Things to do in Chicago on foot?

[Jesda]

Amtrak says that if I don't take the train before April 30th, I lose my 1840 points, worth $920 that I've been saving since 2005.

I can take any train ride I want, which means I could get on the train in suburban Kirkwood and go to Downtown St Louis and back for $16, or I could go all-out and head to Chicago and back for $43.

I've seen Chicago's Art Institute, MSI, Sears Tower, and Millennium Park. What else can I see on foot within a reasonable distance from Union Station? I like history, art, food, and museums.

I'd arrive at 10am and leave at 7pm, or maybe stay overnight somewhere.

[Bubba1]

Amtrak says that if I don't take the train before April 30th, I lose my 1840 points, worth $920 that I've been saving since 2005.

I can take any train ride I want, which means I could get on the train in suburban Kirkwood and go to Downtown St Louis and back for $16, or I could go all-out and head to Chicago and back for $43.

I've seen Chicago's Art Institute, MSI, Sears Tower, and Millennium Park. What else can I see on foot within a reasonable distance from Union Station? I like history, art, food, and museums.

I'd arrive at 10am and leave at 7pm, or maybe stay overnight somewhere.

Hmmm, if you've done those things, some other stuff include:

a big steak at Gibson's - mmm mmm burp (expensive but worth it)

For a great hotdog, try Hot Doug's (N. California Ave.) I remember their fries were very good too.

the Navy Pier - ride famous Ferris wheel, there's an IMax theater there too, lotsa stuff to do, good people watching location.

Walk along the lake's edge off Lake Shore Drive. nice breeze on a warm day.

the Field Museum/Shedd(?) aquarium/Planatarium I beieve is also on Lake shore Drive.

IF you bring a date, stroll along the magnificent mile (Michigan Ave). My wife and I stayed at the Ritz Carlton (located on the mag mile) years ago...one word to describe it: "wow". Another word to describe it is "expensive", but fortunately my wife's company at the time paid for it Every upscale store you can think of is there. Rub elbows with the rich and obnoxious.

Since baseball season is cranking up, check if 'da Cubbies or White Sox are playing at home. Could be a fun afternoon if the weather cooperates. You can still get affordable seats in the nosebleed areas, and then use the Gulati charm to grab a better seat.

[Gold Digger]

Jesda, come to Galesburg. It's on the same line that goes to Chi-town. Come here and we'll go for a beer and get some lunch.



EDIT: There is no direct route from STL to Galesburg. But, if you can get to Quincy, IL, there is a route to Galesburg.

[TroubleBound]

You can play hopscotch almost anywhere!

[Mr1der]

go see a Cubs game. Get italian beef. Eat Deep dish. Win.

[danshaz82]

boat tour?
navy pier wouldnt be a bad time, but its a long hike from union.
maybe check out Marina Towers?

The Shedd is a good time, but its not cheap from what i remember.
lets see...theres the segway tours too. http://www.chicagosegwaytour.com/

[sbird1]

Get mugged, shot, pooped on, etc.

[bundy26]

RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Call some local bike shops and see if they rent bikes, or try and bring your own.

[PEZi]

Michigan Ave.... Millennium Park... also all above listed

[Ajax]

I recently had a 4 hour stop-over in Chicago. I just stepped out for some sushi. Its worth it just to walk around that area, I think; especially if you're only paying $43. If you stay overnight, see if you can find a blues club or something "local". Years ago I went to some blues place based on a friend's recommendation and had a great time (can't remember the name, so I can't make a rec).

[Encryptshun]

Jesda, come to Galesburg. It's on the same line that goes to Chi-town. Come here and we'll go for a beer and get some lunch.



EDIT: There is no direct route from STL to Galesburg. But, if you can get to Quincy, IL, there is a route to Galesburg.

Are Cherry Street and The Landmark still open? I used to go there all the time when I was in grad school in Macomb.

If so, Jesda, take Neal up on his offer -- The Landmark has the best yankee pot roast I've ever had. Their crepes are also excellent as is their wine and coffee selection.

[frapjap]

if you go to Millennium Park, go across the street and eat at Rage. It is an AMAZING Irish restaurant.

[Jesda]

Jesda, come to Galesburg. It's on the same line that goes to Chi-town. Come here and we'll go for a beer and get some lunch.



EDIT: There is no direct route from STL to Galesburg. But, if you can get to Quincy, IL, there is a route to Galesburg.

Its weird how Amtrak is laid out in Illinois. From Chicago, it branches out to STL, Quincy, and somewhere way down south, but none of the three terminating destinations connect directly to each other. Chicago is a hub.

[Encryptshun]

Jesda, you just proved fantastically why rail transit in this country is a festering sore.

That, plus most Americans would rather spend $300 and get from New York to L.A. in 4 hours than spend $1800 and get there in 3 days.

[BusyBadger]

Its weird how Amtrak is laid out in Illinois. From Chicago, it branches out to STL, Quincy, and somewhere way down south, but none of the three terminating destinations connect directly to each other. Chicago is a hub.

It runs south through Champaign (University of Illinois) and then down to Carbondale (Southern Illinois University). It's pretty cheap (as I remember) so the Thanksgiving and Christmas exodus from Carbondale was usually pretty entertaining to watch.

As far as what to do in Chitown, given your listed preferences my top three would be:

Shedd Aquarium
Adler Planetarium
Field Museum - Go see "Ghost" & "Darkness"!

Of course, give your fondness for the 80's you could go back to the Art Institute and re-enact some shots from Ferris Bueller and post them up here for the rest of us...

...if you aren't busy marshalling a parade in a snappy sweater vest.

[danshaz82]

Its weird how Amtrak is laid out in Illinois. From Chicago, it branches out to STL, Quincy, and somewhere way down south, but none of the three terminating destinations connect directly to each other. Chicago is a hub.

It runs south through Champaign (University of Illinois) and then down to Carbondale (Southern Illinois University). It's pretty cheap (as I remember) so the Thanksgiving and Christmas exodus from Carbondale was usually pretty entertaining to watch.

its usually 60-70 round trip from cdale to chicago. and yeah, that exodus was absolute hell haha

[Gold Digger]

Jesda, come to Galesburg. It's on the same line that goes to Chi-town. Come here and we'll go for a beer and get some lunch.



EDIT: There is no direct route from STL to Galesburg. But, if you can get to Quincy, IL, there is a route to Galesburg.

Are Cherry Street and The Landmark still open? I used to go there all the time when I was in grad school in Macomb.

If so, Jesda, take Neal up on his offer -- The Landmark has the best yankee pot roast I've ever had. Their crepes are also excellent as is their wine and coffee selection.

As far as I know The Landmark is still open. Cherry St. has been sold again if I understood what my friend was telling me. Haven't been there in ages. Last time I was, me and a friend of mine saw some dude get his arse thrown on to a car during a fight. After that, the owner of the car came out and cleaned house with both guys. Was epic hilarity.

Never been to The Landmark, though. Couldn't tell ya how good the food is. But, we have a Stake And Shake, a damn good Mexican restaurant, a decent Chinese buffet, a bar downtown that makes some KILLER pizza, and also a B3Dubs.

I'm only here for a couple more days though, so if you do decide to come, better make it quick.