all the great suggestions & tips. 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. Even if you're not catching a train to anywhere, you really need to just step into this building and feel the history. Divvy, Chicago's bike-share program, offers over 580 stations and 5,800 bikes across the city, available for rent 24/7. Children and their families are able to see dolphins and beluga whales perform during daily shows, learn about animals living in ocean reefs during narrated dives, pet animals such as snakes, turtles and tarantulas during scheduled animal encounters and spend time observing animals, including otters, penguins and whales. 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 have the Sears Tower couple of blocks away. Union Station Train Travel. 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. We loved it and looking forward to going back to La Crosse with Amtrak, of course. 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. The Top 10 Things to Do Near Union Station, Chicago - Tripadvisor 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're just visiting Chicago and not taking the train, well worth the quick visit to see the interior. 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 ? 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. Dirty, dark & creepy. 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. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Reddit - Dive into anything We were here to take the amtrak Texas Eagle for first time but this building is worth a visit either way. After a remodel and renaming in 1967, Portillos now has 17 Chicago locations. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. I am bringing 2 elderly people (89 and 84) in late August for a trip to Seattle. 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. Youll enjoy 360-degree views that span up to 50 miles and four states. You could visit the Art Institute if that's an interest. We are taking an Amtrak trip with a "layover" in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. This will be our 1st trip without kids in too many years to count, so we don't mind some splurges. Familiarize yourself with the Grand Hall and its location as this is where youll wait to board your connecting train. 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. Union Station (Chicago) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go The Neoclassic exterior is dominated by the colonnades. Her articles have been published on sites such as Goodkin, Go Green Street and Living the Healthy Way. This classic Chicago landmark opened in 1925 as a replacement for an 1881 train station. Yes, red caps service and handicapped transportation (wheel chairs or Tram carts) are available in the station. 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. Once youre comfortable getting around the station, its time to check your bags for your day in Chicago. Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? We already have this email. The Chicago Riverwalk runs along historic Wacker Drive from Lake Michigan west to Lake Street, with access at street level from each major intersection. Things to Do at and near Union Station. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Is it generally safe to walk from union station to millennium park during the day on the weekend? Things To Do Near Union Station Chicago? | Amtrak Unlimited Discussion It was late only 12 minutes from La Crosse and making it on time to Union Station, Chicago. You may have to clomb narrow stairs to board the train. You can do more than merely catch a train at and near Chicago Union Station, such as: . Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. 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. 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. We went by Coach ride and were amazed at the leg room and comfortable atmosphere on the train. Lou Mitchell's looks fun. Dotted with factories and warehouses, West Loop is packed with various types of dining and nightlife options. You have to walk slowly and just feel the history of the building seep into you. 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. Dj vu! @2023 Chicago 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. 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. Thanks so much! Things To Do With Kids in Chicago | Groupon 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. The architecture of the Great Hall is worth seeing. The last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing. 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. 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. 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 . Union Station. Oops, forgot to tell you that the trip is in late December. 45 Credits, One Popcorn, and One Fountain Drink for One Person. Jill is currently writing the first of 12 train travel guides: Ride the Southwest Chief. Register today and take advantage of membership benefits. 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. 2) You MUST walk over to Millennium Park and see the Bean and the Fountains. Showers were available, but I never saw them, we didn't even go upstairs, we just settled into a comfortable spot. With 90 minutes notice until the train departed, we were informed by text that our tickets would be cancelled and we would be refunded. Sounds like a nice trip! lol. Our train arrives at 9am and cant check into the hotel until afternoon. Open 7 days a week Union Station closes daily between 1am-5am. Chicagos Union Station is the third-busiest rail station in the U.S., with about 140,000 passengers passing through each day. The Top 10 Things to Do Near Union Station, Chicago - Tripadvisor We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html, http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/19923. This is the 1st leg of a total relaxation vacation. Do you need to book in advance to visit Union Station? The Shedd Aquarium puts kids face-to-face with more than 32,000 animals. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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.). Good Morning! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Originally a tiny hotdog stand called The Dog House, this relic was opened by Dick Portillo in 1963. Find Divvy locations and rates. We will have about 6 hours to spend near Union Station. THE 10 BEST Things to Do Near Union Station, Chicago, IL 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. Union Station: Things to See & Do | Colorado.com Youll feel more confident when you detrain and will be able to focus on having fun during your time in Chicago. We usually take Amtrak to Chicago from Jackson Mi. What else is there to do near Union Station? Millennium Park is an award-winning center for art, music, architecture, and landscape design. Gets less confusing but it is at first when you arrive and try to figure out where things are here though. 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. 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. 4.6. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. RickMP: The water taxi & lake tour sounds interesting. Along the Riverwalk, stop by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza and the McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum. 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. THE 10 BEST Restaurants Near Union Station in Chicago, IL - Tripadvisor Considering this was a large transportation hub there was a lot of available metered street parking right along the street. What else is there to do 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. Spend part of your layover on the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise. Amtrak allows two bags, a cooler, and a personal item per person, so I always have at least four pieces of luggage. I think the Tribune Tower with its rocks from around the world is fascinating. Here is what I would do: if you want to eat right away, breakfast at Lou Mitchell's is a good choice. 