About Sharon Woodhouse Expertise Chicago travel, tourism, neighborhoods, food/entertainment, some history, moving/visiting advice, local culture. I own a company that publsihes books on the Chicago area and its history, and I`ve written 3 editions (latest one, 1999) of an insider`s budget guide to Chicago, titles,
Expert: Sharon Woodhouse Date: 1/19/2002 Subject: Chicago
Question Hi, I will be taking a train trip in the begining of June, and there is a 4 1/2 hour layover in Chicago. I've never been there, and wondering if there's anything to do in that area, also I have heard the train station is in a bad part of town, any suggestions? Thank you.
Answer Hello.
First, Union Station is not in a bad part of town--it is on the Western edge of downtown Chicago. There are many things withing walking distance and it is highly unlikely that you'd stumble somewhere you'd rather not be.
Note that lockers at Union Station are now off limits for security reasons, so make sure to check any heavy bags with the Amtrak people before heading out.
Most things you might want to do are east of the station--towards the skyline, towards the lake, towards the Loop el. All are readily identifiable. You could walk to the riverfront (just out one of the doors) and eat at one of the restaurants nearby. You could walk straight east down Adams to the Art Institute, straight east down Jackson to Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, and the lakefront (there may be a city festival going on there at the time). Along Michigan Avenue, you can stop in the Chicago Architecture Foundation (224 South), the Museum of Contemporary Photography--free--(600 South). The Sears Tower is just a couple blocks from the train station; Greek Town (lots of good dining) is just a few blocks, too.
If you want to tell me more specifically what kinds of things you like to do or eat, I'd be happy to offer more specific suggestions.
Best wishes,
Sharon Woodhouse
Sharon Woodhouse, publisher
Lake Claremont Press
Featuring Specialized Topics in Regional History and Guidebooks by Locals
4650 N. Rockwell St., Chicago, IL 60625
773-583-7800 (phone), 773-583-7877 (fax)
www.lakeclaremont.com; sharon@lakeclaremont.com
