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 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. Hi. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. Grab some Giordino's Pizza and you won't need to eat on the train for a week! 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. 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! If you are looking for a good place for a sit down dinner. We were here to take the amtrak Texas Eagle for first time but this building is worth a visit either way. Absolutely beautiful architectural masterpiece! 520 W. Taylor Street, ~13-minute walk or 4-minute drive from 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. I found the lounge to be an oasis. Union Station also features a variety of retail stores, eateries, and offers a grand ballroom for banquets and weddings. 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Any restaurant recommendations or ideas on places to go (& best means of travel to get there) would be so appreciated. 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? We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. 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 you don't mind spending some money, the Willis Tower is right next door and would be interesting. 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. Even if you're not catching a train to anywhere, you really need to just step into this building and feel the history. I'm going to look in to that too. Sears sold it years ago and it has been the "Willis Tower" for quite some time. So when it was in the school library it was still fairly new. Safety is not a big issue IMHO. 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. Oops, forgot to tell you that the trip is in late December. Download a PDF of this Heres amap to help guide you through this historic Beaux-Arts beauty.Download aPDF of this map [link opens in anew window]. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. You have the Sears Tower couple of blocks away. 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. Having a compartment allows entry. You could visit the Art Institute if that's an interest. You are using an out of date browser. Things to Do at and near Union Station. Along the Riverwalk, stop by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza and the McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum. 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The Neoclassic exterior is dominated by the colonnades. Our train arrives at 9am and cant check into the hotel until afternoon. 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. Union Station. 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. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. 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 I'd really appreciate your help :). There are cool boat tours up and down the Chicago River. Tickets are bought, but Im wondering if there are any ambulatory services available to take them to their train? Other Attractions in Chicago. 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. Interesting how everyone still calls it the "Sears Tower". If travel is on your agenda, there are plenty of options. Daily activities, such as the opportunity to meet a zoo animal and ape training sessions, teach children about the zoo's many residents. The Chicago Riverwalk runs along historic Wacker Drive from Lake Michigan west to Lake Street, with access at street level from each major intersection. I'll probably be nervous we'll miss boarding and will be way early. I think the Tribune Tower with its rocks from around the world is fascinating. Find Divvy locations and rates. 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. I whiteness employees at the McDonalds twice a year giving these workers a hard time. Wendella water taxi to Michigan Avenue and then a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Go to the Concourse level where youll find the baggage check. Established . 93% of travelers recommend this experience. The last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing. Drinks and snack items were offered. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. The facility cost $75 million dollars to build - more than $1 . 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. How long would that take? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41530204', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Wendella River/Lake tour. 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* We were shuttled to our train car at the appropiate time, and helped with our luggage. 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. Interested in Chicagos diverse and iconic architecture? Youll meet at the Southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive. What's the best way to see Union Station? We will have about 6 hours to spend near Union Station. 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.