Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? Youll enjoy 360-degree views that span up to 50 miles and four states. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Loading happens quickly and you should try to have luggage you can manage well and move quickly with. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. more. 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. 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. If you don't mind spending some money, the Willis Tower is right next door and would be interesting. 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. Union Station also features a variety of retail stores, eateries, and offers a grand ballroom for banquets and weddings. It seemed like I had the whole place to myself. 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. 255 South Canal StreetChicago, Illinois 60606, Open 7 days a weekUnion Station closes dailybetween 1am-5am. =). This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. All products featured on TravelAwaits are independently selected by our writers and editors. Any of the architecture tours are just amazing. Dirty, dark & creepy. 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 . Once I get to the station, where do I go? Rmrmber to be back at the station one hour before train time to check in with the Conductor and get your Boarding Pass. We never went anywhere by train. Chicago Amtrak Station. Stroll the Chicago Riverwalk and watch the kayaks and tour boats float by. 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. Travel + Trains. We did walk it once because we were dropped off at the wrong station. That space, which lives up to its name, boasts a 219-food-long barrel-vaulted skylight that acts as the ceiling for the room. We usually take Amtrak to Chicago from Jackson Mi. Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html, http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/19923. 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. Do NOT forget the Peppers, http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willis_Tower, https://www.orderalsbeef.com/Media/Menus/adams%20web%20menu.pdf. December can be miserable in Chicago--really miserable. We already have this email. The architecture of the Great Hall is worth seeing. Chicago Transit Authority (L Trains & Buses). The Great Hall with its soaring glass ceilings was quite spectacular. Spend part of your layover on the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise. So callous and unapologetic in completely ruining part of our Christmas experience. The tour guides are actors who take on the personas of 1920s gangsters. And Lou Mitchell's at 565 W. Jackson is walking distance. (Photo: Tim Boyle/Getty Images News/Getty Images ). Hi, just want to check if the luggage storage is still available currently. Safety is not a big issue IMHO. 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. Overall a nice place to visit or spend some extra time before or after your Amtrak or Metra train, the L or bus ride. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The staff there are super helpful and can show you where to take luggage. $$ - $$$ 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. Interested in Chicagos diverse and iconic architecture? Users simply pick up a bike from a self-service docking station and return it to a station near their destination. 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. It's less than half a mile from Union Station. I've not been to the museum, but the Wright homes are gorgeous. 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. Fulton Market, Randolph Market, Jackson Boulevard and Greek Town make up the West Loop. Her articles have been published on sites such as Goodkin, Go Green Street and Living the Healthy Way. I use it always. My aunt had a similar layover a few years ago. I too sometimes call it the Sears Tower in a weak moment. 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. Shallow: Great reminder. 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. 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. Does the train station provide any baggage storage lockers so that we could visit Willis tower without toting our bags? You could visit the Art Institute if that's an interest. Youll feel more confident when you detrain and will be able to focus on having fun during your time in Chicago. This will be our 1st trip without kids in too many years to count, so we don't mind some splurges. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Union Station. Dave148: We were thinking of breakfast. Would definitely want to wait in the Metropolitan again if given the opportunity. 10Best Says. Things to Do at and near Union Station. I'll probably be nervous we'll miss boarding and will be way early. 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. Here's a map to help guide you through this historic Beaux-Arts beauty. Interesting how everyone still calls it the "Sears Tower". 94% of travelers recommend this experience. Is there wheelchair assistance available at Union Station? If you'd like to shop, walk north on Michigan (the "Magnificent Mile" area of high end stores). 225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606-5702 Neighbourhood: West Loop Fulton Market, Randolph Market, Jackson Boulevard and Greek Town make up the West Loop. 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. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. You can't help but look up and around. I will check their website out more. 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.). Shedd Aquarium is one of the attractions for children near Union Station. Check with your hotel to see if they will hold your luggage until check-in. 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. This is the 1st leg of a total relaxation vacation. 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. Kids of all ages and. 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. Do your job security your very poor at it .. We had purchased tickets weeks in advance, paid for a hotel room and made holiday plans for our 5 year old to ride the Polar Express. Gets less confusing but it is at first when you arrive and try to figure out where things are here though. Is this where you should park for an eleven day Amtrak trip? more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Devastated our child, who was already dressed in his Polar Express pajamas and ready to go. Divvy, Chicago's bike-share program, offers over 580 stations and 5,800 bikes across the city, available for rent 24/7. 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. But myself, I'd walk south on Michigan a few blocks to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing. You may have to clomb narrow stairs to board the train. The second floor was currently roped off but the main floor was large and the seating comfortable with numerous electronic outlets. 3. Kids are able to observe a wide range of animals, including antelopes, lions, seals, tigers, wallabies and zebras. Jill is currently writing the first of 12 train travel guides: Ride the Southwest Chief. RickMP: The water taxi & lake tour sounds interesting. Intersection of Clark and Ohio, ~9-minute drive from Union Station. Established . The train boards 1/2 hour before train time. 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. We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. I do wish they had clear marked parking for the facility. 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. The Gage opens at 10. 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. 1 Ribs and a bevy of fast food chains. Would never recommend, terrible. Older children, taller than 55 inches, are also able to participate in the aquarium's behind-the-scenes tour for an additional fee. 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 Neoclassic exterior is dominated by the colonnades. Millennium Park, The Art Institue and the Adler Planetarium are also on the trolley routes. You are using an out of date browser. Uber ride came in no time and Asan from Bulgaria was friendly and professional. I would recommend arriving 30 minutes early to Union Station at a minimum. Whetheryou're waiting on a train or passing through the building,you can't miss Union Station's crown jewel, the Great Hall. http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html - a quick cab or bus ride. So when it was in the school library it was still fairly new. 