UPDATE 4-1 - If you had four hours in Chicago, what would you try to see that was train related? We went to Museum of Science & Industry

Some of you remind me of my foreign co-workers who thought Chicago was still being run by Al Capone!  As anywhere there are places you don't really want to go, but even still its not the wild west.

@DGJONES

4 hours is not a whole lot of time - travelling around by car can be challenging due to traffic and time of day. And if you are not used to masses of people walking in front of your car, try alternate means.  My son says car jacking is a trending thing downtown, but because traffic can be so bad your car only moves ahead a few feet an hour so the police have plenty of time to respond ; ) . Still I have no issues driving. You do need a parking app to reserve space at about 1/2 of the drive up price. Regardless cost to park is close to railing in for two. I would often take Metra into the city instead of driving.  Cab around when in the city.

Train Related - most anywhere in the "loop" you can see the CTA elevated rattling around overhead. South of Congress along Wabash is Columbia College - and a good place to watch and hear. College area so there is a higher security presence and a safer feel.  It will be an experience to ride the "L" if you have an adventurous spirit. You could take the brown line out of the loop north and come back in again. It does cross a double track elevated crossing which is neat to see - 2 NS routes cross 2 EW routes.  The "L"s are close to Union Station.  Or just ride the elevated red line to Wrigley Field  (Addison) and back again. Less time but no subway. (EDITED - removed the bit about riding the blue line, OK for someone used to the area, but not for someone who is not per my Chicago son.)

Union Station is pretty much a must see for commuter trains having the Grand Hall and cool architecture in general. Many of the marble stair steps are heavily worn due to foot traffic over the decades. Lots of hustle and bustle. There is an underground walk way which connects much of the city so you could avoid cold weather (look up the Chicago Pedway)

Just a little further south is a large BNSF rail yard. Just east of Canal St, Roosevelt Road looking south crosses over and would be a great spot to see it.  (this will need a car / cab or Uber)

You could get in all of the three above with your time allotment.

I agree with the Museum of Science and Industry, but that is an all day kind of thing. From where you are it could easily take an hour each way to get there, park and enter, leaving only 2 hours.

Non-train related take Lake Shore Drive (LSD) northbound from about 31st north to its terminus, just south of Evanston. Probably get off at Foster and head back south for a reverse view. Of course Buckingham Fountain and the Bean are just off the drive and if you are lucky you might be able to snag a metered spot on Columbus to get out and gawk. Another block west you will bump into more rail lines and then Michigan Ave which starts the city buildings.   North of 31st is another rail yard on the west side of LSD easily seen, I do not know who owns it, might be CN. Of course if you are going to drive on LSD you really need to play LSD by Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah at full volume.

Enjoy your visit.

@ScoutingDad posted:

Some of you remind me of my foreign co-workers who thought Chicago was still being run by Al Capone!  As anywhere there are places you don't really want to go, but even still its not the wild west.

Well.....if it counts for something. There were over 3500 shootings in Chicago last year, making it the leader of all 50 states.

Maybe being from Champaign you aren't getting the "Chicago" local news? Not even the celebrated State Street , Michigan Ave or LSD have been able to avoid the violence.

Go visit the site Hey Jackass . It will give you insight into crime statistics in Chicago.

Poor maligned Chicago, hasn’t been the same since they renamed the Sears tower… whatever they call it now.  Realistically 4 hours doesn’t give you a lot of time to get much accomplished.  You might be 20 minutes away from there on a good day, say from Park Ridge, that leaves you 3 hours to do what, train related or not.  Take a metra ride into the city, it’s a train ride, go have lunch, walk around for a bit, crane your neck up at the tall buildings then head back same way.  Me and the ex gf did a trip there last summer, it was ok, did the boat tour thing and checked out the Lincoln Park zoo.  Don’t do that, only thing there anymore was a couple lonely giraffes in a plot the size of a postage stamp.  Defunded maybe.  It’s more of an all day thing to get anything out of it.  

Hey @RickO  and where are you from?  Are you saying Champaign is a "safer" place than Chicago? Statistically Chicago's violent crime rate is 9.69 per 1000 and Champaign's is  9.37 per 1000.  Not much difference. These rates are statistically close to national averages. I used to live in Naperville which had a violent crime rate a 1/100th of the national average. Now that, I would suggest, was a safer place.  However I still went into Chicago regularly.

@DGJONES  I stand by my recommendation of places to visit in Chicago.  Your decision as to whether you want to base your decision on fear mongering or the facts. 

Fortunately we have railroads running through town and I get to enjoy watching them on their way to deliver the goods.

Like any American large city to watch trains pick a good spot next to a Police station. 

