The second floor was currently roped off but the main floor was large and the seating comfortable with numerous electronic outlets. If you don't mind spending some money, the Willis Tower is right next door and would be interesting. 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? Second City one of the world's premier improv comedy theatres has been delighting audiences for more than 50 years. Millennium Park, The Art Institue and the Adler Planetarium are also on the trolley routes. After a remodel and renaming in 1967, Portillos now has 17 Chicago locations. Dave148: We were thinking of breakfast. =) Report inappropriate content 1-10 of 12 replies Sorted by 1 2 Dave148 Illinois Destination Expert Here is what I would do: if you want to eat right away, breakfast at Lou Mitchell's is a good choice. Symphony Center - Chicago Symphony Orchestra, 90-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour, 45-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile, 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck Admission (Hancock Center), See more experiences near Union Station on Tripadvisor, See more bars & clubs near Union Station on Tripadvisor, Discover over 1,000 restaurants near Union Station, Discover over 613 hotels near Union Station, Discover over 1,000 things to do near Union Station, Curio Collection by Hilton Hotels in Chicago, Hotels near Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower, Hotels near Museum of Science and Industry, 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, Garfield Park Conservatory: Tickets & Tours, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Chicago, Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing in Chicago, Conference & Convention Centers in Chicago, Things to do near Canopy by Hilton Chicago Central Loop, Things to do near La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chicago Downtown, Things to do near Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago-Downtown, an IHG Hotel, Things to do near Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Downtown/Loop, Things to do near Hyatt Place Chicago / Downtown - The Loop, Things to do near Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Central Loop, Kecak Fire & Trance Dance (Pura Dalem Taman Kaja), Best Snorkeling Lombok: Gili Nanggu, Gili Kedis & Gili Sudak Day-Trip, Saint-Emilion Small-Group Electric Bike Wine Tour Tastings & Lunch from Bordeaux, Minitrekking Perito Moreno - Ice hiking from El Calafate, VIP Vatican Breakfast: Sistine Chapel & St Peters Basilica Guided Tour, Market, Tacos and Food Tasting Experience of San Jose del Cabo, Riyadh King Khalid International Airport Plaza Premium Lounge, Uluwatu, Kecak Dance and Seafood Dinner on the Beach. Fulton Market, Randolph Market, Jackson Boulevard and Greek Town make up the West Loop. Chicago Amtrak Station. Intersection of Clark and Ohio, ~9-minute drive from Union Station. More adventurous foodies will want to pad their schedules with time to explore the surrounding neighborhood for light bites and boozy drinks. We live in La Crosse, Wi. The Chicago Riverwalk runs along historic Wacker Drive from Lake Michigan west to Lake Street, with access at street level from each major intersection. Belmont, Cta, or CTA - Chicago can be used for nearby transit. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Malaysia. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Randlin: Oh the Exchequer sounds grea!. Users simply pick up a bike from a self-service docking station and return it to a station near their destination. This will be our 1st trip without kids in too many years to count, so we don't mind some splurges. That first layover wasnt my proudest moment as a solo traveler. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Safety is not a big issue IMHO. All rights reserved. Devastated our child, who was already dressed in his Polar Express pajamas and ready to go. Also Hemingway's house is there with a museum. You can't help but look up and around. more. So when it was in the school library it was still fairly new. 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. 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. 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. 3. 2) You MUST walk over to Millennium Park and see the Bean and the Fountains. 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. Enjoy an immersive wine experience at City Winery. This classic Chicago landmark opened in 1925 as a replacement for an 1881 train station. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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 you're just visiting Chicago and not taking the train, well worth the quick visit to see the interior. As a frequent train traveler located in Kansas City, I often pass through Chicago to get to my final destination. JavaScript is disabled. 4.6. Dj vu! You have to walk slowly and just feel the history of the building seep into you. I too sometimes call it the Sears Tower in a weak moment. Chicago Transit Authority ('L' Trains & Buses) Greyhound; Other Transportation. All products featured on TravelAwaits are independently selected by our writers and editors. You could go to the Sears tower or go to millennium park to see the bean or the magnificent mile. The station used to be a grungy zoo but over the past few years they have made some updates. On the Mezzanine level there were some fast food options like Starbucks, Jersey Mikes. Taxis; Rideshare; Bike Share; The train boards 1/2 hour before train time. The main attraction Whether you're waiting on a train or passing through. Considering this was a large transportation hub there was a lot of available metered street parking right along the street. Do NOT forget the Peppers, http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willis_Tower, https://www.orderalsbeef.com/Media/Menus/adams%20web%20menu.pdf. There are cool boat tours up and down the Chicago River. $$ - $$$ 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. 