Union Station In Chicago Map
If you’re planning a trip to Chicago, visiting Union Station should be on top of your list. Not only is it a transportation hub, but it’s also a destination in itself, with plenty of things to see and do. In this travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Union Station, from top attractions to hidden gems, food scene to budget-friendly tips, historical landmarks to family-friendly activities, and much more.
Top Attractions
Union Station is a historic landmark that boasts some of the most stunning architecture in Chicago. The Beaux-Arts-style building features a grand hall with a 110-foot-high ceiling and marble floors, which will take your breath away. You can also check out the iconic clock tower and the bronze statue of General John A. Logan.
Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for some hidden gems at Union Station, head to the Great Hall Market, which offers a variety of food and retail options. You can also explore the Chicago Architecture Center, which is a must-visit for anyone interested in the city’s history and architecture.
Food Scene
Union Station has a diverse food scene that caters to all tastes and budgets. From fast food chains to gourmet restaurants, you’ll find everything here. If you’re looking for some local specialties, try the Chicago-style hot dog or deep-dish pizza.
Budget-Friendly Tips
If you’re traveling on a budget, Union Station has plenty of options for you. You can take a free tour of the building, which is offered every Wednesday and Saturday. You can also explore the nearby Millennium Park and Navy Pier, which are both free to visit.
Outdoor Adventures
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Union Station has plenty of options for you. You can take a bike ride on the nearby Lakefront Trail, which offers stunning views of Lake Michigan. You can also go for a walk or run in the Grant Park, which is located just a few blocks away from the station.
Historical Landmarks
Union Station is a historical landmark in itself, but there are plenty of other landmarks nearby that you can explore. You can visit the Buckingham Fountain, which is one of the largest fountains in the world, or the Adler Planetarium, which is a popular museum dedicated to astronomy.
Family-Friendly Activities
If you’re traveling with kids, Union Station has plenty of activities that will keep them entertained. You can take a boat ride on the Chicago River, visit the Shedd Aquarium, or explore the Field Museum, which is a natural history museum with plenty of interactive exhibits.
Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences
Union Station is located in the heart of Chicago, which means there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to explore. You can take a street art tour of the city, visit the Garfield Park Conservatory, or explore the Pilsen neighborhood, which is known for its vibrant Latino culture.
Natural Wonders
Chicago may not be known for its natural wonders, but there are plenty of parks and green spaces to explore. You can visit the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is home to a variety of animals, or the Morton Arboretum, which is a beautiful botanical garden with over 4,000 species of trees.
Vibrant Nightlife
If you’re looking for some nightlife, Union Station has plenty of options for you. You can explore the nearby River North neighborhood, which is known for its bars and nightclubs, or visit the Second City, which is a famous comedy club that has launched the careers of many famous comedians.
Local Markets
Chicago is known for its local markets, and Union Station is no exception. You can visit the Chicago French Market, which offers a variety of gourmet food and retail options, or explore the Maxwell Street Market, which is a popular open-air market that sells everything from clothes to antiques.
Beaches and Mountains
Chicago may not have any mountains, but it has plenty of beaches to explore. You can visit the Oak Street Beach, which is located just a few miles away from Union Station, or explore the nearby Indiana Dunes, which is a beautiful national park with plenty of hiking trails.
Cultural Immersion
If you’re interested in cultural immersion, Union Station has plenty of options for you. You can visit the National Museum of Mexican Art, which is located in the nearby Pilsen neighborhood, or explore the Chinatown neighborhood, which is known for its vibrant Chinese culture.
Art and Music Scene
Chicago has a thriving art and music scene, and Union Station is no exception. You can visit the Art Institute of Chicago, which is one of the largest art museums in the world, or explore the Blues District, which is a popular neighborhood for live music.
Walking Tours
Chicago is a great city for walking tours, and Union Station is a great starting point. You can take a walking tour of the Loop, which is the city’s central business district, or explore the nearby Riverwalk, which offers stunning views of the Chicago River.
Architectural Marvels
Chicago is known for its architecture, and Union Station is one of the best examples of it. You can take an architectural boat tour of the city, visit the Willis Tower, which is one of the tallest buildings in the world, or explore the nearby Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, which is a popular museum dedicated to the famous architect.
Historical Sites
Chicago has a rich history, and Union Station is a great starting point to explore it. You can visit the Chicago History Museum, which offers a variety of exhibits on the city’s history, or explore the nearby Lincoln Park, which is home to the Lincoln Park Conservatory and the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Biking Routes
Chicago is a great city for biking, and Union Station is a great starting point. You can take a bike ride on the Lakefront Trail, which offers stunning views of Lake Michigan, or explore the nearby 606 Trail, which is a popular bike path that runs through several neighborhoods.
Wellness Retreats
If you’re looking for some relaxation, Union Station has plenty of options for you. You can visit the Aire Ancient Baths, which is a popular spa that offers a variety of treatments, or explore the nearby Millennium Park, which is a beautiful green space that offers plenty of opportunities for yoga and meditation.
As you can see, Union Station is a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or outdoor adventures, you’ll find plenty of things to see and do here. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Union Station today!