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. 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. 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! 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. Wendella water taxi to Michigan Avenue and then a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Getting Around Chicago | Trains, Parking, Taxis & Bike Sharing more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Not bad for a layover activity! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Malaysia. Up to 48% Off Drive-Through Safari at Safari Lake Geneva. The main attraction Whether you're waiting on a train or passing through. A family-friendly museum highlight tour is given daily, and hands-on learning activities are offered on the weekends. Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? Heres amap to help guide you through this historic Beaux-Arts beauty.Download aPDF of this map [link opens in anew window]. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. Hi. Second City one of the world's premier improv comedy theatres has been delighting audiences for more than 50 years. That space, which lives up to its name, boasts a 219-food-long barrel-vaulted skylight that acts as the ceiling for the room. I do wish they had clear marked parking for the facility. The Windy City is more than just big sports stadiums and amazing museums. Marriott Autograph Collection Hotels in Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton Hotels in Chicago, Hotels near Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower, Hotels near Museum of Science and Industry, Hotels near Harold Washington Library State/Van Buren, Hotels near Soma Massage School Chicago, IL, Hotels near Illinois School of Health Careers, Hotels near The Institute for Clinical Social Work, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Chicago, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Gage Park, The Art Institute of Chicago: Tickets & Tours, Museum of Science and Industry: Tickets & Tours, 360 Chicago Observation Deck: Tickets & Tours, Chicago Cultural Center: Tickets & Tours, Richard H. Driehaus Museum: Tickets & Tours, Garfield Park Conservatory: Tickets & Tours, Two-Person BARRETT 50 BMG and AK-47 Package, Tamarindo Snorkel & Sunset Cruise with Lunch, Royal Mile Guided Walking Tour in Edinburgh, Vatican, Sistine & St. Peter's Basilica Skip The Line & Small Group, Acetaia Cavedoni Balsamic Vinegar Tour Oldest Balsamic Vinegar Company in Modena, San Sebastian del Oeste 'Magic Town' from Puerto Vallarta, See all 5 Union Station tours on Tripadvisor, See all Union Station experiences on Tripadvisor, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chicago Downtown, Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago-Downtown, an IHG Hotel, View all hotels near Union Station on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Union Station on Tripadvisor, View all attractions near Union Station on Tripadvisor. All products featured on TravelAwaits are independently selected by our writers and editors. I found the lounge to be an oasis. IlliniTrav: We were thinking of Greektown. December can be miserable in Chicago--really miserable. 9 Things To Do On A Layover At Chicago's Union 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. Best Restaurants Near Union Station Chicago - timeout.com Stroll the Chicago Riverwalk and watch the kayaks and tour boats float by. Just grab a RTA Visitior Transit Map and its all at your finger tips. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The train boards 1/2 hour before train time. 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 . 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. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Stetson University. On Second Citys three-hour foodie tour, youll sample classic Chicago tastes. Everyone's suggestions are really good. 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. more. Things to do around Union Station in Chicago - Trippy I whiteness employees at the McDonalds twice a year giving these workers a hard time. Belmont, Cta, or CTA - Chicago can be used for nearby transit. Youll meet at the Southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive. There's a bunch of touristy stuff to do near that area. Go to the Concourse level where youll find the baggage check. My aunt had a similar layover a few years ago. $16.77 $12.00. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. Study the map before taking off on a train trip with a Chicago layover. i need to know is there any place some one can wait if there lay over is after 12am? Interested in Chicagos diverse and iconic architecture? If you'd like to shop, walk north on Michigan (the "Magnificent Mile" area of high end stores). Next to the Great Hall is the Metropolitan Lounge where we waited for our next train. These are free. 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. 12 Fun Metra Day Trips to Suburban Chicago Destinations - Time Out Chicago What's the best way to see Union Station? We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. Where to Go Near Union Station - Chicago Forum - 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. It was beautiful. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41529991', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Millennium Park and explore there. Trains board quickly. This is the 1st leg of a total relaxation vacation. 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? The interior of the building is a classic, with the iconic stairway, the Great Hall and the glass ceilings. Amentities? Enjoy an immersive wine experience at City Winery. I use it always. 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? Once I get to the station, where do I go? Dining, Retail & Amenities | Chicago Union Station The Skydeck entrance is located on Franklin Street (the east side of the building). 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. Also Hemingway's house is there with a museum. Everything you need to know about visiting Union Station(225 S Canal St, Chicago IL 60606). 201 E. Randolph Street, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. I'll probably be nervous we'll miss boarding and will be way early. 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. How long would that take? 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. So callous and unapologetic in completely ruining part of our Christmas experience. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. 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 also the free trolley to some of the shopping areas such as State Street and Navy Pier. Devastated our child, who was already dressed in his Polar Express pajamas and ready to go. I live in Chicago - Sears Tower, Greek Town for food are great ideas! 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 Explore different ways to experience this place. Where in Union Station do I catch the Amtrak to Princeton, IL? 255 South Canal StreetChicago, Illinois 60606, Open 7 days a weekUnion Station closes dailybetween 1am-5am. http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html - a quick cab or bus ride. W1612 Litchfield Rd, Lake Geneva. Amtrak; Metra Commuter Rail; Transfer Options. You could go to the Sears tower or go to millennium park to see the bean or the magnificent mile. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The Top 10 Things to Do Near Union Station, Chicago - Tripadvisor
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