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. A family-friendly museum highlight tour is given daily, and hands-on learning activities are offered on the weekends. 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. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Our train arrives at 9am and cant check into the hotel until afternoon. Union Station (Chicago) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. It may not display this or other websites correctly. We got there at the 30 minute mark and over 200 people were in line for our train. We will have about 6 hours to spend near Union Station. Taxis; Rideshare; Bike Share; On the south side of town the Willis Tower . You could even bottle a few cases of their wine with your own custom-designed label. 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. Take a brisk walk to Portillos Hot Dogs for a classic Chicago hot dog. 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. We may earn commission when you click on or make a purchase via our links. Dj vu! Having a compartment allows entry. While killing time before heading to Ohare we decided to stop by and see the historical Union Station. 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 Then, like now, the station was a major transfer point between passenger trains. 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. Download a PDF of this 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. Look for the blue awning marking the stairway entrance. Trains board quickly. Chicago is an ideal city for a family vacation, featuring many attractions for young visitors to enjoy in all types of weather. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Then we just sat and enjoyed the beauty of the Great Hall right at the train station. It was beautiful. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41530204', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Wendella River/Lake tour. Jill Dutton 5. Along the Riverwalk, stop by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza and the McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum. You could go to the Sears tower or go to millennium park to see the bean or the magnificent mile. Go international with our nine tips for traveling Europe by rail. Union Station Train Travel. Chicagos Union Station is the third-busiest rail station in the U.S., with about 140,000 passengers passing through each day. Readers of her USA by Rail blog have come to expect an intimate look at authentic experiences. The attached garage is best and less cost than hotel areas. 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. It was late only 12 minutes from La Crosse and making it on time to Union Station, Chicago. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Then walk or cab back to the train station. Other Attractions in Chicago. Considering this was a large transportation hub there was a lot of available metered street parking right along the street. The Shedd Aquarium puts kids face-to-face with more than 32,000 animals. $16.77 $12.00. Once inside, I stood for a few minutes taking in the enormity of the station as other passengers moved past me, not knowing where to go next. Sears sold it years ago and it has been the "Willis Tower" for quite some time. 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. Once youre comfortable getting around the station, its time to check your bags for your day in Chicago. Other child-friendly accommodations include family bathrooms and ramps designed for easy stroller maneuverability. It's kind of a giant food court. Familiarize yourself with the Grand Hall and its location as this is where youll wait to board your connecting train. 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! All rights reserved. Amata_(ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Second City one of the world's premier improv comedy theatres has been delighting audiences for more than 50 years. If you are looking for a good place for a sit down dinner. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. Here you can be involved in the winemaking process from the crush and fermentation to the blend. 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. There's a bunch of touristy stuff to do near that area. We found 1,458 things to do for you near Union Station Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower 17,712 Reviews 233 S Wacker Drive entrance on Jackson Blvd (south side of building), Chicago, IL 60606-7147 7 minutes from Union Station Experiences from 439 See 35 Experiences Chicago Riverwalk 3,055 Reviews Chicago, IL 60601 7 minutes from Union Station 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. 2020 USATODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. If you have a roomette or sleeper car,you can hang out in the Metrpolitan Lounge while you wait. 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. People come from all over the world to take the train from Union Station. The attraction is open March to September from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and October to February from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 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? 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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. 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. Everyone's suggestions are really good. 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. I'd really appreciate your help :). 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. 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! Union Station and the Metropolitan Lounge. My luggage like a giant, it's 30inches. Get the Divvy app: Android and iOS. Bellemore's lunch menu is wildly underrated, which is great news for you, weary traveler. Chicago, Illinois 60606. 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. Union Station also features a variety of retail stores, eateries, and offers a grand ballroom for banquets and weddings. 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. Great breakfasts! The Skydeck entrance is located on Franklin Street (the east side of the building). Today, the transportation hub runs Amtrak and Metra trains in and out of the city. We were here to take the amtrak Texas Eagle for first time but this building is worth a visit either way. Absolutely beautiful architectural masterpiece! the two floored amtrak club accommodations are also nice. 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. Do you need to book in advance to visit Union Station? 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. I had the tickets and about to hang out for 6hours before ridding up to the train. 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. 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. Passengers looking to grab a bite before taking off can expect airport-like fare including Nuts on Clark, Gold Coast Dogs, Robinson's No. Interested in train travel? We arrived early enough so I could wander around the Grand Hall and study everything. Union Station is an iconic building and a marvel of modern transportation for nearly a century. Originally a tiny hotdog stand called The Dog House, this relic was opened by Dick Portillo in 1963. 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. Heres amap to help guide you through this historic Beaux-Arts beauty.Download aPDF of this map [link opens in anew window]. Dotted with factories and warehouses, West Loop is packed with various types of dining and nightlife options. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Malaysia. We were shuttled to our train car at the appropiate time, and helped with our luggage. W1612 Litchfield Rd, Lake Geneva. 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. I concur with the previous answer. We went by Coach ride and were amazed at the leg room and comfortable atmosphere on the train. I think the Tribune Tower with its rocks from around the world is fascinating. Just grab a RTA Visitior Transit Map and its all at your finger tips. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Up to 48% Off Drive-Through Safari at Safari Lake Geneva. Thanks so much! The station used to be a grungy zoo but over the past few years they have made some updates. =). The tunnel from Union Station to Northwestern Station. 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. more, Points of Interest & Landmarks Architectural Buildings.
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