Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41531863', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Chicago: It will be on a Saturday - mid morning to early afternoon. 555 ratings. Chicago Transit Authority ('L' Trains & Buses) Greyhound; Other Transportation. Tickets are bought, but Im wondering if there are any ambulatory services available to take them to their train? A family-friendly museum highlight tour is given daily, and hands-on learning activities are offered on the weekends. 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? This classic Chicago landmark opened in 1925 as a replacement for an 1881 train station. Download a PDF of this 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. Check with your hotel to see if they will hold your luggage until check-in. I will check their website out more. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Stetson University. We already have this email. Now, she enjoys travelingand writing aboutthe U.S. and Canada by train. 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. !" 11/06/2022 Cuisines: Bar Diner Pub Find a table Pret A Manger Be the first to review this restaurant 225 S Canal St Our train arrives at 9am and cant check into the hotel until afternoon. If you have a lengthy layover and a love of food, this is the perfect Union Station layover activity for you. Not an ideal way to spend a layover. 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. The Windy City is more than just big sports stadiums and amazing museums. 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. While killing time before heading to Ohare we decided to stop by and see the historical Union Station. 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 This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. We went by Coach ride and were amazed at the leg room and comfortable atmosphere on the train. The last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing. 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. 2020 USATODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. Then we just sat and enjoyed the beauty of the Great Hall right at the train station. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Millennium Park, The Art Institue and the Adler Planetarium are also on the trolley routes. The outside of the station was a little grayish but it was so much more impressive inside. 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. We went out to purchase our meals, and brought them back and ate them in comfort, while watching a huge TV. I wasn't the only one there taking it all in. The tunnel from Union Station to Northwestern Station. 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. 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. I'm going to look in to that too. Walk from the Gold Coast neighborhood to Old Town with a guided tour of the local architecture while sampling mom and pop specialty food items along the way. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. 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. With 90 minutes notice until the train departed, we were informed by text that our tickets would be cancelled and we would be refunded. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Amtrak trains on many different routes arrive and depart from the Chicago Union Station at 225 S Canal Street. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. The Gage opens at 10. This is the 1st leg of a total relaxation vacation. Enjoy an immersive wine experience at City Winery. 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. RickMP: The water taxi & lake tour sounds interesting. We followed the young generation and we felt that experience was amazing. It seemed like I had the whole place to myself. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. This is the 1st leg of a total relaxation vacation. Today, the transportation hub runs Amtrak and Metra trains in and out of the city. (Photo: Tim Boyle/Getty Images News/Getty Images ). the two floored amtrak club accommodations are also nice. Besides, Chicago is such a vibrant city; it would be a shame to pass through without taking in any of the sights and activities. That first layover wasnt my proudest moment as a solo traveler. 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. 201 E. Randolph Street, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. You could even bottle a few cases of their wine with your own custom-designed label. 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. 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? 1 Ribs and a bevy of fast food chains. I did pass by a number of plaques (National Historic Railroad Landmarks, Great Public Spaces and American Institute of Architecture) recognizing the importance of this Station. Spend part of your layover on the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise. Readers of her USA by Rail blog have come to expect an intimate look at authentic experiences. Shedd Aquarium is one of the attractions for children near 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. Great breakfasts! The actual book was published a year before I was born. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. 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. Fulton Market, Randolph Market, Jackson Boulevard and Greek Town make up the West Loop. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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? Hi. Whetheryou're waiting on a train or passing through the building,you can't miss Union Station's crown jewel, the Great Hall. We live in La Crosse, Wi. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41530204', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Wendella River/Lake tour. The artwork was eye pleasing and there are windows to look out to the Great Hall. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. =). I found the lounge to be an oasis. 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. I would recommend arriving 30 minutes early to Union Station at a minimum. 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? Interested in Chicagos diverse and iconic architecture? Amtrak; Metra Commuter Rail; Transfer Options. 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. We arrived early enough so I could wander around the Grand Hall and study everything. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. But myself, I'd walk south on Michigan a few blocks to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Dave148: We were thinking of breakfast. 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. Stroll the Chicago Riverwalk and watch the kayaks and tour boats float by. I whiteness employees at the McDonalds twice a year giving these workers a hard time. The staff there are super helpful and can show you where to take luggage. It's well worth a trip to Chicago. Then walk or cab back to the train station. 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). This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Union Station is an iconic building and a marvel of modern transportation for nearly a century. 10Best Says. 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. lol. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. Thanks for subscribing! 520 W. Taylor Street, ~13-minute walk or 4-minute drive from Union Station. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Heres amap to help guide you through this historic Beaux-Arts beauty.Download aPDF of this map [link opens in anew window]. Amentities? The main attraction Whether you're waiting on a train or passing through. Belmont, Cta, or CTA - Chicago can be used for nearby transit. Amata_(ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Things to Do at and near Union Station. Familiarize yourself with the Grand Hall and its location as this is where youll wait to board your connecting train. Is this where you should park for an eleven day Amtrak trip? Second City one of the world's premier improv comedy theatres has been delighting audiences for more than 50 years. 28% discount_off. The interior of the building is a classic, with the iconic stairway, the Great Hall and the glass ceilings. Open 7 days a week Union Station closes daily between 1am-5am. I'll probably be nervous we'll miss boarding and will be way early. 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 architecture of the Great Hall is worth seeing. Any of the architecture tours are just amazing. 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. We always travel business class, so there is a nice lounge to take advantage of with free snacks and soft drinks. 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. We may earn commission when you click on or make a purchase via our links. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Along the Riverwalk, stop by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza and the McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum. I live in Chicago - Sears Tower, Greek Town for food are great ideas! I use it always. Kids are able to observe a wide range of animals, including antelopes, lions, seals, tigers, wallabies and zebras. 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 We were here to take the amtrak Texas Eagle for first time but this building is worth a visit either way. Established . Absolutely beautiful architectural masterpiece! Older children, taller than 55 inches, are also able to participate in the aquarium's behind-the-scenes tour for an additional fee. You could visit the Art Institute if that's an interest. 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. Hop on board the Untouchable Tours Gangster Bus for the original Chicago gangster tour. Chicago, Illinois 60606. The Lincoln Park Zoo offers free daily admission to all visitors. We never went anywhere by train. Thanks so much! So callous and unapologetic in completely ruining part of our Christmas experience. You can do more than merely catch a train at and near Chicago Union Station, such as: . Several sub-neighborhoods within West Loop make this a unique neighborhood to visit. Youll meet at the Southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive. Users simply pick up a bike from a self-service docking station and return it to a station near their destination. You can't help but look up and around. We will have about 6 hours to spend near Union Station. Chicago Transit Authority (L Trains & Buses). Grab a seat at the bar and order the "Fire-Bird" chicken sandwich, which is stacked with . 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. Drinks and snack items were offered. If you'd like to shop, walk north on Michigan (the "Magnificent Mile" area of high end stores). Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? Drive-Through Safari Adventure for 1 Adult (age 16+) Up to 35% Off on Arcade at Galaxi Fun Zone. 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. Chicago was most recently updated with new tips on June 28, 2017. Chicagos Union Station is the third-busiest rail station in the U.S., with about 140,000 passengers passing through each day. 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. Amtrak allows two bags, a cooler, and a personal item per person, so I always have at least four pieces of luggage. Yes, red caps service and handicapped transportation (wheel chairs or Tram carts) are available in the station. I too sometimes call it the Sears Tower in a weak moment. 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! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41529991', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Millennium Park and explore there. Go international with our nine tips for traveling Europe by rail. Chicago Amtrak Station. Try another? Acquainting yourself with the layout of the station ahead of time will help. On the Mezzanine level there were some fast food options like Starbucks, Jersey Mikes. They even texted me when the room was ready and allowed me to check in at noon with no additional charge. This will be our 1st trip without kids in too many years to count, so we don't mind some splurges. You have the Sears Tower couple of blocks away. Her articles have been published on sites such as Goodkin, Go Green Street and Living the Healthy Way. Find Divvy locations and rates. 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. Bellemore. The Chicago Riverwalk runs along historic Wacker Drive from Lake Michigan west to Lake Street, with access at street level from each major intersection. 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 To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Everyone's suggestions are really good. Its a massive train station nearly the size of 10 city blocks and I felt lost. 45 Credits, One Popcorn, and One Fountain Drink for One Person. Other child-friendly accommodations include family bathrooms and ramps designed for easy stroller maneuverability. You are using an out of date browser. Is the Metropolitan Lounge in full operation, that is, as it was before Covid reductions? 3. Is there wheelchair assistance available at Union Station? 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. 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 . Once youre comfortable getting around the station, its time to check your bags for your day in Chicago. If you have time to poke around, find the two Henry Hering statuesone holding a rooster and the other holding an owlwhich represent the around-the-clock nature of an outpost like Union Station. The Neoclassic exterior is dominated by the colonnades. 376 N. Michigan Avenue, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. These cruises sell out quickly, so consider purchasing tickets in advance. Union Station also features a variety of retail stores, eateries, and offers a grand ballroom for banquets and weddings. (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. Taxis; Rideshare; Bike Share; Then, like now, the station was a major transfer point between passenger trains. I think the Tribune Tower with its rocks from around the world is fascinating. 233 S. Wacker Drive, ~5-minute walk or 2-minute drive from Union Station. 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 ? Chicago is an ideal city for a family vacation, featuring many attractions for young visitors to enjoy in all types of weather.