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. What else is there to do near Union Station? This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Its a massive train station nearly the size of 10 city blocks and I felt lost. They have free snacks, TV's, and comfy chairs. 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. One of the most beautiful stations in the United Stations, it opened in 1925 next to the Chicago Loop. Union Station is an iconic building and a marvel of modern transportation for nearly a century. We never went anywhere by train. The interior of the building is a classic, with the iconic stairway, the Great Hall and the glass ceilings. 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. 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. Union Station also features a variety of retail stores, eateries, and offers a grand ballroom for banquets and weddings. Kids' Activities Near Libertyville, Illinois. 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. Bellemore's lunch menu is wildly underrated, which is great news for you, weary traveler. Then walk or cab back to the train station. 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. Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? 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 Grab some Giordino's Pizza and you won't need to eat on the train for a week! 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. Oops, forgot to tell you that the trip is in late December. 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. Her articles have been published on sites such as Goodkin, Go Green Street and Living the Healthy Way. 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. Union 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. 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. Established . more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Chicago was most recently updated with new tips on June 28, 2017. Download a PDF of this Everyone's suggestions are really good. Clean restrooms. The outside of the station was a little grayish but it was so much more impressive inside. Any restaurant recommendations or ideas on places to go (& best means of travel to get there) would be so appreciated. 233 S. Wacker Drive, ~5-minute walk or 2-minute drive from Union Station. A family-friendly museum highlight tour is given daily, and hands-on learning activities are offered on the weekends. I'm going to look in to that too. Go international with our nine tips for traveling Europe by rail. Besides, Chicago is such a vibrant city; it would be a shame to pass through without taking in any of the sights and activities. 255 South Canal StreetChicago, Illinois 60606, Open 7 days a weekUnion Station closes dailybetween 1am-5am. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. If you like art, you can visit the Chicago Art Museum and see among other. Yes, red caps service and handicapped transportation (wheel chairs or Tram carts) are available in the station. 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. December can be miserable in Chicago--really miserable. You can do more than merely catch a train at and near Chicago Union Station, such as: . 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. 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. Uber ride came in no time and Asan from Bulgaria was friendly and professional. 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. 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 ? 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. 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. Next to the Great Hall is the Metropolitan Lounge where we waited for our next train. I would recommend arriving 30 minutes early to Union Station at a minimum. 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. 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. 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. Several sub-neighborhoods within West Loop make this a unique neighborhood to visit. 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. 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? 376 N. Michigan Avenue, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. 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. Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. I've not been to the museum, but the Wright homes are gorgeous. 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. 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). 45 Credits, One Popcorn, and One Fountain Drink for One Person. more. Is this where you should park for an eleven day Amtrak trip? Older children, taller than 55 inches, are also able to participate in the aquarium's behind-the-scenes tour for an additional fee. It was late only 12 minutes from La Crosse and making it on time to Union Station, 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. Our train arrives at 9am and cant check into the hotel until afternoon. 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. 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. 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 Do you need to book in advance to visit Union Station? Spend part of your layover on the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise. We loved it and looking forward to going back to La Crosse with Amtrak, of course. 