I had the tickets and about to hang out for 6hours before ridding up to the train. Oops, forgot to tell you that the trip is in late December. 2) You MUST walk over to Millennium Park and see the Bean and the Fountains. 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? Open since 1925, Union Station remains Chicago's intercity rail terminal and the largest terminal for commuter trains. Train Trips To Experience In 2023, My 9 Favorite Experiences On A Relaxing Weekend Train Trip From Denver To Moab, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum, Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise. Photo Credit: Nagel Photography / Shutterstock, Tavarius / Shutterstock. 45 Credits, One Popcorn, and One Fountain Drink for One Person. 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. 4.6. Not bad for a layover activity! The Chicago Riverwalk runs along historic Wacker Drive from Lake Michigan west to Lake Street, with access at street level from each major intersection. Hi. 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. 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There's a bunch of touristy stuff to do near that area. 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 Dave148: We were thinking of breakfast. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Any restaurant recommendations or ideas on places to go (& best means of travel to get there) would be so appreciated. Thanks so much! The Shedd Aquarium puts kids face-to-face with more than 32,000 animals. Any of the architecture tours are just amazing. Union Station Train Travel. Its well worth the $10-per-bag charge to check my bags during a layover as it ensures the ease of getting around town hands-free. 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 The Station does have lockers that you can rent, or if you are eligible for Amtrak's Metropolitan Lounge they have an open storage area inside the lounge area. 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. 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. 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? It was beautiful. 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 . We already have this email. 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. Jill is currently writing the first of 12 train travel guides: Ride the Southwest Chief. Interested in train travel? 1200 W. Randolph Street, ~7-minute drive from Union Station. The attached garage is best and less cost than hotel areas. Chicago, Illinois 60606. Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? 520 W. Taylor Street, ~13-minute walk or 4-minute drive from Union Station. 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. Drive-Through Safari Adventure for 1 Adult (age 16+) Up to 35% Off on Arcade at Galaxi Fun Zone. It was late only 12 minutes from La Crosse and making it on time to Union Station, Chicago. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. Explore different ways to experience this place. 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. Would definitely want to wait in the Metropolitan again if given the opportunity. Daily activities, such as the opportunity to meet a zoo animal and ape training sessions, teach children about the zoo's many residents. Everything you need to know about visiting Union Station(225 S Canal St, Chicago IL 60606). The outside of the station was a little grayish but it was so much more impressive inside. You could even bottle a few cases of their wine with your own custom-designed label. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. Youll find restaurants and concessions during the summer months, plus benches and lookout points, boat rentals, and water tours. 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. 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. 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 Yes, red caps service and handicapped transportation (wheel chairs or Tram carts) are available in the station. Originally a tiny hotdog stand called The Dog House, this relic was opened by Dick Portillo in 1963. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Safety is not a big issue IMHO. Chicagos Union Station is the third-busiest rail station in the U.S., with about 140,000 passengers passing through each day. Kids are able to observe a wide range of animals, including antelopes, lions, seals, tigers, wallabies and zebras. Uber ride came in no time and Asan from Bulgaria was friendly and professional. Shedd Aquarium is one of the attractions for children 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. Then, like now, the station was a major transfer point between passenger trains. With 90 minutes notice until the train departed, we were informed by text that our tickets would be cancelled and we would be refunded. That first layover wasnt my proudest moment as a solo traveler. Chicago was most recently updated with new tips on June 28, 2017. We followed the young generation and we felt that experience was amazing. Once I get to the station, where do I go? Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. Go to the Concourse level where youll find the baggage check. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. $16.77 $12.00. 3. Download a PDF of this Do NOT forget the Peppers, http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willis_Tower, https://www.orderalsbeef.com/Media/Menus/adams%20web%20menu.pdf. 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. We loved it and looking forward to going back to La Crosse with Amtrak, of course. Our train arrives at 9am and cant check into the hotel until afternoon. If youre a sleeping car or first-class passenger, spend some time relaxing in the Metropolitan Lounge (or, if youre a coach passenger, consider paying the daily fee for access) located in the Grand Hall. 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. 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. What else is there to do near Union Station? 95% of travelers recommend this experience. Up to 48% Off Drive-Through Safari at Safari Lake Geneva. IlliniTrav: We were thinking of Greektown. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. more. Hi, just want to check if the luggage storage is still available currently. I'm going to look in to that too. It is about a 20 to 30 minute walk from Union Station depending how fast or slow you walk. I've not been to the museum, but the Wright homes are gorgeous. Chicago Amtrak Station. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. If you are looking for a good place for a sit down dinner. 10Best Says. Do you need to book in advance to visit Union Station? It may not display this or other websites correctly. the two floored amtrak club accommodations are also nice. 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. There are cool boat tours up and down the Chicago River. Familiarize yourself with the Grand Hall and its location as this is where youll wait to board your connecting train. 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. The Pritzker Family Children's Zoo area provides children the opportunity to view snakes and insects at their eye level, and there is a treetop-themed climbing area for them to explore. My aunt had a similar layover a few years ago. Now, she enjoys travelingand writing aboutthe U.S. and Canada by train. If you are really into architecture, and Chicago is world famous for its, I would recommend perusing this site for all kinds of tours and other info. We who live in Chicago wouldn't dream of calling it Willisor Willie. 