Kids' Activities Near Libertyville, Illinois. You have to walk slowly and just feel the history of the building seep into you. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. more. Uber ride came in no time and Asan from Bulgaria was friendly and professional. Now, she enjoys travelingand writing aboutthe U.S. and Canada by train. Drinks and snack items were offered. 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 . more. The Clinton station is two blocks south of Union Station, and the northwest terminal of the Blue Line is under the O'Hare Airport main garage. 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. Trains board quickly. Kids are able to observe a wide range of animals, including antelopes, lions, seals, tigers, wallabies and zebras. Acquainting yourself with the layout of the station ahead of time will help. 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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. Overall a nice place to visit or spend some extra time before or after your Amtrak or Metra train, the L or bus ride. 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. Chicago Transit Authority (L Trains & Buses). 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. 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. Rmrmber to be back at the station one hour before train time to check in with the Conductor and get your Boarding Pass. And then our sons went by train one time and had an easy and nice ride. Then, take a water taxi from the Madison St stop to Michigan Avenue, a nice way to see some of the buildings. Once I get to the station, where do I go? 95% of travelers recommend this experience. The train boards 1/2 hour before train time. 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. Any of the architecture tours are just amazing. 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. Union Station also features a variety of retail stores, eateries, and offers a grand ballroom for banquets and weddings. We went by Coach ride and were amazed at the leg room and comfortable atmosphere on the train. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Older children, taller than 55 inches, are also able to participate in the aquarium's behind-the-scenes tour for an additional fee. 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. Sears sold it years ago and it has been the "Willis Tower" for quite some time. 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. As a Kansas City expert, Jills travel guide, The Best of Kansas City: 3-Day Itinerary, launched number one in its category on Amazon. I would recommend arriving 30 minutes early to Union Station at a minimum. 3. 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 She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Stetson University. 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. http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html - a quick cab or bus ride. Photo Credit: Nagel Photography / Shutterstock, Tavarius / Shutterstock. 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. On the Mezzanine level there were some fast food options like Starbucks, Jersey Mikes. The Neoclassic exterior is dominated by the colonnades. The Windy City is more than just big sports stadiums and amazing museums. Millennium Park, The Art Institue and the Adler Planetarium are also on the trolley routes. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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.). On Second Citys three-hour foodie tour, youll sample classic Chicago tastes. Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. Shedd Aquarium is one of the attractions for children near Union Station. (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. Maybe it was a quiet weekend or time of day but very little people were walking through or sitting on any of the benches. 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. 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. The last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing. 376 N. Michigan Avenue, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. 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. 10Best Says. 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. So when it was in the school library it was still fairly new. Chicago was most recently updated with new tips on June 28, 2017. 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 . One of the most beautiful stations in the United Stations, it opened in 1925 next to the Chicago Loop. On the south side of town the Willis Tower . The attached garage is best and less cost than hotel areas. There's a trip planner tool on the homepage of - http://www.transitchicago.com/, http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g35805-i32-k5480757-Union_Station_LAYOVER_Help_for_Amtrak_Trip-Chicago_Illinois.html. You can do more than merely catch a train at and near Chicago Union Station, such as: . This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Besides, Chicago is such a vibrant city; it would be a shame to pass through without taking in any of the sights and activities. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. Dj vu! Yes, red caps service and handicapped transportation (wheel chairs or Tram carts) are available in the station. Is this where you should park for an eleven day Amtrak trip? Here you can be involved in the winemaking process from the crush and fermentation to the blend. Register today and take advantage of membership benefits. What else is there to do near Union Station? 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. I found the lounge to be an oasis. We will have about 6 hours to spend near Union Station. If you have a roomette or sleeper car,you can hang out in the Metrpolitan Lounge while you wait. The interior of the building is a classic, with the iconic stairway, the Great Hall and the glass ceilings. Interested in train travel? That space, which lives up to its name, boasts a 219-food-long barrel-vaulted skylight that acts as the ceiling for the room. Travel + Trains. Open since 1925, Union Station remains Chicago's intercity rail terminal and the largest terminal for commuter trains. @2023 Chicago Union Station. Familiarize yourself with the Grand Hall and its location as this is where youll wait to board your connecting train. Hop on board the Untouchable Tours Gangster Bus for the original Chicago gangster tour. Then we just sat and enjoyed the beauty of the Great Hall right at the train station. Grab some Giordino's Pizza and you won't need to eat on the train for a week! Belmont, Cta, or CTA - Chicago can be used for nearby transit. So callous and unapologetic in completely ruining part of our Christmas experience. If you like art, you can visit the Chicago Art Museum and see among other. Things to Do at and near Union Station. Two things to see on Jackson Blvd other than Willis are The Federal Reserve Bank and the Chicago Board of Trade. 4.6. 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. What else is there to do near Union Station? W1612 Litchfield Rd, Lake Geneva. Any restaurant recommendations or ideas on places to go (& best means of travel to get there) would be so appreciated. 201 E. Randolph Street, ~8-minute drive from Union Station. 