Museum of Science and Industry-safe area? (Chicago, Washington: renting, hotel, home)

[Golden Camel]

The Metra Electric line runs 30 to 60 minutes apart on weekdays (more frequently during rush hour) and once every 60 to 90 minutes on Sundays. The #6 bus runs every few minutes 7 days a week. The #10 bus runs every half hour -- every weekend and weekdays between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

I would take the #10 bus if available or the #6 bus otherwise. The #10 pulls right up to the entrance. The #6 stops across the street from the parking lot.

Metra is nice, but you have to worry about the schedule, it's more expensive, the museum stop is several blocks away, and there are only two stops to board downtown. Any time you might save will be lost if you have to wait 90 minutes for the next train to arrive.

I would not take the CTA 'L' trains -- either the Red or Green lines. They stop far away from the museum in a not-so-nice area. But if you insist on doing it, take the #55 Garfield bus to the museum. Don't try to walk from the station.

[chet everett]

Completely agree that the #10 bus route is THE way to go. It is much more convenient than any other option. The eastern part of Hyde Park around the museum is safe and pleasant. Folks that live nearby and work downtown rely on the CTA and there is rarely any reason to consider other options.

[urza216]

People in Hyde Park "rely on CTA" now? Okay, then..

[chet everett]

The express bus service is cheaper and faster than Metra.

[urza216]

Originally Posted by chet everett

The express bus service is cheaper and faster than Metra.

Hyde Park is still one of the most isolated neighborhoods in the city. To say it "relies on CTA" is to suggest the other way around. Oh, and Metra Electric is safer than the bus, especially for a tourist. And there's a Metra Electric stop that's like a five minute walk away from the museuem.

[chet everett]

I would dispute that the CTA #10 route , with direct access to the front door of MSI carries any risk.

Isolation is relative thing, and the likelihood of a tourist not visiting MSI because of issues with people giving sloppy info about safety / access is a bigger problem...

The area is perfectly fine for tourists.

[urza216]

Originally Posted by chet everett

I would dispute that the CTA #10 route , with direct access to the front door of MSI carries any risk.

Isolation is relative thing, and the likelihood of a tourist not visiting MSI because of issues with people giving sloppy info about safety / access is a bigger problem...

The area is perfectly fine for tourists.

Hyde Park itself is completely safe for tourists. And really maybe tourists SHOULD get a good look at Englewood, Washington Park, Woodlawn or at least one similar area in Chicago. But that's a whole different conversation..

[facebookdigg123]

Originally Posted by urza216

People in Hyde Park "rely on CTA" now? Okay, then..

Well, how else do all the students get to school..

[Larry Siegel]

Originally Posted by marothisu

Agreed. If you want a good walk and don't care that it's shady, then it's a good 2+ mile walk away for you. If you don't want to walk that or don't want to walk through shady/****ty areas, then take the #6 express bus if you only want to use a CTA pass.

The scenery you'll get by riding the bus down LSD is way better than the El anyway.

Hyde Parkers don't walk through Washington Park. Only people looking for a victim do. Once you are inside the borders of Hyde Park, everything changes.

Take the Metra or the bus.

[polyxavier]

Thanks to all.
I was not clear when I mentioned walking. I meant if I was in a safer area, say in the Loop, I might walk a mile or so instead of waiting for public transportation. I was NOT clear but I didn't mean I'd do that in an area that you have said is not so safe. I apologize for the poor communication on my part. I do thank all for the suggestions and information.