Good Morning! 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. It is about a 20 to 30 minute walk from Union Station depending how fast or slow you walk. You have the Sears Tower couple of blocks away. 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. These cruises sell out quickly, so consider purchasing tickets in advance. 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. 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* It's a building that fits the purpose in a visually pleasing way: very comfortable inside with more than a few places to eat in the food court. Users simply pick up a bike from a self-service docking station and return it to a station near their destination. All products featured on TravelAwaits are independently selected by our writers and editors. Travel + Trains. 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. 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. i need to know is there any place some one can wait if there lay over is after 12am? 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. 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. Her articles have been published on sites such as Goodkin, Go Green Street and Living the Healthy Way. 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. 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. (Photo: Tim Boyle/Getty Images News/Getty Images ). 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Malaysia. Union Station and the Metropolitan Lounge. 28% discount_off. Absolutely beautiful architectural masterpiece! 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. Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. 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. Great breakfasts! Hop on board the Untouchable Tours Gangster Bus for the original Chicago gangster tour. Shedd Aquarium is one of the attractions for children near Union Station. 4.6. Besides, Chicago is such a vibrant city; it would be a shame to pass through without taking in any of the sights and activities. If you have a roomette or sleeper car,you can hang out in the Metrpolitan Lounge while you wait. Hi, just want to check if the luggage storage is still available currently. Several sub-neighborhoods within West Loop make this a unique neighborhood to visit. Now, she enjoys travelingand writing aboutthe U.S. and Canada by train. If travel is on your agenda, there are plenty of options. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. 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. 376 N. Michigan Avenue, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. Yes, red caps service and handicapped transportation (wheel chairs or Tram carts) are available in the station. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. We got there at the 30 minute mark and over 200 people were in line for our train. Explore different ways to experience this place. 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? Dj vu! Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. Do NOT forget the Peppers, http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willis_Tower, https://www.orderalsbeef.com/Media/Menus/adams%20web%20menu.pdf. Photo Credit: Nagel Photography / Shutterstock, Tavarius / Shutterstock. 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. 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 . Amentities? So when it was in the school library it was still fairly new. 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. Originally a tiny hotdog stand called The Dog House, this relic was opened by Dick Portillo in 1963. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Established . 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. Clean restrooms. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. Symphony Center - Chicago Symphony Orchestra, 90-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour, 45-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile, 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck Admission (Hancock Center), See more experiences near Union Station on Tripadvisor, See more bars & clubs near Union Station on Tripadvisor, Discover over 1,000 restaurants near Union Station, Discover over 613 hotels near Union Station, Discover over 1,000 things to do near Union Station, Curio Collection by Hilton Hotels in Chicago, Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Chicago, Hotels with Military Discounts in Chicago, Hotels near Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower, Hotels near Museum of Science and Industry, 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, Garfield Park Conservatory: Tickets & Tours, Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing in Chicago, Conference & Convention Centres in Chicago, Things to do near Canopy by Hilton Chicago Central Loop, Things to do near La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chicago Downtown, Things to do near Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago-Downtown, an IHG Hotel, Things to do near Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Downtown/Loop, Things to do near Hyatt Place Chicago / Downtown - The Loop, Things to do near Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Central Loop, Skip the Line: Show of Salon Bullfighting + Tour of the Bullring, Kuala Lumpur Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive), Krabi To Kuala Lumpur(Malaysia) by AC Van and VIP Bus, Mangrove Forest Canoeing - Limpaki Wetland, Pulau Kapas Snorkeling Trip from Kuala Terenganu, Full Day Guided Roundtrip From Bergen To Sognefjord With Flam Railway, Dubai Honeymoon Package 4 Days / 3 Nights. As a Kansas City expert, Jills travel guide, The Best of Kansas City: 3-Day Itinerary, launched number one in its category on Amazon. We will be arriving at about 3-4pm and leave at about 10pm. Then we just sat and enjoyed the beauty of the Great Hall right at the train station. Once I get to the station, where do I go? @2023 Chicago Union Station. 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. Shallow: Great reminder. We usually take Amtrak to Chicago from Jackson Mi. 