things to do near union station chicago things to do near union station chicago

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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. A family-friendly museum highlight tour is given daily, and hands-on learning activities are offered on the weekends. Older children, taller than 55 inches, are also able to participate in the aquarium's behind-the-scenes tour for an additional fee. The Chicago Riverwalk runs along historic Wacker Drive from Lake Michigan west to Lake Street, with access at street level from each major intersection. If you don't mind spending some money, the Willis Tower is right next door and would be interesting. So callous and unapologetic in completely ruining part of our Christmas experience. What else is there to do near Union Station? (Photo: Tim Boyle/Getty Images News/Getty Images ). i need to know is there any place some one can wait if there lay over is after 12am? 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. I found the lounge to be an oasis. Union Station also features a variety of retail stores, eateries, and offers a grand ballroom for banquets and weddings. Chicagos Union Station is the third-busiest rail station in the U.S., with about 140,000 passengers passing through each day. Open 7 days a week Union Station closes daily between 1am-5am. I had the tickets and about to hang out for 6hours before ridding up to the train. After a remodel and renaming in 1967, Portillos now has 17 Chicago locations. Go to the Concourse level where youll find the baggage check. That first layover wasnt my proudest moment as a solo traveler. 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? This is the 1st leg of a total relaxation vacation. Is it generally safe to walk from union station to millennium park during the day on the weekend? The Polar Express journey begins with a visit to the Founders Room to collect our Golden Tickets. 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. $16.77 $12.00. Jill Dutton 5. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Stetson University. Established . The last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing. Tickets are bought, but Im wondering if there are any ambulatory services available to take them to their train? Thanks so much! 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. No later train option, no accommodation, only that we would have a chance to ride AFTER Christmas. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. more. Not bad for a layover activity! 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 actual book was published a year before I was born. 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 . Readers of her USA by Rail blog have come to expect an intimate look at authentic experiences. 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! 2) You MUST walk over to Millennium Park and see the Bean and the Fountains. 1200 W. Randolph Street, ~7-minute drive from Union Station. 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. We arrived early enough so I could wander around the Grand Hall and study everything. You feel the pain. 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. And then our sons went by train one time and had an easy and nice ride. It seemed like I had the whole place to myself. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Malaysia. We will be arriving at about 3-4pm and leave at about 10pm. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. The main attraction Whether you're waiting on a train or passing through. !" 11/06/2022 Cuisines: Bar Diner Pub Find a table Pret A Manger Be the first to review this restaurant 225 S Canal St Not an ideal way to spend a layover. The station used to be a grungy zoo but over the past few years they have made some updates. Union Station. 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. 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. 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Yes, red caps service and handicapped transportation (wheel chairs or Tram carts) are available in the station. 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. It's less than half a mile from Union Station. They have free snacks, TV's, and comfy chairs. Randlin: Oh the Exchequer sounds grea!. Sears sold it years ago and it has been the "Willis Tower" for quite some time. So when it was in the school library it was still fairly new. Download a PDF of this Things to Do at and near Union Station. Interested in Chicagos diverse and iconic architecture? Spend part of your layover on the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise. Explore different ways to experience this place. 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. 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. We loved it and looking forward to going back to La Crosse with Amtrak, of course. Do you need to book in advance to visit 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. 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. Today, the transportation hub runs Amtrak and Metra trains in and out of the city. 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 more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. On the south side of town the Willis Tower . 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. I'm going to look in to that too. Youll meet at the Southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive. 3. We went out to purchase our meals, and brought them back and ate them in comfort, while watching a huge TV. Loading happens quickly and you should try to have luggage you can manage well and move quickly with. Drinks and snack items were offered. Location Provided With Ticket Purchase, ~10-minute drive from Union Station. (Photo: Tim Boyle/Getty Images News/Getty Images ), Zoos & Aquariums Near Champaign, Illinois, Shedd Aquarium: Plan a Visit -- Hours and Calendar, Famous Tourist Attractions in the State of Illinois, Rock Climbing Walls for Kids in Central Illinois, Kids' Attractions Near Union Station, Chicago, Illinois, Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights. 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. 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. Just grab a RTA Visitior Transit Map and its all at your finger tips. more. Youll enjoy 360-degree views that span up to 50 miles and four states. There's a bunch of touristy stuff to do near that area. 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. 4.6. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. I will check their website out more. 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. Other child-friendly accommodations include family bathrooms and ramps designed for easy stroller maneuverability. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41527197', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Chicago. Do NOT forget the Peppers, http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willis_Tower, https://www.orderalsbeef.com/Media/Menus/adams%20web%20menu.pdf. What else is there to do near Union Station? Maybe it was a quiet weekend or time of day but very little people were walking through or sitting on any of the benches. Bellemore's lunch menu is wildly underrated, which is great news for you, weary traveler. The facility cost $75 million dollars to build - more than $1 . The tour guides are actors who take on the personas of 1920s gangsters. You could visit the Art Institute if that's an interest. 1 Ribs and a bevy of fast food chains. Wendella water taxi to Michigan Avenue and then a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. 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. This will be our 1st trip without kids in too many years to count, so we don't mind some splurges. 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. Devastated our child, who was already dressed in his Polar Express pajamas and ready to go. 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. Divvy, Chicago's bike-share program, offers over 580 stations and 5,800 bikes across the city, available for rent 24/7. 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. If travel is on your agenda, there are plenty of options. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. It was beautiful. Stroll the Chicago Riverwalk and watch the kayaks and tour boats float by. We may earn commission when you click on or make a purchase via our links. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! These are free. Then we just sat and enjoyed the beauty of the Great Hall right at the train station. 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? Hi. 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Whetheryou're waiting on a train or passing through the building,you can't miss Union Station's crown jewel, the Great Hall. Even if you're not catching a train to anywhere, you really need to just step into this building and feel the history. Then walk or cab back to the train station. Sounds like a nice trip! We never went anywhere by train. Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? 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'll probably be nervous we'll miss boarding and will be way early. Dirty, dark & creepy. What's the best way to see Union Station? 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. We got there at the 30 minute mark and over 200 people were in line for our train. We followed the young generation and we felt that experience was amazing. 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. The Skydeck entrance is located on Franklin Street (the east side of the building). Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. I too sometimes call it the Sears Tower in a weak moment. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Hop on board the Untouchable Tours Gangster Bus for the original Chicago gangster tour. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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 is an ideal city for a family vacation, featuring many attractions for young visitors to enjoy in all types of weather. http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html - a quick cab or bus ride. As a Kansas City expert, Jills travel guide, The Best of Kansas City: 3-Day Itinerary, launched number one in its category on Amazon. How long would that take? Millennium Park, The Art Institue and the Adler Planetarium are also on the trolley routes. Kids' Activities Near Libertyville, Illinois. 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? Once I get to the station, where do I go? Second City one of the world's premier improv comedy theatres has been delighting audiences for more than 50 years. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. 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 . One of the most beautiful stations in the United Stations, it opened in 1925 next to the Chicago Loop. Intersection of Clark and Ohio, ~9-minute drive from Union Station. Considering this was a large transportation hub there was a lot of available metered street parking right along the street. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Passengers looking to grab a bite before taking off can expect airport-like fare including Nuts on Clark, Gold Coast Dogs, Robinson's No. Inside the station, be sure to take in the Grand Staircases in the Great Hall, made famous by the movie The Untouchables. Several sub-neighborhoods within West Loop make this a unique neighborhood to visit. Everything you need to know about visiting Union Station(225 S Canal St, Chicago IL 60606). If you have a business class ticket you can store your luggage for free in the Metropolitan Lounge - if not go near the Greyhound bus desk and across from there they have the baggage check. 111 S. Michigan Avenue, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. 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. The station is located at 225 S Canal St and the west side of the Chicago River between Adams Street and West Jackson Boulevard very close to the city center and just next to the Chicago Greyhound Bus station. Union Station and the Metropolitan Lounge. Uber ride came in no time and Asan from Bulgaria was friendly and professional. Here you can be involved in the winemaking process from the crush and fermentation to the blend. Then, take a water taxi from the Madison St stop to Michigan Avenue, a nice way to see some of the buildings. 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. Our train arrives at 9am and cant check into the hotel until afternoon. Dotted with factories and warehouses, West Loop is packed with various types of dining and nightlife options. Union Station is an iconic building and a marvel of modern transportation for nearly a century. 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. Look for the blue awning marking the stairway entrance. Good Morning! Amtrak allows two bags, a cooler, and a personal item per person, so I always have at least four pieces of luggage. The attached garage is best and less cost than hotel areas. That space, which lives up to its name, boasts a 219-food-long barrel-vaulted skylight that acts as the ceiling for the room. As I walked to the train tracks there was a little more activity but passage was restricted to ticket holders. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. You have to walk slowly and just feel the history of the building seep into you. Up to 48% Off Drive-Through Safari at Safari Lake Geneva. 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. 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. If you'd like to shop, walk north on Michigan (the "Magnificent Mile" area of high end stores). 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.