Layover in Chicago

This summer my son and I are traveling from Boston to Seattle via the Lakeshore Limited and the Empire Builder. If the LSL gets into Chicago on time, we'll have a little over 4 hours to kill before the EB leave. I was wondering if anyone had ideas on interesting things to do in that short time window. I'd be interested in staying within walking distance of the station. The Sears Tower observation deck is on the top of my list but I'm concerned that there might already be a long line by the time we get there. Any other alternate ideas?

Lunch at Girdiano's.

connecting WB on the cardinal to the zephyr with a similar layover time, and saw not only the sears tower, but walked millenium mile to navy pier which were great

Take one of the boats from the station area out to Navy Pier and enjoy the sights and sounds.. Ride the EL around the loop. Definitely lunch at Giardanos Pizza.

Where is Girdiano's? Every so often we have stop overs in Chicago. If a short time usually end up eating at McDonalds in Union Station

The closest Giordano's is at 223 W. Jackson Blvd. It's across the river and kitty korner from the Sears Tower.

To save time, you can call ahead and place your order, which I highly recommend if you're getting a deep dish. Otherwise, it can take 30-45 minutes to bake, depending on which toppings you get.

http://giordanos.com/location/downtown-central-loop/

As far as saving time at the Sears Tower, you can purchase a Fast Pass.

http://theskydeck.com/ticketsshop/general-pricing/

I recommend purchasing that in advance, as they can decide to stop Fast Pass purchases at any time during the day. If you already have one, though, they'll honor it.

If you are riding in sleeper on either train, you can leave your luggage in the first class lounge in a room with a attandent.

SarahZ said:

The closest Giordano's is at 223 W. Jackson Blvd. It's across the river and kitty korner from the Sears Tower.

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Giordano's is NOT kitty corner to the Willis (Sears) Tower - it's 1 block over. The Willis Tower is on Wells across the River and 1 block away, Giordano's is on Jackson and 2 1/2 blocks away. There are exits out of Union Station on the River side (bridges) to both Wells and Jackson.
If you don't want to eat it there, or if you don't have enough time, you may want to "take out" to have on the EB. I have done that myself.

the_traveler said:

SarahZ said:

The closest Giordano's is at 223 W. Jackson Blvd. It's across the river and kitty korner from the Sears Tower.

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Giordano's is NOT kitty corner to the Willis (Sears) Tower - it's 1 block over.

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Yes, it is. When you exit the Skydeck, you cross corners (kitty corner) to Giordano's. We did it at the Gathering, and I've done it a few other times on my own.

http://goo.gl/maps/SDywt

Yep, I've done it as well.

My bad!

You're right. I thought it was the next street over.

If there is a long line at The Sears tower got to The Hancock Center, observation deck is about same height as Sears Tower and a GREAT view.

the_traveler said:

My bad!

You're right. I thought it was the next street over.

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It's okay! That area is a little goofy since the Sears Tower is "on" four different streets.

Maybe I need a "refresher visit" - by Amtrak of course!

Of course! We all should be so lucky!

A few blocks east of the Willis Tower on Jackson is the Federal Reserve Bank. You can take a free self guided tour. You can see a million in ones among other interesting things.

Across from the FRB is the Chicago Board of Trade.

For a cheap lunch there is a small hole-in-the-wall restaurant on North Wells called Pirogi Heaven. I like pirogies with sour cream and fried onion.

Pirogies!! You just made my week!

I agree about Giordano's. We did that last year before we got on EB in between trains from FL.

We did the City Tour bus ride last year, and it was fun and see a lot on that.

Walk west to Greektown for lunch. Stroll around on Randolph (west of Halsted) dnd find something interesting. Take the L back to Quincy then do something in the Loop, or head back to Union Station jusr down the block and over the river.

Go to the Chicago Art Institute. More fabulous art than you can possibly see in a few hours.

Just a easy quick walk down Adams (?) Street from CUS.

John Webb said:

Go to the Chicago Art Institute. More fabulous art than you can possibly see in a few hours.

Just a easy quick walk down Adams (?) Street from CUS.

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Yes, Adams. It's just shy of a mile.

Has anyone ever walked from CUS to the Museum Campus? I've always taken the bus, which usually takes 30-45 minutes, plus up to 30 minutes waiting on a bus. According to Google, it's about a 2 mile, or 40 minute walk, but I have no idea what the walk is like. I know the first part would all be on traditional city sidewalks, but I know the roads are different closer to the lake. It looks like you might be able to just walk down Jackson to the lake, and then basically through Grant Park?

D.P. Roberts said:

Has anyone ever walked from CUS to the Museum Campus? I've always taken the bus, which usually takes 30-45 minutes, plus up to 30 minutes waiting on a bus. According to Google, it's about a 2 mile, or 40 minute walk, but I have no idea what the walk is like. I know the first part would all be on traditional city sidewalks, but I know the roads are different closer to the lake. It looks like you might be able to just walk down Jackson to the lake, and then basically through Grant Park?

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I've walked south on Canal to Van Buren and then followed that all the way to Grant Park. Then I took Columbus south and then crossed over once I got near the south edge of the park.

Here's a link: http://goo.gl/maps/j04E7

Jackson to LSD is definitely possible and just as scenic (if not moreso, since you can follow the Lakefront Trail), but it's a little bit farther (not much... maybe 1/4 mile).

You could walk down to Roosevelt and then east, also. Gawk out over the river and rail bridge, then also the I.C. tracks closer to the campus. If you take Jackson, you could walk down Michigan Ave or State street or see Buckingham Fountain and maybe even Millennium Park before strolling along the lakefront to the museums.

D.P. Roberts said:

Has anyone ever walked from CUS to the Museum Campus? I've always taken the bus, which usually takes 30-45 minutes, plus up to 30 minutes waiting on a bus. According to Google, it's about a 2 mile, or 40 minute walk, but I have no idea what the walk is like. I know the first part would all be on traditional city sidewalks, but I know the roads are different closer to the lake. It looks like you might be able to just walk down Jackson to the lake, and then basically through Grant Park?

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Yes I have done it. It is a rather long walk. I walked all the way east on Jackson Blvd to Lake Shore Drive. Cross Lake Shore Drive to walk south to the museum and the Shedd Aquarium.