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We already have this email. It's well worth a trip to Chicago. December can be miserable in Chicago--really miserable. Familiarize yourself with the Grand Hall and its location as this is where youll wait to board your connecting train. Kids are able to observe a wide range of animals, including antelopes, lions, seals, tigers, wallabies and zebras. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Not an ideal way to spend a layover. Thank you so much for all the great suggestions & tips. Luggage storage Union Station $6 / day | Bag Storage & Lockers Oops, forgot to tell you that the trip is in late December. Having a compartment allows entry. 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. 555 ratings. (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. Bellemore. Showers were available, but I never saw them, we didn't even go upstairs, we just settled into a comfortable spot. 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Kids' Attractions Near Union Station, Chicago, Illinois Passengers looking to grab a bite before taking off can expect airport-like fare including Nuts on Clark, Gold Coast Dogs, Robinson's No. Amentities? Yes, red caps service and handicapped transportation (wheel chairs or Tram carts) are available in the station. Where in Union Station do I catch the Amtrak to Princeton, IL? 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. 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. THE 10 BEST Things to Do Near Union Station, Chicago - Tripadvisor Union Station: Things to See & Do | Colorado.com 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. It was late only 12 minutes from La Crosse and making it on time to Union Station, Chicago. 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 Chicago, Illinois 60606. Kids of all ages and. Established . These cruises sell out quickly, so consider purchasing tickets in advance. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. 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. Uber ride came in no time and Asan from Bulgaria was friendly and professional. Dining, Retail & Amenities | Chicago Union Station Other child-friendly accommodations include family bathrooms and ramps designed for easy stroller maneuverability. The Chicago Riverwalk runs along historic Wacker Drive from Lake Michigan west to Lake Street, with access at street level from each major intersection. 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. 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'm going to look in to that too. Things to do around Union Station in Chicago - Trippy Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Would definitely want to wait in the Metropolitan again if given the opportunity. Lou Mitchell's looks fun. more. Rmrmber to be back at the station one hour before train time to check in with the Conductor and get your Boarding Pass. Our train arrives at 9am and cant check into the hotel until afternoon. 3. It's less than half a mile from Union Station. =) Report inappropriate content 1-10 of 12 replies Sorted by 1 2 Dave148 Illinois Destination Expert I will check their website out more. Take a brisk walk to Portillos Hot Dogs for a classic Chicago hot dog. I think the Tribune Tower with its rocks from around the world is fascinating. If you're just visiting Chicago and not taking the train, well worth the quick visit to see the interior. Things to Do at and near 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. What day of the week and what time of day is your layover? Drinks and snack items were offered. They even texted me when the room was ready and allowed me to check in at noon with no additional charge. Today, the transportation hub runs Amtrak and Metra trains in and out of the city. 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. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. I live in Chicago - Sears Tower, Greek Town for food are great ideas! Youll find restaurants and concessions during the summer months, plus benches and lookout points, boat rentals, and water tours. I've not been to the museum, but the Wright homes are gorgeous. Drive-Through Safari Adventure for 1 Adult (age 16+) Up to 35% Off on Arcade at Galaxi Fun Zone. Get the Divvy app: Android and iOS. 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. Luggage Storage Union Station - 24/7 - From $0.95/hour or $7.95/day 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? Then, take a water taxi from the Madison St stop to Michigan Avenue, a nice way to see some of the buildings. We followed the young generation and we felt that experience was amazing. $16.77 $12.00. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. As a Kansas City expert, Jills travel guide, The Best of Kansas City: 3-Day Itinerary, launched number one in its category on Amazon. 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. 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 train boards 1/2 hour before train time. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. In any case, the interior is really a work of art, the big halls are especially beautiful and try to check out the smaller halls. The station used to be a grungy zoo but over the past few years they have made some updates. Bellemore's lunch menu is wildly underrated, which is great news for you, weary traveler. We were here to take the amtrak Texas Eagle for first time but this building is worth a visit either way. We arrived early enough so I could wander around the Grand Hall and study everything. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Its a massive train station nearly the size of 10 city blocks and I felt lost. You have to walk slowly and just feel the history of the building seep into you. Originally a tiny hotdog stand called The Dog House, this relic was opened by Dick Portillo in 1963. We did walk it once because we were dropped off at the wrong station. Heres amap to help guide you through this historic Beaux-Arts beauty.Download aPDF of this map [link opens in anew window]. 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. We will have about 6 hours to spend near Union Station. 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. What else is there to do near Union Station? Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? The Lincoln Park Zoo offers free daily admission to all visitors. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. CHICAGO FRENCH MARKET - 919 Photos & 612 Reviews - Yelp Any of the architecture tours are just amazing. 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. Devastated our child, who was already dressed in his Polar Express pajamas and ready to go. 201 E. Randolph Street, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. 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. 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. I found the lounge to be an oasis. My aunt had a similar layover a few years ago. 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. Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? Register today and take advantage of membership benefits. Explore different ways to experience this place. I am traveling from Chicago to NY on the Lake Shore LTD and I've never used Amtrak before (i'm coming from New Zealand). You have the Sears Tower couple of blocks away. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Union Station Chicago | Chicago, IL | Things to do in West Loop, Chicago 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 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. Trains board quickly. This is the 1st leg of a total relaxation vacation. Besides, Chicago is such a vibrant city; it would be a shame to pass through without taking in any of the sights and activities. 