Dave148: We were thinking of breakfast. Today, the transportation hub runs Amtrak and Metra trains in and out of the city. more. We were shuttled to our train car at the appropiate time, and helped with our luggage. We are taking an Amtrak trip with a "layover" in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Belmont, Cta, or CTA - Chicago can be used for nearby transit. I've not been to the museum, but the Wright homes are gorgeous. We never went anywhere by train. The architecture of the Great Hall is worth seeing. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Interested in Chicagos diverse and iconic architecture? Shedd Aquarium is one of the attractions for children near Union Station. 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. 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 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. The Gage opens at 10. I'm going to look in to that too. 1200 W. Randolph Street, ~7-minute drive from Union Station. The artwork was eye pleasing and there are windows to look out to the Great Hall. Devastated our child, who was already dressed in his Polar Express pajamas and ready to go. Millennium Park, The Art Institue and the Adler Planetarium are also on the trolley routes. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Can someone please tell me the process to board the train? This is the 1st leg of a total relaxation vacation. 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. Is it generally safe to walk from union station to millennium park during the day on the weekend? This will be our 1st trip without kids in too many years to count, so we don't mind some splurges. Grab a seat at the bar and order the "Fire-Bird" chicken sandwich, which is stacked with . 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? Clean restrooms. Youll feel more confident when you detrain and will be able to focus on having fun during your time in Chicago. =). I use it always. 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 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. With 90 minutes notice until the train departed, we were informed by text that our tickets would be cancelled and we would be refunded. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? Amtrak allows two bags, a cooler, and a personal item per person, so I always have at least four pieces of luggage. A couple blocks away is the French market. Several sub-neighborhoods within West Loop make this a unique neighborhood to visit. The last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing. Chicago Transit Authority ('L' Trains & Buses) Greyhound; Other Transportation. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Stetson University. Rmrmber to be back at the station one hour before train time to check in with the Conductor and get your Boarding Pass. I had the tickets and about to hang out for 6hours before ridding up to the train. Absolutely beautiful architectural masterpiece! more. 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. Having a compartment allows entry. 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 am bringing 2 elderly people (89 and 84) in late August for a trip to Seattle. My aunt had a similar layover a few years ago. Passengers looking to grab a bite before taking off can expect airport-like fare including Nuts on Clark, Gold Coast Dogs, Robinson's No. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Things to Do at and near Union Station. W1612 Litchfield Rd, Lake Geneva. And Lou Mitchell's at 565 W. Jackson is walking distance. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Once youre comfortable getting around the station, its time to check your bags for your day in Chicago. The Polar Express journey begins with a visit to the Founders Room to collect our Golden Tickets. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. But myself, I'd walk south on Michigan a few blocks to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html, http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/19923. 376 N. Michigan Avenue, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. The Shedd Aquarium puts kids face-to-face with more than 32,000 animals. 4.6. 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. Sears sold it years ago and it has been the "Willis Tower" for quite some time. If travel is on your agenda, there are plenty of options. The attached garage is best and less cost than hotel areas. 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. The facility cost $75 million dollars to build - more than $1 . I think the Tribune Tower with its rocks from around the world is fascinating. Grab some Giordino's Pizza and you won't need to eat on the train for a week! Also located on the north side of the city is the Lincoln Park Zoo. Thank you so much for all the great suggestions & tips. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. Other Attractions in Chicago. the two floored amtrak club accommodations are also nice. That space, which lives up to its name, boasts a 219-food-long barrel-vaulted skylight that acts as the ceiling for the room. 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. Wendella water taxi to Michigan Avenue and then a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Is there wheelchair assistance available at Union Station? Spend part of your layover on the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise. Union Station. Chicago Transit Authority (L Trains & Buses). We came here to catch the Empire Builder Amtrak train to Seattle but I've always wanted to visit this station just to see its beauty in person. We live in La Crosse, Wi. Where in Union Station do I catch the Amtrak to Princeton, IL? Youll enjoy 360-degree views that span up to 50 miles and four states. Familiarize yourself with the Grand Hall and its location as this is where youll wait to board your connecting train. Originally a tiny hotdog stand called The Dog House, this relic was opened by Dick Portillo in 1963. It was late only 12 minutes from La Crosse and making it on time to Union Station, Chicago. Taxis; Rideshare; Bike Share; 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. 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 You feel the pain. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. 