Rmrmber to be back at the station one hour before train time to check in with the Conductor and get your Boarding Pass. Then we just sat and enjoyed the beauty of the Great Hall right at the train station. Tickets are bought, but Im wondering if there are any ambulatory services available to take them to their train? Chicagos Union Station is the third-busiest rail station in the U.S., with about 140,000 passengers passing through each day. December can be miserable in Chicago--really miserable. So when it was in the school library it was still fairly new. The interior of the building is a classic, with the iconic stairway, the Great Hall and the glass ceilings. 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. 111 S. Michigan Avenue, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Go to the Concourse level where youll find the baggage check. As for chow, if you are not in a Pizza or Diner mood, Al's Beef just around the corner on Adams tosses out an excellent Italian Beef Sandwich. Daily activities, such as the opportunity to meet a zoo animal and ape training sessions, teach children about the zoo's many residents. 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 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. lol. 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. Belmont, Cta, or CTA - Chicago can be used for nearby transit. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. We loved it and looking forward to going back to La Crosse with Amtrak, of course. You have to walk slowly and just feel the history of the building seep into you. The Gage opens at 10. Dotted with factories and warehouses, West Loop is packed with various types of dining and nightlife options. Based in Florida, Mandi Titus has been writing since 2002. 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. People come from all over the world to take the train from Union Station. $$ - $$$ 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. My aunt had a similar layover a few years ago. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The train boards 1/2 hour before train time. Good Morning! Drive-Through Safari Adventure for 1 Adult (age 16+) Up to 35% Off on Arcade at Galaxi Fun Zone. 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. As a frequent train traveler located in Kansas City, I often pass through Chicago to get to my final destination. There are cool boat tours up and down the Chicago River. We arrived early enough so I could wander around the Grand Hall and study everything. Go international with our nine tips for traveling Europe by rail. Any of the architecture tours are just amazing. And Lou Mitchell's at 565 W. Jackson is walking distance. Maybe it was a quiet weekend or time of day but very little people were walking through or sitting on any of the benches. Kids' Activities Near Libertyville, Illinois. 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. The facility cost $75 million dollars to build - more than $1 . It is about a 20 to 30 minute walk from Union Station depending how fast or slow you walk. If you are looking for a good place for a sit down dinner. The main attraction Whether you're waiting on a train or passing through. Register today and take advantage of membership benefits. Yes, red caps service and handicapped transportation (wheel chairs or Tram carts) are available in the station. 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. 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? Familiarize yourself with the Grand Hall and its location as this is where youll wait to board your connecting train. It may not display this or other websites correctly. 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. Randlin: Oh the Exchequer sounds grea!. 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. Is it generally safe to walk from union station to millennium park during the day on the weekend? Bellemore. Two things to see on Jackson Blvd other than Willis are The Federal Reserve Bank and the Chicago Board of Trade. Is the Metropolitan Lounge in full operation, that is, as it was before Covid reductions? Great breakfasts! Stroll the Chicago Riverwalk and watch the kayaks and tour boats float by. 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. 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. 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. Here is what I would do: if you want to eat right away, breakfast at Lou Mitchell's is a good choice. I'll probably be nervous we'll miss boarding and will be way early. 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. 1 Ribs and a bevy of fast food chains. What else is there to do near Union Station? This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 520 W. Taylor Street, ~13-minute walk or 4-minute drive from Union Station. The Skydeck entrance is located on Franklin Street (the east side of the building). 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We will have about 6 hours to spend near Union Station. We may earn commission when you click on or make a purchase via our links. Its a massive train station nearly the size of 10 city blocks and I felt lost. Gets less confusing but it is at first when you arrive and try to figure out where things are here though. 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. Enjoy an immersive wine experience at City Winery. The actual book was published a year before I was born. I am bringing 2 elderly people (89 and 84) in late August for a trip to Seattle. Loading happens quickly and you should try to have luggage you can manage well and move quickly with. It was beautiful. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. These cruises sell out quickly, so consider purchasing tickets in advance. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. 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. 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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. Originally a tiny hotdog stand called The Dog House, this relic was opened by Dick Portillo in 1963. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. 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! 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. We live in La Crosse, Wi. Millennium Park is an award-winning center for art, music, architecture, and landscape design. Then, like now, the station was a major transfer point between passenger trains. 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. Thanks for subscribing! Also located on the north side of the city is the Lincoln Park Zoo. Grab some Giordino's Pizza and you won't need to eat on the train for a week! 3. Union Station Train Travel. Today, the transportation hub runs Amtrak and Metra trains in and out of the city. Having a compartment allows entry. We will be arriving at about 3-4pm and leave at about 10pm. Showers were available, but I never saw them, we didn't even go upstairs, we just settled into a comfortable spot. Chicago Amtrak Station. 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. 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! I do wish they had clear marked parking for the facility. W1612 Litchfield Rd, Lake Geneva. Other Attractions in Chicago. It seemed like I had the whole place to myself. They even texted me when the room was ready and allowed me to check in at noon with no additional charge. Second City one of the world's premier improv comedy theatres has been delighting audiences for more than 50 years. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Absolutely beautiful architectural masterpiece! 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. 10Best Says. Step foot near Union Station during rush hour, and you'll witness how many Chicagoans depend on Metra and Amtrak trains to get them in and out of the city. Chicago was most recently updated with new tips on June 28, 2017. We were here to take the amtrak Texas Eagle for first time but this building is worth a visit either way. Youll hear about the 1920s and 30s in Chicago, learn about the exploits of famous gangsters, and view the sites of the St. Valentines Day Massacre, plus the Biograph Theatre and Holy Name Cathedral. 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. 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. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. I found the lounge to be an oasis. 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. If travel is on your agenda, there are plenty of options. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. Not bad for a layover activity! 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 I whiteness employees at the McDonalds twice a year giving these workers a hard time. Union Station (Chicago) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go.