Originally a tiny hotdog stand called The Dog House, this relic was opened by Dick Portillo in 1963. Not an ideal way to spend a layover. I wasn't the only one there taking it all in. 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 concur with the previous answer. Union Station (Chicago) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Bellemore. 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 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 got there at the 30 minute mark and over 200 people were in line for our train. 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. Gets less confusing but it is at first when you arrive and try to figure out where things are here though. 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. Is there wheelchair assistance available at Union Station? 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. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Jill is currently writing the first of 12 train travel guides: Ride the Southwest Chief. Go to the Concourse level where youll find the baggage check. 1200 W. Randolph Street, ~7-minute drive from Union Station. There's a bunch of touristy stuff to do near that area. Dj vu! the two floored amtrak club accommodations are also nice. 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. We loved it and looking forward to going back to La Crosse with Amtrak, of course. Amentities? Travel + Trains. Amtrak allows two bags, a cooler, and a personal item per person, so I always have at least four pieces of luggage. Traveling to San Francisco via Amtrak's California Zephyr from Chicago will take you through two mountain ranges; along the way, you can relax and watch bald eagles soar over . And Lou Mitchell's at 565 W. Jackson is walking distance. It's less than half a mile from Union Station. Download a PDF of this 45 Credits, One Popcorn, and One Fountain Drink for One Person. 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. Devastated our child, who was already dressed in his Polar Express pajamas and ready to go. We recommend booking Union Station tours ahead of time to secure your spot. 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. So callous and unapologetic in completely ruining part of our Christmas 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. Lou Mitchell's looks fun. 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It seemed like I had the whole place to myself. If you don't mind spending some money, the Willis Tower is right next door and would be interesting. 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 Then we just sat and enjoyed the beauty of the Great Hall right at the train station. 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. Readers of her USA by Rail blog have come to expect an intimate look at authentic experiences. Kids of all ages and. 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. Now, she enjoys travelingand writing aboutthe U.S. and Canada by train. Up to 48% Off Drive-Through Safari at Safari Lake Geneva. 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. 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. The facility cost $75 million dollars to build - more than $1 . 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. Chicago was most recently updated with new tips on June 28, 2017. 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. =) Report inappropriate content 1-10 of 12 replies Sorted by 1 2 Dave148 Illinois Destination Expert Having a compartment allows entry. Millennium Park I'd really appreciate your help :). 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. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. If you like art, you can visit the Chicago Art Museum and see among other. Enjoy an immersive wine experience at City Winery. I would recommend arriving 30 minutes early to Union Station at a minimum. Register today and take advantage of membership benefits. Photo Credit: Nagel Photography / Shutterstock, Tavarius / Shutterstock. IlliniTrav: We were thinking of Greektown. Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? All products featured on TravelAwaits are independently selected by our writers and editors. 376 N. Michigan Avenue, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. Union Station and the Metropolitan Lounge. Belmont, Cta, or CTA - Chicago can be used for nearby transit. 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. Interesting how everyone still calls it the "Sears Tower". more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. They may serve their brunch menu on Saturdays as well, not sure. Chicagos Union Station is the third-busiest rail station in the U.S., with about 140,000 passengers passing through each day. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Take a brisk walk to Portillos Hot Dogs for a classic Chicago hot dog. Everyone's suggestions are really good. 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. Showers were available, but I never saw them, we didn't even go upstairs, we just settled into a comfortable spot. Randlin: Oh the Exchequer sounds grea!. 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. If you have time to poke around, find the two Henry Hering statuesone holding a rooster and the other holding an owlwhich represent the around-the-clock nature of an outpost like 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. 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. If you have a lengthy layover and a love of food, this is the perfect Union Station layover activity for you. Just grab a RTA Visitior Transit Map and its all at your finger tips. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Chicago Transit Authority (L Trains & Buses). Other child-friendly accommodations include family bathrooms and ramps designed for easy stroller maneuverability. People come from all over the world to take the train from Union Station. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Everything you need to know about visiting Union Station(225 S Canal St, Chicago IL 60606). I too sometimes call it the Sears Tower in a weak moment. 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. 