more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Absolutely beautiful architectural masterpiece! Besides, Chicago is such a vibrant city; it would be a shame to pass through without taking in any of the sights and activities. 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. Sears sold it years ago and it has been the "Willis Tower" for quite some time. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Register today and take advantage of membership benefits. We arrived early enough so I could wander around the Grand Hall and study everything. We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. 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 . It seemed like I had the whole place to myself. 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. After a remodel and renaming in 1967, Portillos now has 17 Chicago locations. Any of the architecture tours are just amazing. Two things to see on Jackson Blvd other than Willis are The Federal Reserve Bank and the Chicago Board of Trade. As I walked to the train tracks there was a little more activity but passage was restricted to ticket holders. Shedd Aquarium is one of the attractions for children near Union Station. You could even bottle a few cases of their wine with your own custom-designed label. 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.). Try another? The Shedd Aquarium puts kids face-to-face with more than 32,000 animals. Chicago Attractions | Amtrak Reddit - Dive into anything 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. 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. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. We always travel business class, so there is a nice lounge to take advantage of with free snacks and soft drinks. 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. Showers were available, but I never saw them, we didn't even go upstairs, we just settled into a comfortable spot. More adventurous foodies will want to pad their schedules with time to explore the surrounding neighborhood for light bites and boozy drinks. 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. It's kind of a giant food court. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Chicago Transit Authority (L Trains & Buses). Just grab a RTA Visitior Transit Map and its all at your finger tips. 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. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Kids' Activities Near Libertyville, Illinois. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41529991', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Millennium Park and explore there. 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. 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. THE 10 BEST Restaurants Near Union Station in Chicago, IL - Tripadvisor Interested in Chicagos diverse and iconic architecture? With 90 minutes notice until the train departed, we were informed by text that our tickets would be cancelled and we would be refunded. The station is huge and has many gorgeous areas. It is about a 20 to 30 minute walk from Union Station depending how fast or slow you walk. Oops, forgot to tell you that the trip is in late December. They even texted me when the room was ready and allowed me to check in at noon with no additional charge. 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. This classic Chicago landmark opened in 1925 as a replacement for an 1881 train station. And Lou Mitchell's at 565 W. Jackson is walking distance. Intersection of Clark and Ohio, ~9-minute drive from Union Station. The main attraction Whether you're waiting on a train or passing through. Youll enjoy 360-degree views that span up to 50 miles and four states. Hi. http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html, http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/19923. The second floor was currently roped off but the main floor was large and the seating comfortable with numerous electronic outlets. 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 live in La Crosse, Wi. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. THE 10 BEST Things to Do Near Union Station, Chicago, IL 201 E. Randolph Street, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. Readers of her USA by Rail blog have come to expect an intimate look at authentic experiences. 255 South Canal StreetChicago, Illinois 60606, Open 7 days a weekUnion Station closes dailybetween 1am-5am. Dirty, dark & creepy. Wendella water taxi to Michigan Avenue and then a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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 . JavaScript is disabled. Dining, Retail & Amenities | Chicago Union Station !" 11/06/2022 Cuisines: Bar Diner Pub Find a table Pret A Manger Be the first to review this restaurant 225 S Canal St If you're just visiting Chicago and not taking the train, well worth the quick visit to see the interior. A family-friendly museum highlight tour is given daily, and hands-on learning activities are offered on the weekends. We never went anywhere by train. Uber ride came in no time and Asan from Bulgaria was friendly and professional. We followed the young generation and we felt that experience was amazing. Hop on board the Untouchable Tours Gangster Bus for the original Chicago gangster tour. Union Station Chicago | Chicago, IL | Things to do in West Loop, Chicago 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. Gets less confusing but it is at first when you arrive and try to figure out where things are here though. Millennium Park Chicago Union Station Luggage Storage | Bounce | $5.90 / Day | Book Find Divvy locations and rates. Trains board quickly. RickMP: The water taxi & lake tour sounds interesting. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. The Windy City is more than just big sports stadiums and amazing museums. 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. The last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing. My luggage like a giant, it's 30inches. That space, which lives up to its name, boasts a 219-food-long barrel-vaulted skylight that acts as the ceiling for the room. Chicagos Union Station is the third-busiest rail station in the U.S., with about 140,000 passengers passing through each day. 9 Things To Do On A Layover At Chicago's Union Station Spend part of your layover on the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise. I wasn't the only one there taking it all in. Union Station (Chicago) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor Things to do around Union Station in Chicago - Trippy Open 7 days a week Union Station closes daily between 1am-5am. December can be miserable in Chicago--really miserable. Photo Credit: Nagel Photography / Shutterstock, Tavarius / Shutterstock. My aunt had a similar layover a few years ago. Chicago is an ideal city for a family vacation, featuring many attractions for young visitors to enjoy in all types of weather. 