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. 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. 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. 1200 W. Randolph Street, ~7-minute drive from Union Station. Overall a nice place to visit or spend some extra time before or after your Amtrak or Metra train, the L or bus ride. 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. Complete Station Map | Chicago 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. The Polar Express journey begins with a visit to the Founders Room to collect our Golden Tickets. 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 The inside of Union Station is absolutely beautiful, but the best part for my friend and I was the Metropolitan Lounge, which we had access to by virtue of being "sleeping car" customers on our AMTRAK trains, both coming and going. 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. The Great Hall with its soaring glass ceilings was quite spectacular. We never went anywhere by train. 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.). Once youre comfortable getting around the station, its time to check your bags for your day in Chicago. Amtrak allows two bags, a cooler, and a personal item per person, so I always have at least four pieces of luggage. The Top 10 Things to Do Near Union Station, Chicago - Tripadvisor Daily activities, such as the opportunity to meet a zoo animal and ape training sessions, teach children about the zoo's many residents. We are taking an Amtrak trip with a "layover" in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Union Station is one of the very best things to do in Chicago If you have a lengthy layover and a love of food, this is the perfect Union Station layover activity for you. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Things To Do Near Union Station Chicago? | Page 4 | Amtrak Unlimited Older children, taller than 55 inches, are also able to participate in the aquarium's behind-the-scenes tour for an additional fee. Thanks so much! With 90 minutes notice until the train departed, we were informed by text that our tickets would be cancelled and we would be refunded. Loading happens quickly and you should try to have luggage you can manage well and move quickly with. 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. Amtrak; Metra Commuter Rail; Transfer Options. Based in Florida, Mandi Titus has been writing since 2002. Everything you need to know about visiting Union Station(225 S Canal St, Chicago IL 60606). On the south side of town the Willis Tower . The Clinton station is two blocks south of Union Station, and the northwest terminal of the Blue Line is under the O'Hare Airport main garage. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Maybe it was a quiet weekend or time of day but very little people were walking through or sitting on any of the benches. It seemed like I had the whole place to myself. Open since 1925, Union Station remains Chicago's intercity rail terminal and the largest terminal for commuter trains. Is the Metropolitan Lounge in full operation, that is, as it was before Covid reductions? The facility cost $75 million dollars to build - more than $1 . 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 W1612 Litchfield Rd, Lake Geneva. Chicago Amtrak Station. Photo Credit: Nagel Photography / Shutterstock, Tavarius / Shutterstock. 4.6. 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. Check with your hotel to see if they will hold your luggage until check-in. We went out to purchase our meals, and brought them back and ate them in comfort, while watching a huge TV. You could visit the Art Institute if that's an interest. Maybe Wee Willie would work, I still refer to it as Sears Tower because that is how I remember it as a small watching it go up and visiting the Skydeck countless times with the folks. 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(Photo: Tim Boyle/Getty Images News/Getty Images ). More adventurous foodies will want to pad their schedules with time to explore the surrounding neighborhood for light bites and boozy drinks. Is there wheelchair assistance available at Union Station? That space, which lives up to its name, boasts a 219-food-long barrel-vaulted skylight that acts as the ceiling for the room. Belmont, Cta, or CTA - Chicago can be used for nearby transit. We loved it and looking forward to going back to La Crosse with Amtrak, of course. Not bad for a layover activity! What else is there to do near Union Station? The Gage opens at 10. Once I get to the station, where do I go? The main attraction Whether you're waiting on a train or passing through. Getting Around Chicago | Trains, Parking, Taxis & Bike Sharing Youll feel more confident when you detrain and will be able to focus on having fun during your time in Chicago. This is the 1st leg of a total relaxation vacation. Top 10 Hotels Near Chicago Union Station from $76 | Expedia If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Dave148: We were thinking of breakfast. the two floored amtrak club accommodations are also nice. 111 S. Michigan Avenue, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. 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. 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 . The station is huge and has many gorgeous areas. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. There's a trip planner tool on the homepage of - http://www.transitchicago.com/, http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g35805-i32-k5480757-Union_Station_LAYOVER_Help_for_Amtrak_Trip-Chicago_Illinois.html. 2) You MUST walk over to Millennium Park and see the Bean and the Fountains. The Skydeck entrance is located on Franklin Street (the east side of the building). Then we just sat and enjoyed the beauty of the Great Hall right at the train station. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41529991', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Millennium Park and explore there. Chicago Attractions | Amtrak Wendella water taxi to Michigan Avenue and then a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html, http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/19923. 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. 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? This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Union Station also features a variety of retail stores, eateries, and offers a grand ballroom for banquets and weddings. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 10Best Says. But myself, I'd walk south on Michigan a few blocks to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Second City one of the world's premier improv comedy theatres has been delighting audiences for more than 50 years. You can't help but look up and around. 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. Does the train station provide any baggage storage lockers so that we could visit Willis tower without toting our bags? Union Station (Chicago) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go I would recommend arriving 30 minutes early to Union Station at a minimum. Millennium Park, The Art Institue and the Adler Planetarium are also on the trolley routes. Here is what I would do: if you want to eat right away, breakfast at Lou Mitchell's is a good choice. The tunnel from Union Station to Northwestern Station. 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.