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. You are using an out of date browser. While killing time before heading to Ohare we decided to stop by and see the historical Union Station. 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. Drive-Through Safari Adventure for 1 Adult (age 16+) Up to 35% Off on Arcade at Galaxi Fun Zone. 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. 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 actual book was published a year before I was born. Just grab a RTA Visitior Transit Map and its all at your finger tips. 520 W. Taylor Street, ~13-minute walk or 4-minute drive from Union Station. more. Showers were available, but I never saw them, we didn't even go upstairs, we just settled into a comfortable spot. @2023 Chicago Union Station. We usually take Amtrak to Chicago from Jackson Mi. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41527197', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Chicago. Would definitely want to wait in the Metropolitan again if given the opportunity. We did walk it once because we were dropped off at the wrong station. IlliniTrav: We were thinking of Greektown. Hi. As a Kansas City expert, Jills travel guide, The Best of Kansas City: 3-Day Itinerary, launched number one in its category on Amazon. So callous and unapologetic in completely ruining part of our Christmas experience. You could visit the Art Institute if that's an interest. Go to the Concourse level where youll find the baggage check. Things to Do at and near Union Station. Jill is currently writing the first of 12 train travel guides: Ride the Southwest Chief. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. We went out to purchase our meals, and brought them back and ate them in comfort, while watching a huge TV. Bellemore. 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. Look for the blue awning marking the stairway entrance. 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 Kids of all ages and. Lou Mitchell's looks fun. My luggage like a giant, it's 30inches. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html - a quick cab or bus ride. 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. Here you can be involved in the winemaking process from the crush and fermentation to the blend. Is the Metropolitan Lounge in full operation, that is, as it was before Covid reductions? Inside the station, be sure to take in the Grand Staircases in the Great Hall, made famous by the movie The Untouchables. Hi, just want to check if the luggage storage is still available currently. Union Station (Chicago) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Interested in train travel? This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Today, the transportation hub runs Amtrak and Metra trains in and out of the city. My aunt had a similar layover a few years ago. There's a bunch of touristy stuff to do near that area. The Shedd Aquarium puts kids face-to-face with more than 32,000 animals. If travel is on your agenda, there are plenty of options. 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. The artwork was eye pleasing and there are windows to look out to the Great Hall. 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. She didn't want to walk too far, so we took a cab over to Greektown and had a leisurely lunch at Greek Isles. We were here to take the amtrak Texas Eagle for first time but this building is worth a visit either way. Jill Dutton 5. Other child-friendly accommodations include family bathrooms and ramps designed for easy stroller maneuverability. Tickets are bought, but Im wondering if there are any ambulatory services available to take them to their train? As I walked to the train tracks there was a little more activity but passage was restricted to ticket holders. Acquainting yourself with the layout of the station ahead of time will help. Study the map before taking off on a train trip with a Chicago layover. Once youre comfortable getting around the station, its time to check your bags for your day in Chicago. Check with your hotel to see if they will hold your luggage until check-in. I am bringing 2 elderly people (89 and 84) in late August for a trip to Seattle. =). We already have this email. It's kind of a giant food court. Good Morning! 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* Thanks so much! more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Along the Riverwalk, stop by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza and the McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum. The attached garage is best and less cost than hotel areas. The Windy City is more than just big sports stadiums and amazing museums. Then we just sat and enjoyed the beauty of the Great Hall right at the train station. We will be arriving at about 3-4pm and leave at about 10pm. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. On Second Citys three-hour foodie tour, youll sample classic Chicago tastes. Familiarize yourself with the Grand Hall and its location as this is where youll wait to board your connecting train. We will have about 6 hours to spend near Union Station. 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. Daily activities, such as the opportunity to meet a zoo animal and ape training sessions, teach children about the zoo's many residents. Maybe Wee Willie would work, I still refer to it as Sears Tower because that is how I remember it as a small watching it go up and visiting the Skydeck countless times with the folks.

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