Is the Metropolitan Lounge in full operation, that is, as it was before Covid reductions? 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. Not an ideal way to spend a layover. Download a PDF of this Any restaurant recommendations or ideas on places to go (& best means of travel to get there) would be so appreciated. As a frequent train traveler located in Kansas City, I often pass through Chicago to get to my final destination. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. What else is there to do near Union Station? I would recommend arriving 30 minutes early to Union Station at a minimum. Stroll the Chicago Riverwalk and watch the kayaks and tour boats float by. Drinks and snack items were offered. The outside of the station was a little grayish but it was so much more impressive inside. My aunt had a similar layover a few years ago. 201 E. Randolph Street, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. I've not been to the museum, but the Wright homes are gorgeous. Maybe it was a quiet weekend or time of day but very little people were walking through or sitting on any of the benches. Established . We went out to purchase our meals, and brought them back and ate them in comfort, while watching a huge TV. Along the Riverwalk, stop by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza and the McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum. One of the most beautiful stations in the United Stations, it opened in 1925 next to the Chicago Loop. The staff there are super helpful and can show you where to take luggage. 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. 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. 376 N. Michigan Avenue, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. 555 ratings. We loved it and looking forward to going back to La Crosse with Amtrak, of course. Older children, taller than 55 inches, are also able to participate in the aquarium's behind-the-scenes tour for an additional fee. I use it always. You have to walk slowly and just feel the history of the building seep into you. I wasn't the only one there taking it all in. But myself, I'd walk south on Michigan a few blocks to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? @2023 Chicago Union Station. Considering this was a large transportation hub there was a lot of available metered street parking right along the street. Amtrak trains on many different routes arrive and depart from the Chicago Union Station at 225 S Canal Street. Lou Mitchell's looks fun. On Second Citys three-hour foodie tour, youll sample classic Chicago tastes. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41527197', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Chicago. I live in Chicago - Sears Tower, Greek Town for food are great ideas! the two floored amtrak club accommodations are also nice. 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. 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. They have free snacks, TV's, and comfy chairs. 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. 3. Shedd Aquarium is one of the attractions for children near Union Station. The Gage opens at 10. People come from all over the world to take the train from Union Station. 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. lol. You feel the pain. These cruises sell out quickly, so consider purchasing tickets in advance. 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. Whetheryou're waiting on a train or passing through the building,you can't miss Union Station's crown jewel, the Great Hall. 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. The architecture of the Great Hall is worth seeing. Is this where you should park for an eleven day Amtrak trip? Here's a map to help guide you through this historic Beaux-Arts beauty. Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? 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. We were shuttled to our train car at the appropiate time, and helped with our luggage. We already have this email. =) Report inappropriate content 1-10 of 12 replies Sorted by 1 2 Dave148 Illinois Destination Expert $16.77 $12.00. Chicago Transit Authority (L Trains & Buses). 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If your timing is right, you can take part in neighborhood events like the West Loop Farmers Market, Craft Beer Fest, or the Randolph Street Market Festival. The Neoclassic exterior is dominated by the colonnades. Kids of all ages and. Randlin: Oh the Exchequer sounds grea!. No later train option, no accommodation, only that we would have a chance to ride AFTER Christmas. Then, like now, the station was a major transfer point between passenger trains. 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. Where in Union Station do I catch the Amtrak to Princeton, IL? 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Amata_(ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 255 South Canal StreetChicago, Illinois 60606, Open 7 days a weekUnion Station closes dailybetween 1am-5am. 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. 1 Ribs and a bevy of fast food chains. 10Best Says. Union Station. Besides, Chicago is such a vibrant city; it would be a shame to pass through without taking in any of the sights and activities. Hi. Bellemore's lunch menu is wildly underrated, which is great news for you, weary traveler. Youll meet at the Southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive. With 90 minutes notice until the train departed, we were informed by text that our tickets would be cancelled and we would be refunded. 28% discount_off. more. Then we just sat and enjoyed the beauty of the Great Hall right at the train station. Thanks so much! 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. Divvy, Chicago's bike-share program, offers over 580 stations and 5,800 bikes across the city, available for rent 24/7. All rights reserved. We always travel business class, so there is a nice lounge to take advantage of with free snacks and soft drinks. We got there at the 30 minute mark and over 200 people were in line for our train. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. The Skydeck entrance is located on Franklin Street (the east side of the building). Youll find restaurants and concessions during the summer months, plus benches and lookout points, boat rentals, and water tours. Clean restrooms. The tunnel from Union Station to Northwestern Station. 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. The second floor was currently roped off but the main floor was large and the seating comfortable with numerous electronic outlets. The interior of the building is a classic, with the iconic stairway, the Great Hall and the glass ceilings. Drive-Through Safari Adventure for 1 Adult (age 16+) Up to 35% Off on Arcade at Galaxi Fun Zone. 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? 91% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. I too sometimes call it the Sears Tower in a weak moment. I'm going to look in to that too. Do you need to book in advance to visit Union Station? Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. 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. Things to Do at and near Union Station. Gets less confusing but it is at first when you arrive and try to figure out where things are here though. We are taking an Amtrak trip with a "layover" in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Second City one of the world's premier improv comedy theatres has been delighting audiences for more than 50 years. That space, which lives up to its name, boasts a 219-food-long barrel-vaulted skylight that acts as the ceiling for the room. (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. 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 . We did walk it once because we were dropped off at the wrong station. This is the 1st leg of a total relaxation vacation. 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. Other Attractions in Chicago. Also located on the north side of the city is the Lincoln Park Zoo. Millennium Park is an award-winning center for art, music, architecture, and landscape design. 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. Premier Chicago River Architectural Lunch Cruise, Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food & Walking Tour, Chicago in a Day: Food, History and Architecture Walking Tour, 45-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile, 90-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour, The Escape Game Chicago: Epic 60-Minute Adventures. I am bringing 2 elderly people (89 and 84) in late August for a trip to Seattle. 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And then our sons went by train one time and had an easy and nice ride. Inside the station, be sure to take in the Grand Staircases in the Great Hall, made famous by the movie The Untouchables. http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html - a quick cab or bus ride. Belmont, Cta, or CTA - Chicago can be used for nearby transit. Any restaurant recommendations or ideas on places to go (& best means of travel to get there) would be so appreciated. 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. A couple blocks away is the French market. We usually take Amtrak to Chicago from Jackson Mi. I had the tickets and about to hang out for 6hours before ridding up to the train. 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. Go international with our nine tips for traveling Europe by rail. 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. More adventurous foodies will want to pad their schedules with time to explore the surrounding neighborhood for light bites and boozy drinks. 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. Union Station is an iconic building and a marvel of modern transportation for nearly a century. On the south side of town the Willis Tower . If you have a roomette or sleeper car,you can hang out in the Metrpolitan Lounge while you wait. $$ - $$$ 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. We will have about 6 hours to spend near Union Station. If you'd like to shop, walk north on Michigan (the "Magnificent Mile" area of high end stores). 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. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Go to the Concourse level where youll find the baggage check. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. Is it generally safe to walk from union station to millennium park during the day on the weekend? 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. You can't help but look up and around. Do NOT forget the Peppers, http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willis_Tower, https://www.orderalsbeef.com/Media/Menus/adams%20web%20menu.pdf. Daily activities, such as the opportunity to meet a zoo animal and ape training sessions, teach children about the zoo's many residents. I'll probably be nervous we'll miss boarding and will be way early. Once youre comfortable getting around the station, its time to check your bags for your day in Chicago. You may have to clomb narrow stairs to board the train. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Yes, red caps service and handicapped transportation (wheel chairs or Tram carts) are available in the station. The Polar Express journey begins with a visit to the Founders Room to collect our Golden Tickets. Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? If you are looking for a good place for a sit down dinner. December can be miserable in Chicago--really miserable. Also Hemingway's house is there with a museum. 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. Grab a seat at the bar and order the "Fire-Bird" chicken sandwich, which is stacked with . Thank you so much for all the great suggestions & tips. When traveling within Chicago near Union Station, you may be close to some bus stations: CTA - 47th and Lake Park Terminal, CTA Bus Stop 1313, or Cta Bus . It was beautiful. The tour guides are actors who take on the personas of 1920s gangsters. 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 will check their website out more. If you have a lengthy layover and a love of food, this is the perfect Union Station layover activity for you. Amentities? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41529991', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Millennium Park and explore there. 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. RickMP: The water taxi & lake tour sounds interesting. Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? 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. 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. Originally a tiny hotdog stand called The Dog House, this relic was opened by Dick Portillo in 1963. You could go to the Sears tower or go to millennium park to see the bean or the magnificent mile. On the Mezzanine level there were some fast food options like Starbucks, Jersey Mikes. Dotted with factories and warehouses, West Loop is packed with various types of dining and nightlife options. I concur with the previous answer. 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? Try another? Chicago was most recently updated with new tips on June 28, 2017. Several sub-neighborhoods within West Loop make this a unique neighborhood to visit. We recommend booking Union Station tours ahead of time to secure your spot. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. 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 That first layover wasnt my proudest moment as a solo traveler. 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. 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. The actual book was published a year before I was born. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. The main attraction Whether you're waiting on a train or passing through. It may not display this or other websites correctly. 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. Dj vu! Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. Would never recommend, terrible. 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

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