Chicago is an ideal city for a family vacation, featuring many attractions for young visitors to enjoy in all types of weather. Union Station Chicago | Chicago, IL | Things to do in West Loop, Chicago Dj vu! Thanks for subscribing! Is it generally safe to walk from union station to millennium park during the day on the weekend? Clean restrooms. 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! Maybe it was a quiet weekend or time of day but very little people were walking through or sitting on any of the benches. You are using an out of date browser. Take a brisk walk to Portillos Hot Dogs for a classic Chicago hot dog. Based in Florida, Mandi Titus has been writing since 2002. Now, she enjoys travelingand writing aboutthe U.S. and Canada by train. The Top 10 Things to Do Near Union Station, Chicago - Tripadvisor Chicago Union Station Luggage Storage | Bounce | $5.90 / Day | Book more. THE 10 BEST Restaurants Near Union Station in Chicago, IL - Tripadvisor I had the tickets and about to hang out for 6hours before ridding up to the train. There is also the free trolley to some of the shopping areas such as State Street and Navy Pier. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The attached garage is best and less cost than hotel areas. Today, the transportation hub runs Amtrak and Metra trains in and out of the city. Location Provided With Ticket Purchase, ~10-minute drive from Union Station. 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. Union Station (Chicago) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. There's a bunch of touristy stuff to do near that area. We arrived early enough so I could wander around the Grand Hall and study everything. Absolutely beautiful architectural masterpiece! 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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. You have the Sears Tower couple of blocks away. We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. Inside the station, be sure to take in the Grand Staircases in the Great Hall, made famous by the movie The Untouchables. Oops, forgot to tell you that the trip is in late December. They may serve their brunch menu on Saturdays as well, not sure. 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 . Not bad for a layover activity! The facility cost $75 million dollars to build - more than $1 . 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. Union Station is an iconic building and a marvel of modern transportation for nearly a century. Union Station also features a variety of retail stores, eateries, and offers a grand ballroom for banquets and weddings. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Malaysia. We usually take Amtrak to Chicago from Jackson Mi. The Chicago Riverwalk runs along historic Wacker Drive from Lake Michigan west to Lake Street, with access at street level from each major intersection. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. What day of the week and what time of day is your layover? Acquainting yourself with the layout of the station ahead of time will help. Grab some Giordino's Pizza and you won't need to eat on the train for a week! 97% of travelers recommend this experience. You may have to clomb narrow stairs to board the train. We went by Coach ride and were amazed at the leg room and comfortable atmosphere on the train. The Gage opens at 10. 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. I'd really appreciate your help :). It's well worth a trip to Chicago. Sears sold it years ago and it has been the "Willis Tower" for quite some time. 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. 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. 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 They have free snacks, TV's, and comfy chairs. 376 N. Michigan Avenue, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. 233 S. Wacker Drive, ~5-minute walk or 2-minute drive from Union Station. The Shedd Aquarium puts kids face-to-face with more than 32,000 animals. 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 did walk it once because we were dropped off at the wrong station. Sounds like a nice trip! Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. 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. 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. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. Would definitely want to wait in the Metropolitan again if given the opportunity. The second floor was currently roped off but the main floor was large and the seating comfortable with numerous electronic outlets. 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* Any restaurant recommendations or ideas on places to go (& best means of travel to get there) would be so appreciated. Things to do around Union Station in Chicago - Trippy I would recommend arriving 30 minutes early to Union Station at a minimum. $16.77 $12.00. 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. Older children, taller than 55 inches, are also able to participate in the aquarium's behind-the-scenes tour for an additional fee. I do wish they had clear marked parking for the facility. The outside of the station was a little grayish but it was so much more impressive inside. Getting Around Chicago | Trains, Parking, Taxis & Bike Sharing It may not display this or other websites correctly. Other Attractions in Chicago. These cruises sell out quickly, so consider purchasing tickets in advance. 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. Spend part of your layover on the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise. Open since 1925, Union Station remains Chicago's intercity rail terminal and the largest terminal for commuter trains. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Travel writer and publisher of Evolving Magazine, Jill Dutton caught the train travel bug when she spent three months in Europe with a Eurail pass. You can't help but look up and around. http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html, http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/19923. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. Kids' Attractions Near Union Station, Chicago, Illinois Chicagos Union Station is the third-busiest rail station in the U.S., with about 140,000 passengers passing through each day. Reddit - Dive into anything 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. I've not been to the museum, but the Wright homes are gorgeous. Millennium Park, The Art Institue and the Adler Planetarium are also on the trolley routes. Chicago Amtrak Station. Best Restaurants Near Union Station Chicago - timeout.com (Photo: Tim Boyle/Getty Images News/Getty Images ). Divvy, Chicago's bike-share program, offers over 580 stations and 5,800 bikes across the city, available for rent 24/7. 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. 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. Complete Station Map | Chicago Union Station We got there at the 30 minute mark and over 200 people were in line for our train. 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. 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. A couple blocks away is the French market. 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. How long would that take? 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. i need to know is there any place some one can wait if there lay over is after 12am? 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. 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 . Several sub-neighborhoods within West Loop make this a unique neighborhood to visit. Find Divvy locations and rates. Then we just sat and enjoyed the beauty of the Great Hall right at the train station. Our train arrives at 9am and cant check into the hotel until afternoon. I will check their website out more. 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! Trains board quickly. Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? We were shuttled to our train car at the appropiate time, and helped with our luggage. 520 W. Taylor Street, ~13-minute walk or 4-minute drive from Union Station. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Other child-friendly accommodations include family bathrooms and ramps designed for easy stroller maneuverability. Bellemore. Is this where you should park for an eleven day Amtrak trip? 2) You MUST walk over to Millennium Park and see the Bean and the Fountains. Familiarize yourself with the Grand Hall and its location as this is where youll wait to board your connecting train. Stroll the Chicago Riverwalk and watch the kayaks and tour boats float by. Everything you need to know about visiting Union Station(225 S Canal St, Chicago IL 60606). Everyone's suggestions are really good. Millennium Park Study the map before taking off on a train trip with a Chicago layover. 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Belmont, Cta, or CTA - Chicago can be used for nearby transit. Youll meet at the Southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive. Kids of all ages and interests will find something exciting to do in Chicago, from the heights of the Willis Tower to the exotic fish of the Shedd Aquarium. The Skydeck entrance is located on Franklin Street (the east side of the building). If you have a roomette or sleeper car,you can hang out in the Metrpolitan Lounge while you wait. 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. On the south side of town the Willis Tower . Chicago around Union station - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Chicago Amtrak Station | Amtrak Guide If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. I am bringing 2 elderly people (89 and 84) in late August for a trip to Seattle. THE 10 BEST Things to Do Near Union Station, Chicago, IL People come from all over the world to take the train from Union Station. This is the 1st leg of a total relaxation vacation. Then, like now, the station was a major transfer point between passenger trains. It seemed like I had the whole place to myself. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. I think the Tribune Tower with its rocks from around the world is fascinating. On the Mezzanine level there were some fast food options like Starbucks, Jersey Mikes. You can do more than merely catch a train at and near Chicago Union Station, such as: . You could go to the Sears tower or go to millennium park to see the bean or the magnificent mile. I'll probably be nervous we'll miss boarding and will be way early. You have to walk slowly and just feel the history of the building seep into you. 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. She didn't want to walk too far, so we took a cab over to Greektown and had a leisurely lunch at Greek Isles. 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, Illinois 60606. Grab a seat at the bar and order the "Fire-Bird" chicken sandwich, which is stacked with . 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. Users simply pick up a bike from a self-service docking station and return it to a station near their destination. After a remodel and renaming in 1967, Portillos now has 17 Chicago locations. Is there wheelchair assistance available at Union Station? To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. JavaScript is disabled. Can someone please tell me the process to board the train? Things To Do With Kids in Chicago | Groupon I whiteness employees at the McDonalds twice a year giving these workers a hard time. Union Station: Things to See & Do | Colorado.com Travel + Trains. 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. Look for the blue awning marking the stairway entrance. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. (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. 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. Wendella water taxi to Michigan Avenue and then a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. The last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing. Things to Do at and near Union Station. Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. We followed the young generation and we felt that experience was amazing.