Grand-Blue station walk to River North? (Chicago: how much, bus, airport)

[chicagobear]

Originally Posted by Groggy23

Is it? Seems a bit farther. Either way it looks like we are just going to Uber it, just dissapointed UberX is not available from ORD.

You won't have any problem getting a cab on the street there.

[emathias]

Originally Posted by chet everett

The algorithm that google uses still has some "block" against "back tracking" -- the walk from Clark/Lake is North while the rest of the trip has been "SW" and that is why it gives crummy directions...

There are lots of reasons to prefer getting off Clark/ Lake -- shorter walk, nicer shops / eating spots, good view of the river.

Sometimes you gotta outta smart the machine!

True, dat.

Originally Posted by chicagobear

You won't have any problem getting a cab on the street there.

Also true, dat.

[nearnorth]

Originally Posted by chet everett

There is no good reason to walk that far!

Spoken like a true suburbanite. That's a walk of half a mile to a mile, depending on where he's going in River North. (The OP is surely well aware of the distance, because, you know, internet and stuff.) For most of us, there's no good reason NOT to walk that far. That's nothing.

I agree with those saying it isn't the most scenic walk, however.

[nearnorth]

Originally Posted by ChicagoMeO

"Only have a mile to walk" wow... I wish I had your energy

Wow. Really, people? One freaking mile? I'm an out-of-shape middle-aged man, and even I don't consider that to be a long walk requiring "energy." Unless one has an injury or physical disability, this shouldn't be an issue.

[nearnorth]

Originally Posted by holl1ngsworth

Is this all some kind of joke? Take a cab? A bus? It's gotta be less than half a mile from Grand Blue to River North. Scenic?? It's like three blocks, who cares!

This seemed like the obvious response to me, too, but apparently others view it differently, for reasons I'm not grasping.

[chet everett]

Originally Posted by nearnorth

Wow. Really, people? One freaking mile? I'm an out-of-shape middle-aged man, and even I don't consider that to be a long walk requiring "energy." Unless one has an injury or physical disability, this shouldn't be an issue.

It is one thing to "hoof it" from even Union Station to North Michigan Ave with a briefcase through nice clean walkable parts of the Loop that might be SEVERAL miles lined with interesting shops and such than to plod along the quasi-industrial areas west of River North with all the luggage fresh off an airline flight.

If the OP is still in the planning phase it would be wise to consider Clark /Lake stop, maybe check weather too.

[holl1ngsworth]

Originally Posted by chet everett

It is one thing to "hoof it" from even Union Station to North Michigan Ave with a briefcase through nice clean walkable parts of the Loop that might be SEVERAL miles lined with interesting shops and such than to plod along the quasi-industrial areas west of River North with all the luggage fresh off an airline flight.

If the OP is still in the planning phase it would be wise to consider the State/Lake stop, maybe check weather too.

I still recommend stopping at the Grand-Blue, walking down Milwaukee to Kinzie, and crossing at the Kinzie bridge. Much better aesthetics (especially at the bridge) than you will get from State/Lake. If you don't think so, you probably haven't been to that area for a while.

I think it's a great "gateway to Chicago." The OP will be seeing a whole lot of nothing on the Blue line, walk down two bland blocks of Milwaukee and then BAM! -- the river, the draw bridges, the breeze, glistening windows contrasting old red brick, and towering over it all the iconic Sears. Beautiful. One of the best little views in Chicago. Beats the hell outta walking past "nice shops."

[chet everett]

The "stuck bridge" (which I agree is kind of iconic..) won't make up for the fact they OP will likely have bags to carry in what is a weirdly "industrial" area. The sidewalks just are not as well traveled / cared for as those in the more traditonal commuter friendly areas

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by nearnorth

Wow. Really, people? One freaking mile? I'm an out-of-shape middle-aged man, and even I don't consider that to be a long walk requiring "energy." Unless one has an injury or physical disability, this shouldn't be an issue.

When you're used to it, it's basically nothing. I remember when I first moved to a walkable town (not Chicago) - I thought walking 1/4 mile was a huge deal. Now if it's nice out, I'll walk a few miles for fun without a problem. If I'm going somewhere and not just a stroll, then 1/2 to 1 mile is nothing. If you aren't used to it though, even 1/2 mile seems like a lot.

[rzzz]

I guess i agree with chet.

I was just walking around over there last week and 'quasi industrial' is a good description.

I mean a mile isn't a big deal either but I guess I don't see the point of that particular walk.

With a cab you could be at your destination in 2 minutes instead of 20, ditch your bags, and then go on a walk somewhere interesting...