The outside of the station was a little grayish but it was so much more impressive inside. This will be our 1st trip without kids in too many years to count, so we don't mind some splurges. I would recommend arriving 30 minutes early to Union Station at a minimum. Union Station also features a variety of retail stores, eateries, and offers a grand ballroom for banquets and weddings. Readers of her USA by Rail blog have come to expect an intimate look at authentic experiences. Acquainting yourself with the layout of the station ahead of time will help. After a remodel and renaming in 1967, Portillos now has 17 Chicago locations. These cruises sell out quickly, so consider purchasing tickets in advance. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Malaysia. 10Best Says. 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. It was beautiful. 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. 2020 USATODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. 4.6. Bellemore's lunch menu is wildly underrated, which is great news for you, weary traveler. I found the lounge to be an oasis. Would never recommend, terrible. 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. 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. If you have a lengthy layover and a love of food, this is the perfect Union Station layover activity for you. And then our sons went by train one time and had an easy and nice ride. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Does the train station provide any baggage storage lockers so that we could visit Willis tower without toting our bags? Can someone please tell me the process to board the train? Heres amap to help guide you through this historic Beaux-Arts beauty.Download aPDF of this map [link opens in anew window]. Chicago was most recently updated with new tips on June 28, 2017. 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. more. 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. Hop on board the Untouchable Tours Gangster Bus for the original Chicago gangster tour. It seemed like I had the whole place to myself. Belmont, Cta, or CTA - Chicago can be used for nearby transit. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. Chicago Transit Authority (L Trains & Buses). Oops, forgot to tell you that the trip is in late December. Travel + Trains. Not an ideal way to spend a layover. We may earn commission when you click on or make a purchase via our links. Amentities? 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 interior of the building is a classic, with the iconic stairway, the Great Hall and the glass ceilings. She didn't want to walk too far, so we took a cab over to Greektown and had a leisurely lunch at Greek Isles. 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. RickMP: The water taxi & lake tour sounds interesting. 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. Open since 1925, Union Station remains Chicago's intercity rail terminal and the largest terminal for commuter trains. Also located on the north side of the city is the Lincoln Park Zoo. You have to walk slowly and just feel the history of the building seep into you. The station used to be a grungy zoo but over the past few years they have made some updates. Bellemore. 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. On the south side of town the Willis Tower . Youll find restaurants and concessions during the summer months, plus benches and lookout points, boat rentals, and water tours. 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. The station is huge and has many gorgeous areas. 28% discount_off. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. We followed the young generation and we felt that experience was amazing. I wasn't the only one there taking it all in. Several sub-neighborhoods within West Loop make this a unique neighborhood to visit. You can check your bags through to your next destination (if you didnt do so on the first leg of your trip) or leave them for the day, freeing you up to check out the city without lugging bags around. I had the tickets and about to hang out for 6hours before ridding up to the train. Millennium Park, The Art Institue and the Adler Planetarium are also on the trolley routes. Based in Florida, Mandi Titus has been writing since 2002. Alternatively, you may use, 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, Restaurants near Canopy by Hilton Chicago Central Loop, Restaurants near Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown West Loop, Restaurants near La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chicago Downtown, Restaurants near Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago-Downtown, an IHG Hotel, Restaurants near Corporate Suites Network at Presidential Towers, Restaurants near Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Downtown/Loop, Restaurants near Hyatt Place Chicago / Downtown - The Loop, Restaurants near Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Central Loop, Restaurants near Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower, Restaurants near Old St. Patrick's Church, Restaurants near Chicago Prohibition Tours, Restaurants near Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank, Restaurants near Columbia College Chicago, Restaurants near Loyola University Chicago, Restaurants near Chicago State University, Restaurants near Northeastern Illinois University, Restaurants near University of Illinois at Chicago, Restaurants near National Louis University, Restaurants near Illinois Institute of Technology. The second floor was currently roped off but the main floor was large and the seating comfortable with numerous electronic outlets. Her articles have been published on sites such as Goodkin, Go Green Street and Living the Healthy Way. Originally a tiny hotdog stand called The Dog House, this relic was opened by Dick Portillo in 1963. Inside the station, be sure to take in the Grand Staircases in the Great Hall, made famous by the movie The Untouchables. Photo Credit: Nagel Photography / Shutterstock, Tavarius / Shutterstock. Amtrak; Metra Commuter Rail; Transfer Options. The artwork was eye pleasing and there are windows to look out to the Great Hall. 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. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. Sounds like a nice trip! Users simply pick up a bike from a self-service docking station and return it to a station near their destination. Lou Mitchell's looks fun. 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.). You can do more than merely catch a train at and near Chicago Union Station, such as: . The Lincoln Park Zoo offers free daily admission to all visitors. Thanks for subscribing! There are cool boat tours up and down the Chicago River. 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. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. While killing time before heading to Ohare we decided to stop by and see the historical Union Station. How long would that take? 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. We recommend booking Union Station tours ahead of time to secure your spot. 111 S. Michigan Avenue, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. Chicagos Union Station is the third-busiest rail station in the U.S., with about 140,000 passengers passing through each day. You feel the pain. Here you can be involved in the winemaking process from the crush and fermentation to the blend. Dotted with factories and warehouses, West Loop is packed with various types of dining and nightlife options. =). We usually take Amtrak to Chicago from Jackson Mi. 