520 W. Taylor Street, ~13-minute walk or 4-minute drive from Union Station. You have the Sears Tower couple of blocks away. 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 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. Chicago Amtrak Station. Dj vu! We went out to purchase our meals, and brought them back and ate them in comfort, while watching a huge TV. $$ - $$$ 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. 1200 W. Randolph Street, ~7-minute drive from Union Station. The train boards 1/2 hour before train time. 555 ratings. 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. 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. 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. This will be our 1st trip without kids in too many years to count, so we don't mind some splurges. 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. With 90 minutes notice until the train departed, we were informed by text that our tickets would be cancelled and we would be refunded. Heres amap to help guide you through this historic Beaux-Arts beauty.Download aPDF of this map [link opens in anew window]. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Having a compartment allows entry. It's kind of a giant food court. I too sometimes call it the Sears Tower in a weak moment. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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? The food area was currently closed due to COVID but later an employee came around and offered to get us sodas, snacks, etc., from a list he said was available. Considering this was a large transportation hub there was a lot of available metered street parking right along the street. Youll meet at the Southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive. 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 . Try another? (Photo: Tim Boyle/Getty Images News/Getty Images ). 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. 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. 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. I am bringing 2 elderly people (89 and 84) in late August for a trip to Seattle. 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 ? I saw a sign that said the escalator would take me to the street, so I loaded my bounty of luggage onto the escalator, walked outside the door to the street, turned around, walked back in, and went down the escalator again. Everything you need to know about visiting Union Station(225 S Canal St, Chicago IL 60606). This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41533587', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Millennium Park and stroll around the park. Its a massive train station nearly the size of 10 city blocks and I felt lost. 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. Passengers looking to grab a bite before taking off can expect airport-like fare including Nuts on Clark, Gold Coast Dogs, Robinson's No. The second floor was currently roped off but the main floor was large and the seating comfortable with numerous electronic outlets. As a frequent train traveler located in Kansas City, I often pass through Chicago to get to my final destination. 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 Maybe it was a quiet weekend or time of day but very little people were walking through or sitting on any of the benches. Lou Mitchell's looks fun. Not an ideal way to spend a layover. 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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. The Great Hall with its soaring glass ceilings was quite spectacular. We live in La Crosse, Wi. The Neoclassic exterior is dominated by the colonnades. Is it generally safe to walk from union station to millennium park during the day on the weekend? 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. What else is there to do near Union Station? Other child-friendly accommodations include family bathrooms and ramps designed for easy stroller maneuverability. The inside of Union Station is absolutely beautiful, but the best part for my friend and I was the Metropolitan Lounge, which we had access to by virtue of being "sleeping car" customers on our AMTRAK trains, both coming and going. Chicago, Illinois 60606. Location Provided With Ticket Purchase, ~10-minute drive from Union Station. 3. Any of the architecture tours are just amazing. December can be miserable in Chicago--really miserable. This is the 1st leg of a total relaxation vacation. 2020 USATODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. Showers were available, but I never saw them, we didn't even go upstairs, we just settled into a comfortable spot. On the south side of town the Willis Tower . On Second Citys three-hour foodie tour, youll sample classic Chicago tastes. 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. If you're just visiting Chicago and not taking the train, well worth the quick visit to see the interior. Trains board quickly. 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. Familiarize yourself with the Grand Hall and its location as this is where youll wait to board your connecting train. $16.77 $12.00. We will be arriving at about 3-4pm and leave at about 10pm. Union Station also features a variety of retail stores, eateries, and offers a grand ballroom for banquets and weddings. If youre a sleeping car or first-class passenger, spend some time relaxing in the Metropolitan Lounge (or, if youre a coach passenger, consider paying the daily fee for access) located in the Grand Hall. The cruise, which lasts an hour and 30 minutes, will treat you to a view of the city from the water aboard Chicagos First Lady. 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 Amentities? 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. Get the Divvy app: Android and iOS. What else is there to do near Union Station? This classic Chicago landmark opened in 1925 as a replacement for an 1881 train station. All rights reserved. The Polar Express journey begins with a visit to the Founders Room to collect our Golden Tickets. The interior of the building is a classic, with the iconic stairway, the Great Hall and the glass ceilings. Photo Credit: Nagel Photography / Shutterstock, Tavarius / Shutterstock. Where in Union Station do I catch the Amtrak to Princeton, IL? While killing time before heading to Ohare we decided to stop by and see the historical Union Station. They need real working security at the union station I find many unmasked trouble makers also homeless asking for money in the mornings you have crack heads Asking for money. Chicago was most recently updated with new tips on June 28, 2017. On the Mezzanine level there were some fast food options like Starbucks, Jersey Mikes. Randlin: Oh the Exchequer sounds grea!. Explore different ways to experience this place. That first layover wasnt my proudest moment as a solo traveler. 