I have another suggestion if you want.  Take the Metra Rock Island district to Joliet,  the end of the line and walk a block west to Joliet Union Station,  a national historic site.  In the lower level is Migrain Brewery (see the similarity). Good beers and pub food. Then go 2 blocks east to Silver Cross Field,  it has a couple of things in common with Comiskey/U S Cellular field/Guaranteed Rate Field,  both have a multi tracked mainline next to them and they're both in a somewhat dicey neighborhood.

A hardy thank you to all who took the time to respond!  I really appreciate the ideas.

I have seen photos of the museum of Science and Industry layout ever since I have been back into trains as an adult.  I was in awe of it from the start.  I had considered  visiting there but wanted to make sure I was not missing something better.  From what most are posting here, that seems to be the best place to invest my time. As many of you have stated, I will not have time to do the museum justice but even a small slice seems worthwhile.  I can see trains here in NC and can shop on line or at York.  I figure that if I only have 2 hours in the museum, I will see things that are not available to me any place else I might visit.

I will remember to not wear my hat while in Chicago but what type of clothing should I wear to not stand out?  I usually wear jeans and a solid color shirt.  But then again, I feel sure my accent will be a dead giveaway.

Thanks again for all the input and thank you OGR for providing this wonder resource.

Happy railroading,

Don

Man all the people here afraid of cities are being overly dramatic. As someone who has lived in the city proper of Chicago their entire life (not the suburbs, which aren't Chicago) you'll be fine. Their are 5 neighborhoods you shouldn't go in, but there's no reason to go their as a tourist anyway. You'll be fine at any tourist spots (Museum Campus, Museum of Science and Industry), downtown, Union Station, etc. Don't even bother changing your wardrobe. There's plenty of people wearing all sorts of hats here. You're fine. There's not roving gangs of murders/muggers on every corner. Don't be silly.

As far as hobby shops Berwyn's Toys and Trains, Chicagoland Hobby, and Des Plaines Hobbies are the 3 to check out.

Science and Industry Museum train highlights.  The Burlington Zephyr, engine # 999, which set a land speed record of 112 mph which lasted a decade, and the layout, which is cool, tho I always preferred the original O gauge, just a kid memory probably, the latest edition is HO and tries to display the USA from sea to shining sea if I recall correctly.  Best choice for you.  I agree that you shouldn’t be worried about safety.  Take the Metra in and you can Uber to the museum, tho it’s not a terribly long walk away from Union station if it’s a nice day.  Hope you have fun, don’t ditch the hat, it’s a keeper.

Cheers,       W1

March is a tough month to suggest a "Chicago" wardrobe for visitors.  It can be in the low thirties one day and in the upper sixties another.  Jeans and shirt are fine to wear; for outer wear, I'd suggest a coat with a removable lining, a knit cap (which can be stuffed in a pocket when not needed) and waterproof (as much as possible) walking shoes.  Except for the accent, you will blend right in to the crowd.

Oh, and that earlier suggestion about buying admission and parking pass ahead of time (online) should save you some time in line when you get there.

Chuck

Taking the L loop around downtown is a unique experience. Then from Jackson walk east to the red line and go North to Wrigley Field (Addison). Go behind centerfield to Murphy’s Bleachers and have a cold one.

Museum of Science and Industry is great but not when your on allotted time.

Since you've decided on the MSI enjoy the visit.  Pick up a map and search out what you want to see just like you're in Disneyworld. Hit the highlights there. In 2-3 hours you can take in a lot.  I'd suggest skipping the coal mine, you can waste an hour just waiting to get in , especially on a weekend . It's a cool attraction,  simulates you going down into a southern Illinois coal mine. Watch the lines,you might be able to fit it in. Same with the U505  submarine. The Apollo/Gemini/Mercury space exhibit is also a must see.

PRR is right about the weather.

The icy wind blowing in full speed from the lake can be brutal in March.   Your face can freeze up in a matter of minutes, and any hat other than a tight stocking cap it going to be gone!    If you don't have windproof or really tight weave pants, you are going to suffer.    It is far worse than anything in NYC. 

You are going to need more than a regular coat if you are in the streets.  You are going to need a "long" coat, coming down to about your knees.

You must have a scarf (wool, not some chinsey polyester), and lined gloves.  Even with the gloves, you often have to keep your hands in your pockets.

And, as PRR says, around in the early afternoon, the wind can suddenly "stop" and the temperature rise to the low 60s, and there you are wearing all of this heavy clothing and sweating.  (But even then, it will be darned cold in the shadows of the tall buildings downtown.)

Wish for good weather, but dress as advised.

Mannyrock

P.S.-  Why not stay overnight.   If you have the money, go to the Chicago Chop House, and enjoy a steak in one of the three best steak houses in the U.S.?   It is right down town in the old town district, on Ontario street.