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. Yes, red caps service and handicapped transportation (wheel chairs or Tram carts) are available in the station. Fulton Market, Randolph Market, Jackson Boulevard and Greek Town make up the West Loop. 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. 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* 376 N. Michigan Avenue, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. Thanks so much! I'd really appreciate your help :). Here's a map to help guide you through this historic Beaux-Arts beauty. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. Gets less confusing but it is at first when you arrive and try to figure out where things are here though. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Stetson University. Millennium Park 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. 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. (Photo: Tim Boyle/Getty Images News/Getty Images ). They may serve their brunch menu on Saturdays as well, not sure. Once I get to the station, where do I go? Shedd Aquarium is one of the attractions for children near Union Station. Drinks and snack items were offered. Interested in train travel? 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 am bringing 2 elderly people (89 and 84) in late August for a trip to Seattle. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. We went by Coach ride and were amazed at the leg room and comfortable atmosphere on the train. What else is there to do near Union Station? The train boards 1/2 hour before train time. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. Its a massive train station nearly the size of 10 city blocks and I felt lost. I concur with the previous answer. Thank you so much for all the great suggestions & tips. =). As a frequent train traveler located in Kansas City, I often pass through Chicago to get to my final destination. I too sometimes call it the Sears Tower in a weak moment. http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html - a quick cab or bus ride. Older children, taller than 55 inches, are also able to participate in the aquarium's behind-the-scenes tour for an additional fee. The Skydeck entrance is located on Franklin Street (the east side of the building). Download a PDF of this Sears sold it years ago and it has been the "Willis Tower" for quite some time. We will be arriving at about 3-4pm and leave at about 10pm. We will have about 6 hours to spend near Union Station. My aunt had a similar layover a few years ago. http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html, http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/19923. As a Kansas City expert, Jills travel guide, The Best of Kansas City: 3-Day Itinerary, launched number one in its category on Amazon. We already have this email. 1200 W. Randolph Street, ~7-minute drive from Union Station. If you're just visiting Chicago and not taking the train, well worth the quick visit to see the interior. 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. I live in Chicago - Sears Tower, Greek Town for food are great ideas! 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. It was late only 12 minutes from La Crosse and making it on time to Union Station, Chicago. 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 One of the most beautiful stations in the United Stations, it opened in 1925 next to the Chicago Loop. You could go to the Sears tower or go to millennium park to see the bean or the magnificent mile. 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. 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 whiteness employees at the McDonalds twice a year giving these workers a hard time. We did walk it once because we were dropped off at the wrong station. The Gage opens at 10. 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. Familiarize yourself with the Grand Hall and its location as this is where youll wait to board your connecting train. 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. We were here to take the amtrak Texas Eagle for first time but this building is worth a visit either way. Find Divvy locations and rates. JavaScript is disabled. Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. 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 can't help but look up and around. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41529991', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Millennium Park and explore there. Study the map before taking off on a train trip with a Chicago layover. Then walk or cab back to the train station. It's kind of a giant food court. 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. It may not display this or other websites correctly. And Lou Mitchell's at 565 W. Jackson is walking distance. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Go to the Concourse level where youll find the baggage check. Youll feel more confident when you detrain and will be able to focus on having fun during your time in Chicago. Along the Riverwalk, stop by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza and the McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum. 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 We are taking an Amtrak trip with a "layover" in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Today, the transportation hub runs Amtrak and Metra trains in and out of the city. Dave148: We were thinking of breakfast. Daily activities, such as the opportunity to meet a zoo animal and ape training sessions, teach children about the zoo's many residents. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Where in Union Station do I catch the Amtrak to Princeton, IL? Here is what I would do: if you want to eat right away, breakfast at Lou Mitchell's is a good choice. 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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 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. The Windy City is more than just big sports stadiums and amazing museums. Interesting how everyone still calls it the "Sears Tower". Hi. This is the 1st leg of a total relaxation vacation. Look for the blue awning marking the stairway entrance. 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. What else is there to do near Union Station? 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 . 2) You MUST walk over to Millennium Park and see the Bean and the Fountains. The Polar Express journey begins with a visit to the Founders Room to collect our Golden Tickets. Shallow: Great reminder. We live in La Crosse, Wi. 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. 45 Credits, One Popcorn, and One Fountain Drink for One Person. The Great Hall with its soaring glass ceilings was quite spectacular. 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. 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. 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.

Smokey From The Pjs Girlfriend, Melvor Leveling Guide, Educational Leadership Conferences 2023, Articles T