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. What's the best way to see Union 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. Having a compartment allows entry. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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. Chicago, Illinois 60606. 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. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. I found the lounge to be an oasis. Interested in train travel? The Lincoln Park Zoo offers free daily admission to all visitors. Thanks so much! 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. Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. You have the Sears Tower couple of blocks away. The attached garage is best and less cost than hotel areas. The Best Luggage Storage in Chicago | $5.90 / Day | Bounce We usually take Amtrak to Chicago from Jackson Mi. Can someone please tell me the process to board the train? No later train option, no accommodation, only that we would have a chance to ride AFTER Christmas. 3. more. Not bad for a layover activity! Does the train station provide any baggage storage lockers so that we could visit Willis tower without toting our bags? 97% of travelers recommend this experience. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41527197', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Chicago. What else is there to do near Union Station? You feel the pain. The actual book was published a year before I was born. We will be arriving at about 3-4pm and leave at about 10pm. Youll find restaurants and concessions during the summer months, plus benches and lookout points, boat rentals, and water tours. 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. 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. Users simply pick up a bike from a self-service docking station and return it to a station near their destination. Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? The tour guides are actors who take on the personas of 1920s gangsters. 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. 376 N. Michigan Avenue, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. As a Kansas City expert, Jills travel guide, The Best of Kansas City: 3-Day Itinerary, launched number one in its category on Amazon. 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. She didn't want to walk too far, so we took a cab over to Greektown and had a leisurely lunch at Greek Isles. Once I get to the station, where do I go? Everything you need to know about visiting Union Station(225 S Canal St, Chicago IL 60606). Sounds like a nice trip! 93% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. We recommend booking Union Station tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Drive-Through Safari Adventure for 1 Adult (age 16+) Up to 35% Off on Arcade at Galaxi Fun Zone. Considering this was a large transportation hub there was a lot of available metered street parking right along the street. 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. I've not been to the museum, but the Wright homes are gorgeous. If you have a roomette or sleeper car,you can hang out in the Metrpolitan Lounge while you wait. 45 Credits, One Popcorn, and One Fountain Drink for One Person. If you'd like to shop, walk north on Michigan (the "Magnificent Mile" area of high end stores). 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. But myself, I'd walk south on Michigan a few blocks to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We found 1,474 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 7 minutes from Union Station Experiences from RM 36 See 38 Experiences Chicago Riverwalk 3,057 Reviews Chicago, IL 60601 7 minutes from Union Station 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! If travel is on your agenda, there are plenty of options. Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago, located just 12 minutes' walk from Chicago Union Station, is a 4-star hotel offering property cleaning with disinfectant, linens washed at a temperature of at least 60C/140F, and contactless check-in.If you're looking for a more affordable option, Hotel Chicago West Loop is a 2.5-star hotel offering enhanced cleaning measures that is 28 minutes walk from the . I was faced with about the same situation and my Hotel was more than accommodating in holding my luggage for me and had their house keeping staff tend to my room first. Go to the Concourse level where youll find the baggage check. Hotels near Chicago Union Station We were here to take the amtrak Texas Eagle for first time but this building is worth a visit either way. 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 station used to be a grungy zoo but over the past few years they have made some updates. 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. I am bringing 2 elderly people (89 and 84) in late August for a trip to Seattle. 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. 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 . We were shuttled to our train car at the appropiate time, and helped with our luggage. We may earn commission when you click on or make a purchase via our links. 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. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. The interior of the building is a classic, with the iconic stairway, the Great Hall and the glass ceilings. Amtrak trains on many different routes arrive and depart from the Chicago Union Station at 225 S Canal Street. W1612 Litchfield Rd, Lake Geneva. Maybe it was a quiet weekend or time of day but very little people were walking through or sitting on any of the benches. 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. Here is what I would do: if you want to eat right away, breakfast at Lou Mitchell's is a good choice. 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. Randlin: Oh the Exchequer sounds grea!. There are cool boat tours up and down the Chicago River. The Great Hall with its soaring glass ceilings was quite spectacular. Even if you're not catching a train to anywhere, you really need to just step into this building and feel the history. 520 W. Taylor Street, ~13-minute walk or 4-minute drive from Union Station. Luggage storage Union Station $6 / day | Bag Storage & Lockers Is it generally safe to walk from union station to millennium park during the day on the weekend? Today, the transportation hub runs Amtrak and Metra trains in and out of the city. You are using an out of date browser. 111 S. Michigan Avenue, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. Kids are able to observe a wide range of animals, including antelopes, lions, seals, tigers, wallabies and zebras. 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. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. $$ - $$$ 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.