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.). I wasn't the only one there taking it all in. There are cool boat tours up and down the Chicago River. Once I get to the station, where do I go? We arrived early enough so I could wander around the Grand Hall and study everything. Shedd Aquarium is one of the attractions for children near Union Station. 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. Just grab a RTA Visitior Transit Map and its all at your finger tips. Find Divvy locations and rates. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. I live in Chicago - Sears Tower, Greek Town for food are great ideas! To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Next to the Great Hall is the Metropolitan Lounge where we waited for our next train. 2) You MUST walk over to Millennium Park and see the Bean and the Fountains. 45 Credits, One Popcorn, and One Fountain Drink for One Person. Thanks for subscribing! Dotted with factories and warehouses, West Loop is packed with various types of dining and nightlife options. Is this where you should park for an eleven day Amtrak trip? Everyone's suggestions are really good. So when it was in the school library it was still fairly new. The tunnel from Union Station to Northwestern Station. 201 E. Randolph Street, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. Oops, forgot to tell you that the trip is in late December. Youll find restaurants and concessions during the summer months, plus benches and lookout points, boat rentals, and water tours. One of the most beautiful stations in the United Stations, it opened in 1925 next to the Chicago Loop. Readers of her USA by Rail blog have come to expect an intimate look at authentic experiences. Kids' Activities Near Libertyville, Illinois. Dj vu! You can do more than merely catch a train at and near Chicago Union Station, such as: . Union Station is an iconic building and a marvel of modern transportation for nearly a century. If you like art, you can visit the Chicago Art Museum and see among other. We already have this email. 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What else is there to do near Union Station? Then, take a water taxi from the Madison St stop to Michigan Avenue, a nice way to see some of the buildings. Chicago was most recently updated with new tips on June 28, 2017. Kids of all ages and. Open 7 days a week Union Station closes daily between 1am-5am. Go to the Concourse level where youll find the baggage check. A family-friendly museum highlight tour is given daily, and hands-on learning activities are offered on the weekends. How long would that take? Hi. 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. I'd really appreciate your help :). 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. Union Station and the Metropolitan Lounge. 520 W. Taylor Street, ~13-minute walk or 4-minute drive from Union Station. Bellemore's lunch menu is wildly underrated, which is great news for you, weary traveler. 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. Along the Riverwalk, stop by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza and the McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum. Get the Divvy app: Android and iOS. 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. 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. This is the 1st leg of a total relaxation vacation. Then, like now, the station was a major transfer point between passenger trains. You are using an out of date browser. 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). 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. 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. Photo Credit: Nagel Photography / Shutterstock, Tavarius / Shutterstock. Other child-friendly accommodations include family bathrooms and ramps designed for easy stroller maneuverability. I found the lounge to be an oasis. Our train arrives at 9am and cant check into the hotel until afternoon. 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. $$ - $$$ 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. 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. 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 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. 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. The station is huge and has many gorgeous areas. Amentities? My luggage like a giant, it's 30inches. Whetheryou're waiting on a train or passing through the building,you can't miss Union Station's crown jewel, the Great Hall. 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. We followed the young generation and we felt that experience was amazing. 111 S. Michigan Avenue, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. 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If you're just visiting Chicago and not taking the train, well worth the quick visit to see the interior. On Second Citys three-hour foodie tour, youll sample classic Chicago tastes. Jill Dutton 5. All rights reserved. 1 Ribs and a bevy of fast food chains. You have the Sears Tower couple of blocks away. We were here to take the amtrak Texas Eagle for first time but this building is worth a visit either way. 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. RickMP: The water taxi & lake tour sounds interesting. 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 . i need to know is there any place some one can wait if there lay over is after 12am? Great breakfasts! more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. The Lincoln Park Zoo offers free daily admission to all visitors. 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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? 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. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. Millennium Park Even if you're not catching a train to anywhere, you really need to just step into this building and feel the history. 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. Heres amap to help guide you through this historic Beaux-Arts beauty.Download aPDF of this map [link opens in anew window]. 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? Considering this was a large transportation hub there was a lot of available metered street parking right along the street. I'll probably be nervous we'll miss boarding and will be way early. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. JavaScript is disabled. The interior of the building is a classic, with the iconic stairway, the Great Hall and the glass ceilings. Users simply pick up a bike from a self-service docking station and return it to a station near their destination.