Also, the Fields Natural History Museum is absolutely incredible.   It is a short cab ride from down town.  (You can't walk there, because it is on the other side of a set of Interstate over passes, and very dangerous dilapidated buildings and scumbags in and under those overpasses.  Don't ask me how I know!      

Mannyrock

If you are going to try dining downtown, Gene and Georgetti's on Franklin (a couple of blocks from the Merchant Mart) is off the chart for a great steak and a has a good wine list. It's a "must do" for me every time I visit Chicago.     

Rattler - You are correct, I goofed up there.  The Field Museum isn't a bad hike, the MSI might be a stretch, unless you're in the marathon.  Got misconfused.  Good catch.

I live in Chicago and if I only had 4 hours to spend at the end of March and wanted something "train-related" I'd make a beeline to the Museum Of Science and Industry.  The weather may not be conducive to doing anything outside at the end of March, so a museum visit is a safe bet.  Your 4-hour window is adequate to hit the big highlights of MSI's's railroad-related exhibits.  Also, if you have time, take in the submarine U505 submarine exhibit if you're into WWII history.  Don't worry if you can't take the tour of the submarine because the corridor leading to the submarine and the area around the submarine are filled with incredible WWII exhibits.

Avoid the paranoia within this thread about crime, shootings, etc, in Chicago.  You are NOT going to the areas where that might be a concern if you go to MSI.  As far as what you wear, just wear what you normally would; you won't stick out.  And whoever said that you could walk from Union Station downtown to MSI is mistaken.....the two are separated by many miles.  Use an Uber, Lyft, or taxi to get around.  Have a great time.

No matter where you decide to go, if you're going to be using Uber or Lyft, make sure to ask the driver - before you get in the car - who he is there to pick up. He/She should have your first name and be able to verify it.   

Hugo - I was corrected and acknowledged my mistake on the stroll.  I agree not worry about crime in this area, take a cab or Uber and it certainly won't be a concern.  And don't forget the hat!

Cheers,       W1

@Hugo posted:

I live in Chicago and if I only had 4 hours to spend at the end of March and wanted something "train-related" I'd make a beeline to the Museum Of Science and Industry.  The weather may not be conducive to doing anything outside at the end of March, so a museum visit is a safe bet.  Your 4-hour window is adequate to hit the big highlights of MSI's's railroad-related exhibits.  Also, if you have time, take in the submarine U505 submarine exhibit if you're into WWII history.  Don't worry if you can't take the tour of the submarine because the corridor leading to the submarine and the area around the submarine are filled with incredible WWII exhibits.

Avoid the paranoia within this thread about crime, shootings, etc, in Chicago.  You are NOT going to the areas where that might be a concern if you go to MSI.  As far as what you wear, just wear what you normally would; you won't stick out.  And whoever said that you could walk from Union Station downtown to MSI is mistaken.....the two are separated by many miles.  Use an Uber, Lyft, or taxi to get around.  Have a great time.

The Silversides Submarine is no longer at Navy. It hasn't been there for many years. It is in Muskegon Michigan.

The U505 not at MSI? Uh?

https://www.msichicago.org/exp...u-505-on-board-tour/

I would have a concern that if the 4 hours included transit to and back, you wouldn't really have enough time there. It really is an all-day visit in my book. I used to take the kids to MSI the days before Thanksgiving or spring break. And I miss those days.

@illinoiscentral posted:

The U505 not at MSI? Uh?

https://www.msichicago.org/exp...u-505-on-board-tour/

I would have a concern that if the 4 hours included transit to and back, you wouldn't really have enough time there. It really is an all-day visit in my book. I used to take the kids to MSI the days before Thanksgiving or spring break. And I miss those days.

Sorry...my mistake. I meant to say the USS Silversides is no longer at Navy Pier. I stand corrected.

Wrong sub.  The U505 is grounded, literally, at the MSI.  The U505 is a captured German Uboat from WWII.

Haven’t heard from the op on this for a bit.  Maybe he’s shopping for a new hat.  After all this I’m ready for a sojourn into the Windy City.

Not kidding here, this topic inspired me to ask my ex gf, let’s just say on and off, to take a Metra ride from a far north suburb into Union Station and revisit the MSI, have lunch, enjoy a nice day in the city together and try to reconnect.  Not sure if this is the greatest idea, but I’m not leaving the city without a new hat, and who knows, a handsome man under a nice new brim just might put a sparkle in her eye again…

Cheers,       W1

Some of these posts are just plain hilarious

I was born and raised in Chicago, and most of my family is still there. Museum of Science and Industry is a good call, as there are very few layouts this large (approx 3500 sqft) any where; I can forgive the fact that it’s HO scale.  One of my brother’s best friends was in charge of designing and building the layout. (It’s got quite a few inside jokes built into it, like a billboard for the bar-rock band they used to play in together, and references to their high school)  

Union Station also is a beautiful old terminal, still in great condition; something to see.