255 South Canal StreetChicago, Illinois 60606, Open 7 days a weekUnion Station closes dailybetween 1am-5am. Now, she enjoys travelingand writing aboutthe U.S. and Canada by train. Also Hemingway's house is there with a museum. Shedd Aquarium is one of the attractions for children near Union Station. 1 Ribs and a bevy of fast food chains. Chicago is an ideal city for a family vacation, featuring many attractions for young visitors to enjoy in all types of weather. The main attraction Whether you're waiting on a train or passing through. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. We are taking an Amtrak trip with a "layover" in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. It seemed like I had the whole place to myself. 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! There is also the free trolley to some of the shopping areas such as State Street and Navy Pier. Hop on board the Untouchable Tours Gangster Bus for the original Chicago gangster tour. People come from all over the world to take the train from Union Station. =). Union Station (Chicago) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. The outside of the station was a little grayish but it was so much more impressive inside. Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. more. They may serve their brunch menu on Saturdays as well, not sure. 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Good Morning! You could go to the Sears tower or go to millennium park to see the bean or the magnificent mile. That space, which lives up to its name, boasts a 219-food-long barrel-vaulted skylight that acts as the ceiling for the room. If you have a lengthy layover and a love of food, this is the perfect Union Station layover activity for you. Would definitely want to wait in the Metropolitan again if given the opportunity. They even texted me when the room was ready and allowed me to check in at noon with no additional charge. And Lou Mitchell's at 565 W. Jackson is walking distance. Do you need to book in advance to visit Union Station? Can someone please tell me the process to board the train? Jill is currently writing the first of 12 train travel guides: Ride the Southwest Chief. Besides, Chicago is such a vibrant city; it would be a shame to pass through without taking in any of the sights and activities. 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. What day of the week and what time of day is your layover? You can't help but look up and around. Several sub-neighborhoods within West Loop make this a unique neighborhood to visit. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. Daily activities, such as the opportunity to meet a zoo animal and ape training sessions, teach children about the zoo's many residents. We will have about 6 hours to spend near Union Station. Enjoy an immersive wine experience at City Winery. Next to the Great Hall is the Metropolitan Lounge where we waited for our next train. 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. 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. Yes, red caps service and handicapped transportation (wheel chairs or Tram carts) are available in the station. 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 . 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. Download a PDF of this Go international with our nine tips for traveling Europe by rail. Great breakfasts! 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. 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. 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. Any restaurant recommendations or ideas on places to go (& best means of travel to get there) would be so appreciated. 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. Drive-Through Safari Adventure for 1 Adult (age 16+) Up to 35% Off on Arcade at Galaxi Fun Zone. A couple blocks away is the French market. Intersection of Clark and Ohio, ~9-minute drive from Union Station. Chicago Transit Authority (L Trains & Buses). Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? We loved it and looking forward to going back to La Crosse with Amtrak, of course. We never went anywhere by train. 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Even if you're not catching a train to anywhere, you really need to just step into this building and feel the history. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Stetson University. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. The Lincoln Park Zoo offers free daily admission to all visitors. It's less than half a mile from Union Station. You may have to clomb narrow stairs to board the train. Then walk or cab back to the train station. 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. Shedd Aquarium is one of the attractions for children near Union Station. The Gage opens at 10. (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. Older children, taller than 55 inches, are also able to participate in the aquarium's behind-the-scenes tour for an additional fee. Thank you so much for all the great suggestions & tips. I concur with the previous answer. Which places are best for bars & clubs near Union Station? 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! Here is what I would do: if you want to eat right away, breakfast at Lou Mitchell's is a good choice. If you want to take a bus from Union Station you could probably get on one on either Jackson or Adams which border Union Station. One of the most beautiful stations in the United Stations, it opened in 1925 next to the Chicago Loop. 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'll probably be nervous we'll miss boarding and will be way early. 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. As I walked to the train tracks there was a little more activity but passage was restricted to ticket holders. You feel the pain. I whiteness employees at the McDonalds twice a year giving these workers a hard time. I do wish they had clear marked parking for the facility. 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* 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. @2023 Chicago Union Station. We may earn commission when you click on or make a purchase via our links. 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. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! 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