So callous and unapologetic in completely ruining part of our Christmas experience. 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* 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. Kids of all ages and. Our train arrives at 9am and cant check into the hotel until afternoon. 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. Tickets are bought, but Im wondering if there are any ambulatory services available to take them to their train? The main attraction Whether you're waiting on a train or passing through. Thanks for subscribing! Restaurants near Union Station 225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606-5702 Read Reviews of Union Station Sponsored JoJo's Shake Bar - River North 27 reviews 23 W Hubbard St "JoJo's Doesn't Disappoint" 02/26/2023 "Best boozy milkshakes! I found the lounge to be an oasis. Not bad for a layover activity! Dirty, dark & creepy. Dave148: We were thinking of breakfast. 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. Besides, Chicago is such a vibrant city; it would be a shame to pass through without taking in any of the sights and activities. Study the map before taking off on a train trip with a Chicago layover. 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. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. These are free. more. And then our sons went by train one time and had an easy and nice ride. Safety is not a big issue IMHO. I will check their website out more. Union Station is an iconic building and a marvel of modern transportation for nearly a century. Readers of her USA by Rail blog have come to expect an intimate look at authentic experiences. Her articles have been published on sites such as Goodkin, Go Green Street and Living the Healthy Way. Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? Daily activities, such as the opportunity to meet a zoo animal and ape training sessions, teach children about the zoo's many residents. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Stroll the Chicago Riverwalk and watch the kayaks and tour boats float by. My aunt had a similar layover a few years ago. Travel + Trains. Go to the Concourse level where youll find the baggage check. 233 S. Wacker Drive, ~5-minute walk or 2-minute drive from Union Station. Union Station also features a variety of retail stores, eateries, and offers a grand ballroom for banquets and weddings. 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. 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 . 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. They have free snacks, TV's, and comfy chairs. Whetheryou're waiting on a train or passing through the building,you can't miss Union Station's crown jewel, the Great Hall. Two things to see on Jackson Blvd other than Willis are The Federal Reserve Bank and the Chicago Board of Trade. The station used to be a grungy zoo but over the past few years they have made some updates. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. Belmont, Cta, or CTA - Chicago can be used for nearby transit. Along the Riverwalk, stop by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza and the McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum. That first layover wasnt my proudest moment as a solo traveler. Everything you need to know about visiting Union Station(225 S Canal St, Chicago IL 60606). 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. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. We usually take Amtrak to Chicago from Jackson Mi. It was late only 12 minutes from La Crosse and making it on time to Union Station, Chicago. 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. Interested in train travel? IlliniTrav: We were thinking of Greektown. 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. I too sometimes call it the Sears Tower in a weak moment. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. We will be arriving at about 3-4pm and leave at about 10pm. We never went anywhere by train. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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? 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 Union Station. One of the most beautiful stations in the United Stations, it opened in 1925 next to the Chicago Loop. We will have about 6 hours to spend near Union Station. Good Morning! lol. The station is huge and has many gorgeous areas. Passengers looking to grab a bite before taking off can expect airport-like fare including Nuts on Clark, Gold Coast Dogs, Robinson's No. You can't help but look up and around. 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. 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. Thanks so much! 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. 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. 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 This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing. The Skydeck entrance is located on Franklin Street (the east side of the building). Amtrak trains on many different routes arrive and depart from the Chicago Union Station at 225 S Canal Street. 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'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. 1 Ribs and a bevy of fast food chains. On Second Citys three-hour foodie tour, youll sample classic Chicago tastes. @2023 Chicago Union Station. =). If you have a roomette or sleeper car,you can hang out in the Metrpolitan Lounge while you wait. The second floor was currently roped off but the main floor was large and the seating comfortable with numerous electronic outlets. 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. 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. Can someone please tell me the process to board the train? Grab a seat at the bar and order the "Fire-Bird" chicken sandwich, which is stacked with . Familiarize yourself with the Grand Hall and its location as this is where youll wait to board your connecting train. We already have this email. Alternatively, you may use, 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, Restaurants near Canopy by Hilton Chicago Central Loop, Restaurants near Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown West Loop, Restaurants near La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chicago Downtown, Restaurants near Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago-Downtown, an IHG Hotel, Restaurants near Corporate Suites Network at Presidential Towers, Restaurants near Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Downtown/Loop, Restaurants near Hyatt Place Chicago / Downtown - The Loop, Restaurants near Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Central Loop, Restaurants near Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower, Restaurants near Old St. Patrick's Church, Restaurants near Chicago Prohibition Tours, Restaurants near Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank, Restaurants near Columbia College Chicago, Restaurants near Loyola University Chicago, Restaurants near Chicago State University, Restaurants near Northeastern Illinois University, Restaurants near University of Illinois at Chicago, Restaurants near National Louis University, Restaurants near Illinois Institute of Technology. 