I’d skip the hobby shops, as I really don’t think they are much beyond what you can find in many other cities. Enjoy your trip.

The paranoia about crime in this thread is ridiculous; the parts of the city that attract visitors are no worse or better than most other big cities. Oh, and definitely don’t try to walk to the museum from Union Station, it will take you 3 hours one way  

PS For those who have never seen the MSI layout, here’s a cool 360 degree video of it (narrated by my brother’s buddy): https://youtu.be/oil1bl72ADw

MSI for train folks is best.  Been there many times and was introduced to the Zephyr back in the 1990's while MTH released its Railking version, which was the most no-brainer model train purchase ever I ever made.  I visited the large layout there as a kid and I'm here on this forum because of that.

We lived in the far north suburbs forever and the Metra ride still is fun for me.  My daughter and I, for Spring Break this month, are taking one of the furthest trains out, driving down from WI to Fox Lake station, where we catch Metra, and will arrive at Union Station and will be hitting the Adler and Art Institute and perhaps some site seeing bus or boat.

I like the suggestion of Chicagoland Lionel club visit south.  Never been there.

If you do the hobby shops and buy more than 1 item, have them shipped instead, because Chicago's 10% tax makes it cheaper to ship and you don't have to carry your loot if you are flying in.  I just told Berwyn's yesterday to ship my custom run C&EI switcher instead of me paying the taxes to pick up.

If you are afraid of Chicago gang activity, or looters, or large gatherings of unruly teens, as some suggest, skip it all and go to Buddy Guy's legends, get drunk and listen and wallow in your fear blues to some great blues.  The master, Buddy, probably won't be playing, but you might catch him or another legend sitting at the bar.  And it's in a safe place right behind the Hilton off Michigan.  If you miss your flight and wake up hungover the next morning at the Hilton, grab an Uber and go down the road south apiece to MSI and your trip will end up being most memorable.

Mike

I would love to visit the fire station where Chicago Fire is filmed.

Pray you get stuck in Chicago overnight, and promptly check into the Drake Hotel!

Mannyrock

@jim sutter posted:

I would love to visit the fire station where Chicago Fire is filmed.

It's near Maxwell Street. It is still being used. When they do filming,they move the current Fire Engines behind the building. The fire trucks that they use are trucks that are not used anymore. I know someone that works with the film crew. I was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago...17th Street near Ashland Ave....Pilsen neighborhood

@jim sutter posted:

I would love to visit the fire station where Chicago Fire is filmed.

The station is on Blue Island Ave.S & Maxwell Street W.If you went on Google Maps, you can see at street level or aerial view too.13th street is very close by.

I live in the northern suburbs.  Lots of great suggestions here.  I agree MSI is awesome.  

The Home Alone house is in Winnetka, and is a destination during the holidays.

Don, I just visited the MSI a few weeks ago. You will have a blast and it is affordable if you choose not to visit all their 'extras' - I regularly go into the city proper for work and it is fine. https://www.msichicago.org/visit/know-before-you-go/

??? River turned Green ???   St. Patrick's Day.   Who would'a Thunk. 

First, I want to thank everyone who offered suggestion.  Since I have been aware of the Museum of Science and Industry for many years and it seemed to be the most recommended place, that is where we spent our time.  As it turned out, my wife's niece, who is stationed there, had never been so she and her 3 month old daughter went with us.  What a wonderful museum.  I enjoyed the layout and it ran extremely well.  The Empire State Express steam engine was well presented.  The weather section was incredible and I almost missed the ships.  The model ship displays were awesome but I was disappointed that none of the builders were given credit.  They were true works of art and should have been signed just like a painting would be.  We had a great time!

If you have never been and are in Chicago, I assure you that you will not be disappointed.

Thanks again for the help.

HAPPY RAILROADING,

DON

Yeah, model ships and the sub! All photos taken by me!

Funny to see containers were Atlas O with opening doors in this display!

Most "big" model ships displayed were built to 1:48th scale!

The U boat!

The Layout!

Planes Trains, and Automobiles!

Lou Malinati's Deep Dish pizza

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qT69JB4avKk

Portillo's!

One of the great museums!  Was there many times as a youngster!  And there's nothing better than a Portillo's Hot Dog and Chicago style pizza!  Great pics!  Thanks for posting

Yay!  Glad you enjoyed yourself.