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. Acquainting yourself with the layout of the station ahead of time will help. 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? more. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. After a remodel and renaming in 1967, Portillos now has 17 Chicago locations. Older children, taller than 55 inches, are also able to participate in the aquarium's behind-the-scenes tour for an additional fee. 1200 W. Randolph Street, ~7-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. 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. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Stetson University. Two things to see on Jackson Blvd other than Willis are The Federal Reserve Bank and the Chicago Board of Trade. I concur with the previous answer. 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. Gets less confusing but it is at first when you arrive and try to figure out where things are here though. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. In the downtown area (The Loop) the pizza place listed in The Thousand Places To See Before You Die book is the Exchequer: http://www.exchequerpub.com/ (The name comes from the fact that it is next door to a law school.). Thanks so much! 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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. Union Station (Chicago) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Up to 48% Off Drive-Through Safari at Safari Lake Geneva. During my first train trip from Kansas City to Washington, D.C., I arrived in Chicagos Union Station on my first layover with several hours to fill before departing. Is the Metropolitan Lounge in full operation, that is, as it was before Covid reductions? They even texted me when the room was ready and allowed me to check in at noon with no additional charge. Hop on board the Untouchable Tours Gangster Bus for the original Chicago gangster tour. The Windy City is more than just big sports stadiums and amazing museums. 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. All products featured on TravelAwaits are independently selected by our writers and editors. 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. Youll find restaurants and concessions during the summer months, plus benches and lookout points, boat rentals, and water tours. 1 Ribs and a bevy of fast food chains. We never went anywhere by train. They have free snacks, TV's, and comfy chairs. I'll probably be nervous we'll miss boarding and will be way early. Drive-Through Safari Adventure for 1 Adult (age 16+) Up to 35% Off on Arcade at Galaxi Fun Zone. People come from all over the world to take the train from Union Station. Everyone's suggestions are really good. How long would that take? Today, the transportation hub runs Amtrak and Metra trains in and out of the city. We went out to purchase our meals, and brought them back and ate them in comfort, while watching a huge TV. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Even if you're not catching a train to anywhere, you really need to just step into this building and feel the history. 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. Next to the Great Hall is the Metropolitan Lounge where we waited for our next train. 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. You are using an out of date browser. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Everything you need to know about visiting Union Station(225 S Canal St, Chicago IL 60606). Luggage storage Union Station $6 / day | Bag Storage & Lockers Other child-friendly accommodations include family bathrooms and ramps designed for easy stroller maneuverability. We will have about 6 hours to spend near Union Station. Shedd Aquarium is one of the attractions for children near Union Station. I would recommend arriving 30 minutes early to Union Station at a minimum. Amata_(ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. 2020 USATODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. 45 Credits, One Popcorn, and One Fountain Drink for One Person. @2023 Chicago 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. Users simply pick up a bike from a self-service docking station and return it to a station near their destination. Things to do around Union Station in Chicago - Trippy Tickets are bought, but Im wondering if there are any ambulatory services available to take them to their train? 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 . It was beautiful. 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. Clean restrooms. As a frequent train traveler located in Kansas City, I often pass through Chicago to get to my final destination. December can be miserable in Chicago--really miserable. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. And Lou Mitchell's at 565 W. Jackson is walking distance. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. The last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing. 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. There are cool boat tours up and down the Chicago River. The outside of the station was a little grayish but it was so much more impressive inside. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Yes, red caps service and handicapped transportation (wheel chairs or Tram carts) are available in the station. 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 Sears sold it years ago and it has been the "Willis Tower" for quite some time. Dotted with factories and warehouses, West Loop is packed with various types of dining and nightlife options. We got there at the 30 minute mark and over 200 people were in line for our train. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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. Shedd Aquarium is one of the attractions for children near Union Station. We live in La Crosse, Wi. 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. Things To Do Near Union Station Chicago? | Page 4 | Amtrak Unlimited It seemed like I had the whole place to myself. Travel + Trains. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. If you have a lengthy layover and a love of food, this is the perfect Union Station layover activity for you. I use it always. The Gage opens at 10. 9 Things To Do On A Layover At Chicago's Union Station Open 7 days a week Union Station closes daily between 1am-5am. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The Polar Express journey begins with a visit to the Founders Room to collect our Golden Tickets. 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. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. =). This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. W1612 Litchfield Rd, Lake Geneva. 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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 We will have about 6 hours to spend near Union Station. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. Fulton Market, Randolph Market, Jackson Boulevard and Greek Town make up the West Loop. If you don't mind spending some money, the Willis Tower is right next door and would be interesting. Here is what I would do: if you want to eat right away, breakfast at Lou Mitchell's is a good choice. http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html, http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/19923. Readers of her USA by Rail blog have come to expect an intimate look at authentic experiences. You have the Sears Tower couple of blocks away. Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. Dave148: We were thinking of breakfast. It is about a 20 to 30 minute walk from Union Station depending how fast or slow you walk. 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 The architecture of the Great Hall is worth seeing. THE 10 BEST Things to Do Near Union Station, Chicago, IL 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. Union Station also features a variety of retail stores, eateries, and offers a grand ballroom for banquets and weddings. Hi. We went by Coach ride and were amazed at the leg room and comfortable atmosphere on the train. Bellemore's lunch menu is wildly underrated, which is great news for you, weary traveler. 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. If you'd like to shop, walk north on Michigan (the "Magnificent Mile" area of high end stores). After grabbing my luggage from the train, my first course of action was obvious: Follow the hoard of passengers from the tracks to the station. You may have to clomb narrow stairs to board the train. It's kind of a giant food court. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. I do wish they had clear marked parking for the facility. 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Uber ride came in no time and Asan from Bulgaria was friendly and professional. It's well worth a trip to 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. 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. Take a brisk walk to Portillos Hot Dogs for a classic Chicago hot dog. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41530204', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Wendella River/Lake tour. But myself, I'd walk south on Michigan a few blocks to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Try another? Hi, just want to check if the luggage storage is still available currently. 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If you're just visiting Chicago and not taking the train, well worth the quick visit to see the interior. Millennium Park 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.