We recommend booking Union Station tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Bellemore. 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 We already have this email. I had the tickets and about to hang out for 6hours before ridding up to the train. Now, she enjoys travelingand writing aboutthe U.S. and Canada by train. By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Chicago, Illinois 60606. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41527197', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Chicago. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Today, the transportation hub runs Amtrak and Metra trains in and out of the city. Kids of all ages and. Yes, red caps service and handicapped transportation (wheel chairs or Tram carts) are available in the station. Then, like now, the station was a major transfer point between passenger trains. 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. =) Report inappropriate content 1-10 of 12 replies Sorted by 1 2 Dave148 Illinois Destination Expert 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. Drinks and snack items were offered. 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. Chicago Amtrak Station. Amtrak trains on many different routes arrive and depart from the Chicago Union Station at 225 S Canal Street. Here's a map to help guide you through this historic Beaux-Arts beauty. 10Best Says. Along the Riverwalk, stop by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza and the McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum. Things to Do at and near Union Station. 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. Travel + Trains. That first layover wasnt my proudest moment as a solo traveler. Lou Mitchell's looks fun. 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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? 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. Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? 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. Youll enjoy 360-degree views that span up to 50 miles and four states. 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. =). Try another? W1612 Litchfield Rd, Lake Geneva. Take a brisk walk to Portillos Hot Dogs for a classic Chicago hot dog. You feel the pain. 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. This is the 1st leg of a total relaxation vacation. I will check their website out more. The staff there are super helpful and can show you where to take luggage. And Lou Mitchell's at 565 W. Jackson is walking distance. The architecture of the Great Hall is worth seeing. There is also the free trolley to some of the shopping areas such as State Street and Navy Pier. Youll find restaurants and concessions during the summer months, plus benches and lookout points, boat rentals, and water tours. 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. more. Based in Florida, Mandi Titus has been writing since 2002. We will be arriving at about 3-4pm and leave at about 10pm. I would recommend arriving 30 minutes early to Union Station at a minimum. 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. 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This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. You are using an out of date browser. 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. Two things to see on Jackson Blvd other than Willis are The Federal Reserve Bank and the Chicago Board of Trade. With 90 minutes notice until the train departed, we were informed by text that our tickets would be cancelled and we would be refunded. You may have to clomb narrow stairs to board the train. Amtrak allows two bags, a cooler, and a personal item per person, so I always have at least four pieces of luggage. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. On Second Citys three-hour foodie tour, youll sample classic Chicago tastes. Where in Union Station do I catch the Amtrak to Princeton, IL? Trains board quickly. Interested in Chicagos diverse and iconic architecture? A couple blocks away is the French market. If you have a roomette or sleeper car,you can hang out in the Metrpolitan Lounge while you wait. I wasn't the only one there taking it all in. The attached garage is best and less cost than hotel areas. I found the lounge to be an oasis. As I walked to the train tracks there was a little more activity but passage was restricted to ticket holders. We live in La Crosse, Wi. Stroll the Chicago Riverwalk and watch the kayaks and tour boats float by. 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. 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. Go to the Concourse level where youll find the baggage check. What day of the week and what time of day is your layover? 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. If you don't mind spending some money, the Willis Tower is right next door and would be interesting. You have the Sears Tower couple of blocks away. Not an ideal way to spend a layover. Union Station also features a variety of retail stores, eateries, and offers a grand ballroom for banquets and weddings. The artwork was eye pleasing and there are windows to look out to the Great Hall. Second City one of the world's premier improv comedy theatres has been delighting audiences for more than 50 years. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. Union Station. So when it was in the school library it was still fairly new. Good Morning! Dirty, dark & creepy. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. Rmrmber to be back at the station one hour before train time to check in with the Conductor and get your Boarding Pass. 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. 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.). 233 S. Wacker Drive, ~5-minute walk or 2-minute drive from 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. 28% discount_off. 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. Once youre comfortable getting around the station, its time to check your bags for your day in Chicago. 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 Familiarize yourself with the Grand Hall and its location as this is where youll wait to board your connecting train. 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. Union Station Train Travel. 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. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. 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? $16.77 $12.00. 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 Enjoy an immersive wine experience at City Winery. How long would that take? Heres amap to help guide you through this historic Beaux-Arts beauty.Download aPDF of this map [link opens in anew window]. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! 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. Can someone please tell me the process to board the train? Then walk or cab back to the train station. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. We found 1,474 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 7 minutes from Union Station Experiences from RM 36 See 38 Experiences Chicago Riverwalk 3,057 Reviews Chicago, IL 60601 7 minutes from Union Station 93% of travelers recommend this experience. Showers were available, but I never saw them, we didn't even go upstairs, we just settled into a comfortable spot. 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. Dotted with factories and warehouses, West Loop is packed with various types of dining and nightlife options. We went out to purchase our meals, and brought them back and ate them in comfort, while watching a huge TV. People come from all over the world to take the train from Union Station. If travel is on your agenda, there are plenty of options. The Windy City is more than just big sports stadiums and amazing museums. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41529991', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Millennium Park and explore there. We may earn commission when you click on or make a purchase via our links. Thanks for subscribing! 201 E. Randolph Street, ~8-minute drive 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. 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. 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. Get the Divvy app: Android and iOS. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. 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. We went by Coach ride and were amazed at the leg room and comfortable atmosphere on the train. Marriott Autograph Collection Hotels in Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton Hotels in Chicago, Hotels near Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower, Hotels near Museum of Science and Industry, Hotels near Harold Washington Library State/Van Buren, Hotels near Soma Massage School Chicago, IL, Hotels near Illinois School of Health Careers, Hotels near The Institute for Clinical Social Work, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Chicago, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Gage Park, The Art Institute of Chicago: Tickets & Tours, Museum of Science and Industry: Tickets & Tours, 360 Chicago Observation Deck: Tickets & Tours, Chicago Cultural Center: Tickets & Tours, Richard H. 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Just grab a RTA Visitior Transit Map and its all at your finger tips. 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Spend part of your layover on the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise. 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. Youll meet at the Southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive. Great breakfasts! 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. Next to the Great Hall is the Metropolitan Lounge where we waited for our next train. Any restaurant recommendations or ideas on places to go (& best means of travel to get there) would be so appreciated. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Our train arrives at 9am and cant check into the hotel until afternoon. But myself, I'd walk south on Michigan a few blocks to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 255 South Canal StreetChicago, Illinois 60606, Open 7 days a weekUnion Station closes dailybetween 1am-5am. It's kind of a giant food court. Also, we will be storing our luggage in a locker during the layover Just FYI, when I checked on the Sears Tower last summer for my family, it was pretty expensive. Sounds like a nice trip! These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. While killing time before heading to Ohare we decided to stop by and see the historical Union Station. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html - a quick cab or bus ride. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Stetson University. Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, gives children and their families the opportunity to take an elevator to the tower's 103rd floor and experience a bird's-eye view of the city. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Union Station (Chicago) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. 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*