Thanks so much! Showers were available, but I never saw them, we didn't even go upstairs, we just settled into a comfortable spot. Union Station also features a variety of retail stores, eateries, and offers a grand ballroom for banquets and weddings. Trains board quickly. Does the train station provide any baggage storage lockers so that we could visit Willis tower without toting our bags? I too sometimes call it the Sears Tower in a weak moment. 111 S. Michigan Avenue, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We were here to take the amtrak Texas Eagle for first time but this building is worth a visit either way. 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. I think the Tribune Tower with its rocks from around the world is fascinating. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41529991', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Millennium Park and explore there. lol. If you have a lengthy layover and a love of food, this is the perfect Union Station layover activity for you. Also located on the north side of the city is the Lincoln Park Zoo. Older children, taller than 55 inches, are also able to participate in the aquarium's behind-the-scenes tour for an additional fee. 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. 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. Good Morning! All products featured on TravelAwaits are independently selected by our writers and editors. Overall a nice place to visit or spend some extra time before or after your Amtrak or Metra train, the L or bus ride. Just grab a RTA Visitior Transit Map and its all at your finger tips. 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. We got there at the 30 minute mark and over 200 people were in line for our train. Thank you so much for all the great suggestions & tips. =). 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. Sears sold it years ago and it has been the "Willis Tower" for quite some time. We did walk it once because we were dropped off at the wrong station. Dj vu! Several sub-neighborhoods within West Loop make this a unique neighborhood to visit. 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). Shedd Aquarium is one of the attractions for children near Union Station. 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. 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. But myself, I'd walk south on Michigan a few blocks to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Chicago was most recently updated with new tips on June 28, 2017. http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html, http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/19923. 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. We loved it and looking forward to going back to La Crosse with Amtrak, of course. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. The train boards 1/2 hour before train time. 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. Register today and take advantage of membership benefits. Amtrak trains on many different routes arrive and depart from the Chicago Union Station at 225 S Canal Street. Union Station Train Travel. 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. Bellemore's lunch menu is wildly underrated, which is great news for you, weary traveler. Amtrak allows two bags, a cooler, and a personal item per person, so I always have at least four pieces of luggage. The Windy City is more than just big sports stadiums and amazing museums. Union Station also features a variety of retail stores, eateries, and offers a grand ballroom for banquets and weddings. 201 E. Randolph Street, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. As a frequent train traveler located in Kansas City, I often pass through Chicago to get to my final destination. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. This will be our 1st trip without kids in too many years to count, so we don't mind some splurges. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. They have free snacks, TV's, and comfy chairs. After a remodel and renaming in 1967, Portillos now has 17 Chicago locations. 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. 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. Photo Credit: Nagel Photography / Shutterstock, Tavarius / Shutterstock. They may serve their brunch menu on Saturdays as well, not sure. 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 Take a brisk walk to Portillos Hot Dogs for a classic Chicago hot dog. The Field Museum is home to Sue the Tyrannosaurus Rex and a range of other child-friendly exhibits, including the Underground Adventure, where children get the opportunity to experience life as a bug, and the Inside Ancient Egypt exhibit, focusing on Egyptian life, including mummies and tombs.The museum's Crown Family PlayLab gives young children the opportunity to explore their own exhibit, featuring hands-on attractions designed just for them. The tunnel from Union Station to Northwestern Station. Everything you need to know about visiting Union Station(225 S Canal St, Chicago IL 60606). Here's a map to help guide you through this historic Beaux-Arts beauty. Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. We are taking an Amtrak trip with a "layover" in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. IlliniTrav: We were thinking of Greektown. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. I found the lounge to be an oasis. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Not bad for a layover activity! The outside of the station was a little grayish but it was so much more impressive inside. People come from all over the world to take the train from Union Station. 4.6. Kids are able to observe a wide range of animals, including antelopes, lions, seals, tigers, wallabies and zebras. We went out to purchase our meals, and brought them back and ate them in comfort, while watching a huge TV. 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. =). Enjoy an immersive wine experience at City Winery. On the south side of town the Willis Tower . We recommend booking Union Station tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Fulton Market, Randolph Market, Jackson Boulevard and Greek Town make up the West Loop. Thanks so much! 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. Hop on board the Untouchable Tours Gangster Bus for the original Chicago gangster tour. 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. Rmrmber to be back at the station one hour before train time to check in with the Conductor and get your Boarding Pass. 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. Here is what I would do: if you want to eat right away, breakfast at Lou Mitchell's is a good choice. Would definitely want to wait in the Metropolitan again if given the opportunity. 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 ? 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. It's less than half a mile from Union Station. 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. 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. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. Do NOT forget the Peppers, http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willis_Tower, https://www.orderalsbeef.com/Media/Menus/adams%20web%20menu.pdf. 10Best Says. 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. Taxis; Rideshare; Bike Share; You can do more than merely catch a train at and near Chicago Union Station, such as: . What else is there to do near Union Station? 45 Credits, One Popcorn, and One Fountain Drink for One Person. I concur with the previous answer. I'll probably be nervous we'll miss boarding and will be way early. Our train arrives at 9am and cant check into the hotel until afternoon. Acquainting yourself with the layout of the station ahead of time will help. My aunt had a similar layover a few years ago. I would recommend arriving 30 minutes early to Union Station at a minimum. Inside the station, be sure to take in the Grand Staircases in the Great Hall, made famous by the movie The Untouchables. Then, like now, the station was a major transfer point between passenger trains. i need to know is there any place some one can wait if there lay over is after 12am? JavaScript is disabled. Do you need to book in advance to visit Union Station? Chicago, Illinois 60606. 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. Union Station (Chicago) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. As I walked to the train tracks there was a little more activity but passage was restricted to ticket holders. 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. =) Report inappropriate content 1-10 of 12 replies Sorted by 1 2 Dave148 Illinois Destination Expert Shedd Aquarium is one of the attractions for children near Union Station. We will be arriving at about 3-4pm and leave at about 10pm. These cruises sell out quickly, so consider purchasing tickets in advance. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. I use it always. 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. So callous and unapologetic in completely ruining part of our Christmas experience. Chicago Transit Authority (L Trains & Buses). You could go to the Sears tower or go to millennium park to see the bean or the magnificent mile. Originally a tiny hotdog stand called The Dog House, this relic was opened by Dick Portillo in 1963. 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. It's well worth a trip to Chicago. What's the best way to see Union Station? 555 ratings. 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.). Amentities? 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 Great Hall with its soaring glass ceilings was quite spectacular. I'm going to look in to that too. We usually take Amtrak to Chicago from Jackson Mi. 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. The Neoclassic exterior is dominated by the colonnades. Luggage storage near Union Station Luggage storage near Art Institute of Chicago Luggage storage near Greyhound Chicago Luggage storage near McCormick Place Luggage storage near Millennium Station Luggage storage near United Center Luggage storage near Lincoln Park Zoo Luggage storage near Millennium Park Luggage storage near Wicker Park While killing time before heading to Ohare we decided to stop by and see the historical 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. 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. 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. My luggage like a giant, it's 30inches. 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.