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. Fulton Market, Randolph Market, Jackson Boulevard and Greek Town make up the West Loop. more. You have to walk slowly and just feel the history of the building seep into you. We were shuttled to our train car at the appropiate time, and helped with our luggage. Showers were available, but I never saw them, we didn't even go upstairs, we just settled into a comfortable spot. We may earn commission when you click on or make a purchase via our links. http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html - a quick cab or bus ride. You can do more than merely catch a train at and near Chicago Union Station, such as: . This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Shedd Aquarium is one of the attractions for children near Union Station. 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. So callous and unapologetic in completely ruining part of our Christmas experience. The architecture of the Great Hall is worth seeing. Overall a nice place to visit or spend some extra time before or after your Amtrak or Metra train, the L or bus ride. Then, take a water taxi from the Madison St stop to Michigan Avenue, a nice way to see some of the buildings. But myself, I'd walk south on Michigan a few blocks to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I too sometimes call it the Sears Tower in a weak moment. So when it was in the school library it was still fairly new. These are free. 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. If you'd like to shop, walk north on Michigan (the "Magnificent Mile" area of high end stores). Intersection of Clark and Ohio, ~9-minute drive from Union Station. Does the train station provide any baggage storage lockers so that we could visit Willis tower without toting our bags? Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Youll feel more confident when you detrain and will be able to focus on having fun during your time in Chicago. 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. She didn't want to walk too far, so we took a cab over to Greektown and had a leisurely lunch at Greek Isles. Look for the blue awning marking the stairway entrance. After a remodel and renaming in 1967, Portillos now has 17 Chicago locations. Youll meet at the Southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The train boards 1/2 hour before train time. Try another? I wasn't the only one there taking it all in. Dj vu! Jill Dutton 5. 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 . 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. Amentities? Register today and take advantage of membership benefits. Wendella water taxi to Michigan Avenue and then a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Also Hemingway's house is there with a museum. Chicago Transit Authority (L Trains & Buses). Dirty, dark & creepy. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. While killing time before heading to Ohare we decided to stop by and see the historical Union Station. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Malaysia. You could visit the Art Institute if that's an interest. We live in La Crosse, Wi. Is there wheelchair assistance available at Union Station? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41530204', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Wendella River/Lake tour. As a Kansas City expert, Jills travel guide, The Best of Kansas City: 3-Day Itinerary, launched number one in its category on Amazon. Travel + Trains. Things to Do at and near Union Station. Amtrak; Metra Commuter Rail; Transfer Options. 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We arrived early enough so I could wander around the Grand Hall and study everything. Take a brisk walk to Portillos Hot Dogs for a classic Chicago hot dog. 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. Older children, taller than 55 inches, are also able to participate in the aquarium's behind-the-scenes tour for an additional fee. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. I whiteness employees at the McDonalds twice a year giving these workers a hard time. Check with your hotel to see if they will hold your luggage until check-in. You are using an out of date browser. 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. They even texted me when the room was ready and allowed me to check in at noon with no additional charge. We never went anywhere by train. You may have to clomb narrow stairs to board the train. =) Report inappropriate content 1-10 of 12 replies Sorted by 1 2 Dave148 Illinois Destination Expert This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Millennium Park is an award-winning center for art, music, architecture, and landscape design. Thanks so much! 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. Randlin: Oh the Exchequer sounds grea!. Location Provided With Ticket Purchase, ~10-minute drive from Union Station. The Windy City is more than just big sports stadiums and amazing museums. We always travel business class, so there is a nice lounge to take advantage of with free snacks and soft drinks. 201 E. Randolph Street, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. Millennium Park, The Art Institue and the Adler Planetarium are also on the trolley routes. Everyone's suggestions are really good. The station used to be a grungy zoo but over the past few years they have made some updates. It's well worth a trip to Chicago. 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. Union Station also features a variety of retail stores, eateries, and offers a grand ballroom for banquets and weddings. 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 ? We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. Along the Riverwalk, stop by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza and the McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum. JavaScript is disabled. On the Mezzanine level there were some fast food options like Starbucks, Jersey Mikes. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. lol. Several sub-neighborhoods within West Loop make this a unique neighborhood to visit. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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. 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* Gets less confusing but it is at first when you arrive and try to figure out where things are here though. 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 usually take Amtrak to Chicago from Jackson Mi. Here is what I would do: if you want to eat right away, breakfast at Lou Mitchell's is a good choice. 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. 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. One of the most beautiful stations in the United Stations, it opened in 1925 next to the Chicago Loop. On the south side of town the Willis Tower . Whetheryou're waiting on a train or passing through the building,you can't miss Union Station's crown jewel, the Great Hall. Maybe it was a quiet weekend or time of day but very little people were walking through or sitting on any of the benches. 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. 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. What day of the week and what time of day is your layover? 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 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 Neoclassic exterior is dominated by the colonnades. The Great Hall with its soaring glass ceilings was quite spectacular. They need real working security at the union station I find many unmasked trouble makers also homeless asking for money in the mornings you have crack heads Asking for money.