Chicago Union Station: Icon of a Great Age
Private Guided Tour & Lunch
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
10am – 1pm
$25; registration and payment required in advance
Space is limited
Tour Description
Chicago Union Station is one of the great spaces in Chicago you must experience! Learn about the station’s history and design, while discovering the important role railroads played in the city’s development. Learn how this building plays a role in Chicago’s current hot real estate market of the West Loop.
An iconic building and a marvel of modern transportation for nearly a century, Chicago Union Station was originally designed by Daniel Burnham and completed by Graham, Anderson, Probst and White. A grand building worthy of the city’s status as a national railroad hub, it is a treasured part of Chicago history and a valued asset for Chicago’s future.
Chicago Union Station is one of the last grand train stations still operating in the U.S. and the only one in Chicago serving both Amtrak and Metra commuter rail. Take in the elaborate details of this historic landmark, including the stunning Great Hall, which recently has been restored to its original 1925 glory.
Following the guided tour we will walk to the restaurant for lunch.
Itinerary
9:45 – Suggested arrival time.
10:00 – Guided tour begins promptly. Please arrive on time.
11:45 – Lunch together. Self Pay at Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant & Bakery immediately following the tour
• The tour is conducted by docents from the Chicago Architecture Center and lasts approximately 1 hour & 20 minutes.
• Participants of this tour will have 7 days (until August 23rd) free admission to the Chicago Architecture Center’s (112 East Wacker Drive) exhibits and displays; let the docent of this tour know of your interest.
• Moderate activity level! Extensive walking & standing (includes several stairways). Minimal places to sit during the guided tour.
• Chicago Union Station is accessible to people with limited mobility.
• No coat or bag check available. Restrooms available.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring a water bottle. Bring a face mask (face masks inside Chicago Union Station are optional).
Arrival Instructions
Meet inside Chicago Union Train Station entrance located at 500 West Jackson Blvd. between Canal and Clinton no later than 9:45am. Our tour begins promptly at 10am. No guarantees for late arrivals.
Registration and Prepayment Required
Registration required; $25.00 per person; limited to 10 people.
Open to CHPV Members, non-members & friends. A Waitlist is established in case of cancellations.
CHPV Members must log in during registration to avoid non-member fee.
Register no later than Friday, August 11, 2023 by 5pm.
Cancelation for CHPV credit available until 5pm Friday, August 11.
Lunch Together
11:45–1:00
Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant & Bakery
565 West Jackson Blvd (across the street from Chicago Union Station & about one block North)
Click here to view the Lunch Menu
Uncle Lou’s father started the Chicago family diner in 1923 specializing in breakfast, brunch, and lunch dishes. The family restaurant was later turned over to his son, Lou Mitchell.
Order off the menu, individual tab, and self-pay (cash or credit card only). Depending on the weather, seating is available on the patio as well as inside the establishment.
CHPV Hosts
Barbara Norrish & Terry Stumpf
Getting There
On Your Own. There are CTA public transportation options to the Chicago Union Station.
View CTA trip planner here
CHPV Members may also request transportation. Please make your request as early as possible and no later than 4pm Thursday, August 11.
Call 773-363-1933 or email servicerequest@chpv.org
Safety Precautions
• The safety of our community members is of utmost importance.
• If you are experiencing Covid-19, flu, or cold symptoms and/or are not feeling well, please refrain from participating in CHPV in-person activities. Please contact us if you are compelled to cancel due to illness.
• CHPV strongly recommends wearing a face mask when not actively eating or drinking.
• CHPV strongly encourages all persons attending in-person events to receive their COVID-19 Bivalent and flu vaccinations. If your vaccinations are up-to-date, please complete the CHPV COVID-19 Bivalent & Flu Vaccination Record.
Email info@chpv.org with your questions.
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