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 Kids are able to observe a wide range of animals, including antelopes, lions, seals, tigers, wallabies and zebras. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. Divvy, Chicago's bike-share program, offers over 580 stations and 5,800 bikes across the city, available for rent 24/7. Along the Riverwalk, stop by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza and the McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum. We may earn commission when you click on or make a purchase via our links. As I walked to the train tracks there was a little more activity but passage was restricted to ticket holders. There are cool boat tours up and down the Chicago River. 111 S. Michigan Avenue, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. Second City one of the world's premier improv comedy theatres has been delighting audiences for more than 50 years. http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html - a quick cab or bus ride. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. The Gage opens at 10. Find Divvy locations and rates. 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). We found 1,458 things to do for you near Union Station Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower 17,713 Reviews 233 S Wacker Drive entrance on Jackson Blvd (south side of building), Chicago, IL 60606-7147 7 minutes from Union Station Experiences from 669 See 36 Experiences Chicago Riverwalk 3,055 Reviews Chicago, IL 60601 7 minutes from Union Station Considering this was a large transportation hub there was a lot of available metered street parking right along the street. 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. 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. Today, the transportation hub runs Amtrak and Metra trains in and out of the city. http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html, http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/19923. Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41530204', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Wendella River/Lake tour. Bellemore's lunch menu is wildly underrated, which is great news for you, weary traveler. Older children, taller than 55 inches, are also able to participate in the aquarium's behind-the-scenes tour for an additional fee. lol. You are using an out of date browser. 255 South Canal StreetChicago, Illinois 60606, Open 7 days a weekUnion Station closes dailybetween 1am-5am. 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. Union Station. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41533587', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Millennium Park and stroll around the park. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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Driehaus Museum: Tickets & Tours, Garfield Park Conservatory: Tickets & Tours, Two-Person BARRETT 50 BMG and AK-47 Package, Tamarindo Snorkel & Sunset Cruise with Lunch, Royal Mile Guided Walking Tour in Edinburgh, Vatican, Sistine & St. Peter's Basilica Skip The Line & Small Group, Acetaia Cavedoni Balsamic Vinegar Tour Oldest Balsamic Vinegar Company in Modena, San Sebastian del Oeste 'Magic Town' from Puerto Vallarta, See all 5 Union Station tours on Tripadvisor, See all Union Station experiences on Tripadvisor, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chicago Downtown, Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago-Downtown, an IHG Hotel, View all hotels near Union Station on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Union Station on Tripadvisor, View all attractions near Union Station on Tripadvisor. Where in Union Station do I catch the Amtrak to Princeton, IL? You feel the pain. It's kind of a giant food court. Open since 1925, Union Station remains Chicago's intercity rail terminal and the largest terminal for commuter trains. 233 S. Wacker Drive, ~5-minute walk or 2-minute drive from Union Station. 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. 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. Study the map before taking off on a train trip with a Chicago layover. 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. On Second Citys three-hour foodie tour, youll sample classic Chicago tastes. Get the Divvy app: Android and iOS. So when it was in the school library it was still fairly new. more. We will have about 6 hours to spend near Union Station. Location Provided With Ticket Purchase, ~10-minute drive from Union Station. Can someone please tell me the process to board the train? 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? Millennium Park is an award-winning center for art, music, architecture, and landscape design. Once I get to the station, where do I go? If you are looking for a good place for a sit down dinner. 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. As a Kansas City expert, Jills travel guide, The Best of Kansas City: 3-Day Itinerary, launched number one in its category on Amazon. The train boards 1/2 hour before train time. Whetheryou're waiting on a train or passing through the building,you can't miss Union Station's crown jewel, the Great Hall. 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. 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. The second floor was currently roped off but the main floor was large and the seating comfortable with numerous electronic outlets. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. Here you can be involved in the winemaking process from the crush and fermentation to the blend. It was late only 12 minutes from La Crosse and making it on time to Union Station, Chicago. 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. Next to the Great Hall is the Metropolitan Lounge where we waited for our next train. Besides, Chicago is such a vibrant city; it would be a shame to pass through without taking in any of the sights and activities. 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We never went anywhere by train. This will be our 1st trip without kids in too many years to count, so we don't mind some splurges. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. Explore different ways to experience this place. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
things to do near union station chicago