Chicago Union Station Question

In general, you should be fine. Like anywhere, just be mindful of your surroundings. Depending on the weather and day of the week, there are likely to be other people walking around as well, especially by the lake.

 

 

You could always take a cab.

IIRC during the daytime 6am-6pm, area packed with commuters, workers, & residents.

Have not been there in a while, guessing still the same.

It is certainly not a bad neighborhood. The Sears Tower (Willis or whatever they call it now) is right across the  river from the Station. There is a lot to do in a 3 or 4 block walk. There are some very nice hotels in a short walk from Union Station. As a side note, and I am a food kinda guy, there is a very fun diner called Lou Mitchell's right by the train station. It is touristy, but it is a fun experience with great food!!!

Yeah, I certainly would feel safe in that area, especially two males together. Sounds like fun, but expect the hotels in the Loop area to be expensive, at least by MY standards. 

Bob:

 

You will be fine in that area. Try to watch, with your son, the Kevin Costner version of the “Untouchables” before you arrive. The baby stroller scene is filmed in Union Station.

 

Most likely you will walk (or taxi cab) in an east direction from Union Station. All very safe areas day or night. It would help if you could provide a bit more information for the forum as to the dates, hotel and general interests you and your son have. There are more than a few people here that will gladly provide you with some great time filling activities.

 

Charlie

More hotels are located near Michigan Avenue which is East towards the lakefront. I would recommend taking a water taxi located just across the river from Union station. This is a fun way to get to Michigan Ave. 

I have stayed at the Marriott on 540 Michigan Ave. rooms are clean but not big. If you want high end with great views check out the hotels along Wacker drive(Swissotel$$$).

 

franktrain 

Here's a kinda wild suggestion - stay at the Mather Tower River Hotel (http://www.chicagoriverhotel.com/).  

 It was built by the same fellow behind the Mather Humane Stock Car Company. Our VERY good friend Rich Yoder is doing a whole spread of Mather cars soon. The Tower is beautifully appointed, with inlaid brass and walnut bannisters and many other flourishes. It appears to be home to a good international clientele, judging from a recent visit. It's probably a bit pricey, but well worth a bit of a "fling" for a railroad enthusiast!   Here's the Wikipedia on the building: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mather_Tower    

 It is walkable from Union Station, but a bit of a hike - something like a mile. Essentaially, one would cross the Chicago River, and walk along Wacker Drive, which follows the Chicago River.  The Mather Tower is near Michigan Avenue, numerous restaurants, a great view (it looks out on the spectacularly illuminated Tribune Tower and Wrigley buildings), and is very close to the "Mag Mile", loaded with shopping outlets.

There is a plaque on the outside of the Tower describing it's historical significance to Chicago architecture.   Suspect this would be a most enjoyable cap to your train trip. Oh, and the Mather Tower is a virtual contemporary of Union Station, having been built in 1928 (CUS: 1925).

Which hotels are within 2-3 blocks of Union Station?

Used to be just flop houses on West Madison Street!   The area has been "gentrified", so flop houses are gone, but really no hotels come to mind in 2-3 block radius.

Theres a La Quinta on Madison just East of the river. thats about 4 blocks. There's a Holiday Inn South on Harrison also. Not much else close.

franktrain

If you will be taking in the museums, then the Chicago Hilton is a good choice. It is located on S. Michigan across from Grant Park. You can easily walk to the Shedd Aquarium, Field and Art Museums. The Science and Industry Museum is a short bus ride from the hotel.

Hotel lobby:

 

Floor decor:

 

Room:

 

Shedd Aquarium:

 

 

Field Museum:

 

Science and Industry: Train layout is located below the United 727.

 

The Chicago Hilton is located just in front of the Willis (Sears) Tower. This panorama was taken from the Shedd Aquarium back toward the city.

 

 

Inside the Union Station:

Maybe a little farther, but there is a Holiday Inn just on the other side of the Ike and the Crowne Plaza is a few block west.

This is more for Tom (Number 90) but Bob might like this location as well.

 

A few blocks north of both Stations is Holiday Inn on Wolf Point. For a rail fan this is, in my opinion, one of the better options.

 

1,          Along the original C&NW (Galena and Chicago Union) tracks, the first tracks in Chicago.

2,          Walking distance to the Northwestern station, (I know, it’s now called the Olgive Transportation center) and a bit longer walk or cab to Union Station.

3,          Depending on the room view a very nice view of the river and train movements into and out of both stations.

4,           Walking distance to many nice restaurants.

5,          If you do get a room with a bad view, you can go up to the restaurant and get a really nice view looking down the river.

6,           Distance from Union Station via Mapquest is less than a mile.

 

http://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/...=0&icdv=99504440

 

 

The one drawback to this location is that Michigan Av. is a bit more “Hopping” for visitors.

 

Charlie

I would recommend a short taxi ride to the area known as Near North side where you will find a great neighborhood featuring Crowne-Plaza hotels, Omni hotel, Gino's Pizza, historic Water Tower park, Farmers' Market (with Michigan produce in season), and everything associated with 'The Magnificent Mile'.

 

While we're on the subject, I recall a restaurant very near Union Station that had list of over 100 brands of bottled beer.  Is it still there ?

Since 1923, Lou Mitchell's has been serving breakfast and lunch...closes at 3pm.  Heaven on earth is eating lunch at Lou Mitchell's, then boarding the Chief and heading west at 3:15.

I'll vouch for the Chicago Hilton.  Furthermore, if you get a lakeview room, you can see some of the electrified commuter train traffic out front.

For train lovers the Museum of Science and Industry is a must see. If time allows take a ride on the South Shore, the last true interurban with street running included. The best steak in town can be found at Gene and Georgetti's on 14th. Look up Shaw's clam house for lunch. Try a Chicago style pizza at several locations (The original Pizza Uno is on Wabash).  The architectural river cruise from Navy Pier is quite educational. The hotel at the Merchant Mart across the river from Wacker Dr.(can't remember the chain) is a good central location. Have fun in Chicago!

Conductor Earl     

>> Heaven on earth is eating lunch at Lou Mitchell's, then boarding the Chief and heading west at 3:15.

 

OOPS, You missed it!  The current version leaves at 3:00 PM.