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. Youll find restaurants and concessions during the summer months, plus benches and lookout points, boat rentals, and water tours. There are cool boat tours up and down the Chicago River. 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? There's a bunch of touristy stuff to do near that area. JavaScript is disabled. http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html, http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/19923. 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. Union Station also features a variety of retail stores, eateries, and offers a grand ballroom for banquets and weddings. =). 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. 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. Amata_(ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We will have about 6 hours to spend near Union Station. The station used to be a grungy zoo but over the past few years they have made some updates. Taxis; Rideshare; Bike Share; 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? Get the Divvy app: Android and iOS. Union Station is an iconic building and a marvel of modern transportation for nearly a century. Any restaurant recommendations or ideas on places to go (& best means of travel to get there) would be so appreciated. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. We recommend booking Union Station tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Union Station also features a variety of retail stores, eateries, and offers a grand ballroom for banquets and weddings. If it were me, being the kind of person that doesn't like to spend a lot of money and enjoys walking, I would head east towards (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 233 S. Wacker Drive, ~5-minute walk or 2-minute drive from Union Station. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! The station is located a short walk from Downtown Chicago and several famous attractions, such as The Loop and Art Institute of Chicago Chicago Riverwalk: at an 8-minute drive from the Union Station, Chicago Riverwalk is the perfect place to make the most of your vacation. The tour guides are actors who take on the personas of 1920s gangsters. 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. 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. Would definitely want to wait in the Metropolitan again if given the opportunity. The Polar Express journey begins with a visit to the Founders Room to collect our Golden Tickets. Sears sold it years ago and it has been the "Willis Tower" for quite some time. 520 W. Taylor Street, ~13-minute walk or 4-minute drive from Union Station. Up to 48% Off Drive-Through Safari at Safari Lake Geneva. 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 last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing. Symphony Center - Chicago Symphony Orchestra, 90-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour, 45-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile, 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck Admission (Hancock Center), See more experiences near Union Station on Tripadvisor, See more bars & clubs near Union Station on Tripadvisor, Discover over 1,000 restaurants near Union Station, Discover over 613 hotels near Union Station, Discover over 1,000 things to do near Union Station, Curio Collection by Hilton Hotels in Chicago, Hotels near Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower, Hotels near Museum of Science and Industry, 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, Garfield Park Conservatory: Tickets & Tours, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Chicago, Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing in Chicago, Conference & Convention Centers in Chicago, Things to do near Canopy by Hilton Chicago Central Loop, Things to do near La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chicago Downtown, Things to do near Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago-Downtown, an IHG Hotel, Things to do near Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Downtown/Loop, Things to do near Hyatt Place Chicago / Downtown - The Loop, Things to do near Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Central Loop, Kecak Fire & Trance Dance (Pura Dalem Taman Kaja), Best Snorkeling Lombok: Gili Nanggu, Gili Kedis & Gili Sudak Day-Trip, Saint-Emilion Small-Group Electric Bike Wine Tour Tastings & Lunch from Bordeaux, Minitrekking Perito Moreno - Ice hiking from El Calafate, VIP Vatican Breakfast: Sistine Chapel & St Peters Basilica Guided Tour, Market, Tacos and Food Tasting Experience of San Jose del Cabo, Riyadh King Khalid International Airport Plaza Premium Lounge, Uluwatu, Kecak Dance and Seafood Dinner on the Beach. 555 ratings. 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. No later train option, no accommodation, only that we would have a chance to ride AFTER Christmas. Intersection of Clark and Ohio, ~9-minute drive from Union Station. December can be miserable in Chicago--really miserable. The outside of the station was a little grayish but it was so much more impressive inside. 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. So callous and unapologetic in completely ruining part of our Christmas experience. Any of the architecture tours are just amazing. You have to walk slowly and just feel the history of the building seep into you. The Shedd Aquarium puts kids face-to-face with more than 32,000 animals. 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. I found the lounge to be an oasis. I live in Chicago - Sears Tower, Greek Town for food are great ideas! 98% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. Our train arrives at 9am and cant check into the hotel until afternoon. 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. Overall a nice place to visit or spend some extra time before or after your Amtrak or Metra train, the L or bus ride. Everyone's suggestions are really good. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. (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. As I walked to the train tracks there was a little more activity but passage was restricted to ticket holders. Spend part of your layover on the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise. more, Points of Interest & Landmarks Architectural Buildings. Open since 1925, Union Station remains Chicago's intercity rail terminal and the largest terminal for commuter trains. If you have a lengthy layover and a love of food, this is the perfect Union Station layover activity for you. Jill Dutton 5. Union Station. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. 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? You can't help but look up and around. What else is there to do 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. Location Provided With Ticket Purchase, ~10-minute drive from Union Station. 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. Find Divvy locations and rates. $$ - $$$ 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. Today, the transportation hub runs Amtrak and Metra trains in and out of the city. We never went anywhere by train. Is there wheelchair assistance available at Union Station? IlliniTrav: We were thinking of Greektown. The architecture of the Great Hall is worth seeing. 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. 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. Interested in Chicagos diverse and iconic architecture? But as folks have stated there are great dining options only a few block away-take advantage of one of them-bundle up and enjoy! Acquainting yourself with the layout of the station ahead of time will help. Here you can be involved in the winemaking process from the crush and fermentation to the blend. What else is there to do near Union Station? We are taking an Amtrak trip with a "layover" in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. We did walk it once because we were dropped off at the wrong station. More adventurous foodies will want to pad their schedules with time to explore the surrounding neighborhood for light bites and boozy drinks. Randlin: Oh the Exchequer sounds grea!. Two things to see on Jackson Blvd other than Willis are The Federal Reserve Bank and the Chicago Board of Trade. The Neoclassic exterior is dominated by the colonnades. 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. Dave148: We were thinking of breakfast. 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. =) Report inappropriate content 1-10 of 12 replies Sorted by 1 2 Dave148 Illinois Destination Expert We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. If you're just visiting Chicago and not taking the train, well worth the quick visit to see the interior. Youll meet at the Southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive. A couple blocks away is the French market. 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. 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. 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. Where in Union Station do I catch the Amtrak to Princeton, IL? 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. W1612 Litchfield Rd, Lake Geneva. They even texted me when the room was ready and allowed me to check in at noon with no additional charge. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. 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 Take a brisk walk to Portillos Hot Dogs for a classic Chicago hot dog. 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 . On Second Citys three-hour foodie tour, youll sample classic Chicago tastes. 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. 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. Chicago was most recently updated with new tips on June 28, 2017. $16.77 $12.00. I am bringing 2 elderly people (89 and 84) in late August for a trip to Seattle. The train boards 1/2 hour before train time. But myself, I'd walk south on Michigan a few blocks to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Study the map before taking off on a train trip with a Chicago layover. 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. Does the train station provide any baggage storage lockers so that we could visit Willis tower without toting our bags? Passengers looking to grab a bite before taking off can expect airport-like fare including Nuts on Clark, Gold Coast Dogs, Robinson's No. Chicago, Illinois 60606. 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 . They have free snacks, TV's, and comfy chairs. We will have about 6 hours to spend near Union Station. One of the most beautiful stations in the United Stations, it opened in 1925 next to the Chicago Loop. Download a PDF of this Other Attractions in Chicago. We were here to take the amtrak Texas Eagle for first time but this building is worth a visit either way. Wendella water taxi to Michigan Avenue and then a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You could go to the Sears tower or go to millennium park to see the bean or the magnificent mile. 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). 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Thanks so much! 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. 255 South Canal StreetChicago, Illinois 60606, Open 7 days a weekUnion Station closes dailybetween 1am-5am. Considering this was a large transportation hub there was a lot of available metered street parking right along the street. We followed the young generation and we felt that experience was amazing. Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? If you don't mind spending some money, the Willis Tower is right next door and would be interesting. 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. When its time to board, an Amtrak attendant will make the announcement for passengers to form a line, then youll follow the attendant to the correct boarding track.
Kelli Stavast Interview, American Family Insurance Preferred Vendor Program, Articles T