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 Oops, forgot to tell you that the trip is in late December. 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. Hi, just want to check if the luggage storage is still available currently. 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. Amtrak allows two bags, a cooler, and a personal item per person, so I always have at least four pieces of luggage. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The Polar Express journey begins with a visit to the Founders Room to collect our Golden Tickets. Union Station (Chicago) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Divvy, Chicago's bike-share program, offers over 580 stations and 5,800 bikes across the city, available for rent 24/7. These cruises sell out quickly, so consider purchasing tickets in advance. Then, like now, the station was a major transfer point between passenger trains. Chicago Transit Authority ('L' Trains & Buses) Greyhound; Other Transportation. Millennium Park is bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west, Columbus Drive to the east, Randolph Street to the north and Monroe Street to the south. 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. Heres amap to help guide you through this historic Beaux-Arts beauty.Download aPDF of this map [link opens in anew window]. We went out to purchase our meals, and brought them back and ate them in comfort, while watching a huge TV. The attached garage is best and less cost than hotel areas. Trains board quickly. I do wish they had clear marked parking for the facility. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Location Provided With Ticket Purchase, ~10-minute drive from Union Station. You can do more than merely catch a train at and near Chicago Union Station, such as: . You have the Sears Tower couple of blocks away. Would never recommend, terrible. 45 Credits, One Popcorn, and One Fountain Drink for One Person. Take a brisk walk to Portillos Hot Dogs for a classic Chicago hot dog. 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 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. Randlin: Oh the Exchequer sounds grea!. And Lou Mitchell's at 565 W. Jackson is walking distance. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Stetson University. While killing time before heading to Ohare we decided to stop by and see the historical Union Station. Is there wheelchair assistance available at Union Station? Chicago Transit Authority (L Trains & Buses). It was beautiful. Established . 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. Check with your hotel to see if they will hold your luggage until check-in. They may serve their brunch menu on Saturdays as well, not sure. 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. The Chicago Riverwalk runs along historic Wacker Drive from Lake Michigan west to Lake Street, with access at street level from each major intersection. Thanks so much! The facility cost $75 million dollars to build - more than $1 . I'll probably be nervous we'll miss boarding and will be way early. The tour guides are actors who take on the personas of 1920s gangsters. 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. Here is what I would do: if you want to eat right away, breakfast at Lou Mitchell's is a good choice. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Its a massive train station nearly the size of 10 city blocks and I felt lost. Union Station Train Travel. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. If you don't mind spending some money, the Willis Tower is right next door and would be interesting. We live in La Crosse, Wi. People come from all over the world to take the train from Union Station. Interesting how everyone still calls it the "Sears Tower". Chicago, Illinois 60606. 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. Gets less confusing but it is at first when you arrive and try to figure out where things are here though. 555 ratings. Intersection of Clark and Ohio, ~9-minute drive from Union Station. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. JavaScript is disabled. The artwork was eye pleasing and there are windows to look out to the Great Hall. 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. They even texted me when the room was ready and allowed me to check in at noon with no additional charge. Bellemore. It's less than half a mile from Union Station. 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. 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. Open 7 days a week Union Station closes daily between 1am-5am. We always travel business class, so there is a nice lounge to take advantage of with free snacks and soft drinks. 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. You have to walk slowly and just feel the history of the building seep into you. 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. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. The Gage opens at 10. Is this where you should park for an eleven day Amtrak trip? It is about a 20 to 30 minute walk from Union Station depending how fast or slow you walk. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. 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. Also Hemingway's house is there with a museum. All rights reserved. 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 Drinks and snack items were offered. 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 Lincoln Park Zoo offers free daily admission to all visitors. 111 S. Michigan Avenue, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. The tunnel from Union Station to Northwestern Station. Shedd Aquarium is one of the attractions for children near Union Station. The architecture of the Great Hall is worth seeing. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Find Divvy locations and rates. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. We got there at the 30 minute mark and over 200 people were in line for our train. Drive-Through Safari Adventure for 1 Adult (age 16+) Up to 35% Off on Arcade at Galaxi Fun Zone. Several sub-neighborhoods within West Loop make this a unique neighborhood to visit. Just grab a RTA Visitior Transit Map and its all at your finger tips. December can be miserable in Chicago--really miserable. Where in Union Station do I catch the Amtrak to Princeton, IL? 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. 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 Grab some Giordino's Pizza and you won't need to eat on the train for a week! There is also the free trolley to some of the shopping areas such as State Street and Navy Pier. We followed the young generation and we felt that experience was amazing. Acquainting yourself with the layout of the station ahead of time will help. Amtrak; Metra Commuter Rail; Transfer Options. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. The actual book was published a year before I was born. There's a lot of good food to be had there, quite a few of the stands are outposts of good restaurants in the city. If you'd like to shop, walk north on Michigan (the "Magnificent Mile" area of high end stores). 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.