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. 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. Drive-Through Safari Adventure for 1 Adult (age 16+) Up to 35% Off on Arcade at Galaxi Fun Zone. Youll find restaurants and concessions during the summer months, plus benches and lookout points, boat rentals, and water tours. The Shedd Aquarium puts kids face-to-face with more than 32,000 animals. Everything you need to know about visiting Union Station(225 S Canal St, Chicago IL 60606). Youll enjoy 360-degree views that span up to 50 miles and four states. Amtrak; Metra Commuter Rail; Transfer Options. Just grab a RTA Visitior Transit Map and its all at your finger tips. These are free. Originally a tiny hotdog stand called The Dog House, this relic was opened by Dick Portillo in 1963. 1200 W. Randolph Street, ~7-minute drive from Union Station. Whetheryou're waiting on a train or passing through the building,you can't miss Union Station's crown jewel, the Great Hall. All products featured on TravelAwaits are independently selected by our writers and editors. I concur with the previous answer. Youll feel more confident when you detrain and will be able to focus on having fun during your time in Chicago. We were here to take the amtrak Texas Eagle for first time but this building is worth a visit either way. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Malaysia. Showers were available, but I never saw them, we didn't even go upstairs, we just settled into a comfortable spot. =) Report inappropriate content 1-10 of 12 replies Sorted by 1 2 Dave148 Illinois Destination Expert Go to the Concourse level where youll find the baggage check. 255 South Canal StreetChicago, Illinois 60606, Open 7 days a weekUnion Station closes dailybetween 1am-5am. But myself, I'd walk south on Michigan a few blocks to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. You could visit the Art Institute if that's an interest. more. It seemed like I had the whole place to myself. Users simply pick up a bike from a self-service docking station and return it to a station near their destination. There's a bunch of touristy stuff to do near that area. Next to the Great Hall is the Metropolitan Lounge where we waited for our next train. 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. The actual book was published a year before I was born. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Explore different ways to experience this place. We found 1,736 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 5 minutes from Union Station Experiences from $8 See 38 Experiences Chicago Riverwalk 3,057 Reviews Chicago, IL 60601 5 minutes from Union Station 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. Thanks so much! 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! It was beautiful. 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. 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. Intersection of Clark and Ohio, ~9-minute drive from Union Station. The outside of the station was a little grayish but it was so much more impressive inside. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. 520 W. Taylor Street, ~13-minute walk or 4-minute drive from Union Station. Interesting how everyone still calls it the "Sears Tower". Up to 48% Off Drive-Through Safari at Safari Lake Geneva. Our train arrives at 9am and cant check into the hotel until afternoon. There are cool boat tours up and down the Chicago River. I too sometimes call it the Sears Tower in a weak moment. We always travel business class, so there is a nice lounge to take advantage of with free snacks and soft drinks. 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. Established . 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. I've not been to the museum, but the Wright homes are gorgeous. As I walked to the train tracks there was a little more activity but passage was restricted to ticket holders. 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. You can't help but look up and around. 45 Credits, One Popcorn, and One Fountain Drink for One Person. 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. Millennium Park 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! Sounds like a nice trip! 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. Several sub-neighborhoods within West Loop make this a unique neighborhood to visit. 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 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. Considering this was a large transportation hub there was a lot of available metered street parking right along the street. Open 7 days a week Union Station closes daily between 1am-5am. You have the Sears Tower couple of blocks away. 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. Heres amap to help guide you through this historic Beaux-Arts beauty.Download aPDF of this map [link opens in anew window]. 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 I am bringing 2 elderly people (89 and 84) in late August for a trip to Seattle. Readers of her USA by Rail blog have come to expect an intimate look at authentic experiences. 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. After a remodel and renaming in 1967, Portillos now has 17 Chicago locations. $$ - $$$ 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. The Skydeck entrance is located on Franklin Street (the east side of the building). I wasn't the only one there taking it all in. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. All rights reserved. I'm going to look in to that too. I do wish they had clear marked parking for the facility. We will have about 6 hours to spend near Union Station. This classic Chicago landmark opened in 1925 as a replacement for an 1881 train station. Study the map before taking off on a train trip with a Chicago layover. Loading happens quickly and you should try to have luggage you can manage well and move quickly with. 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. 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. 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? Hi, just want to check if the luggage storage is still available currently. 1 Ribs and a bevy of fast food chains. i need to know is there any place some one can wait if there lay over is after 12am? I think the Tribune Tower with its rocks from around the world is fascinating. Amata_(ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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 ? She didn't want to walk too far, so we took a cab over to Greektown and had a leisurely lunch at Greek Isles. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. 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. This is the 1st leg of a total relaxation vacation. 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We were shuttled to our train car at the appropiate time, and helped with our luggage. The Chicago Riverwalk runs along historic Wacker Drive from Lake Michigan west to Lake Street, with access at street level from each major intersection. Daily activities, such as the opportunity to meet a zoo animal and ape training sessions, teach children about the zoo's many residents. The Polar Express journey begins with a visit to the Founders Room to collect our Golden Tickets.