Is Chicago boring?? (low income, income, fun things to do)

[Losfrisco]

Originally Posted by CBOTfan

One thing to add to your list: Downtown contains many wonderful early 20th century buildings with ornate lobbies. You can still step inside many of them (if not able to get as far as the elevator lobbies).

I was considering taking Amtrak to Milwaukee for a day trip, but with only four days, I think walking around inside Union Station and just taking pictures will suffice. I also want to go inside the CME, but I don't think you can.

[Master Jay]

As the Representante of Milwaukee, I must support the Milwaukee idea trip!

The truth is, you could never be bored for 3 or 4 days, just in the city of Chicago.

It's a great city, and the people are wonderful.

I have introduced my fellow Milwaukeeans to many of the various neighborhoods.

My current plan is to come down this weekend with my brother and his sons, to go bicycle riding. THAT is the best way to explore the city.

Have a great time!

[CBOTfan]

Originally Posted by Losfrisco

I was considering taking Amtrak to Milwaukee for a day trip, but with only four days, I think walking around inside Union Station and just taking pictures will suffice. I also want to go inside the CME, but I don't think you can.

Yes, you can step inside the Chicago Board of Trade Building, as there are a couple of dining spots that are accessed inside of or downstairs from the lobby. This lobby is more streamlined Art Deco, if I am correctly categorizing it, but well worth taking a look. The positioning of the building - at a T-intersection - gives you unobstructed views of the wonderful setbacks, clock, and allegorical sculptures.

I have taken many day trips from Chicago to Milwaukee via the Hiawatha train. Since there are so many roundtrips between the 2 cities, you wouldn't need a full day if you want to kill 2 birds with 1 stone. Maybe leave Chicago in the morning, once in Milwaukee, walk Wisconsin Avenue over to the Art Museum, meander back through downtown and down to the 3rd Ward for lunch, then walk back to the intermodal station to catch a return train to Chicago. If you don't fit this in, you will at least be able to get some great pictures of Chicago Union Station (the Great Hall).

[CBOTfan]

Originally Posted by Losfrisco

. . . . walking around inside Union Station and just taking pictures will suffice.

Speaking of train stations, about 3-4 blocks straight north from Union Station is Ogilvie Station. East across the street from this (alongside the river) is the former Daily News Building, another Art Deco gem. Enter Ogilvie Station via the Riverside Plaza entrance of the Daily News Building for additional streamlined deco interiors.

[Losfrisco]

Originally Posted by CBOTfan

Yes, you can step inside the Chicago Board of Trade Building, as there are a couple of dining spots that are accessed inside of or downstairs from the lobby. This lobby is more streamlined Art Deco, if I am correctly categorizing it, but well worth taking a look. The positioning of the building - at a T-intersection - gives you unobstructed views of the wonderful setbacks, clock, and allegorical sculptures.

I have taken many day trips from Chicago to Milwaukee via the Hiawatha train. Since there are so many roundtrips between the 2 cities, you wouldn't need a full day if you want to kill 2 birds with 1 stone. Maybe leave Chicago in the morning, once in Milwaukee, walk Wisconsin Avenue over to the Art Museum, meander back through downtown and down to the 3rd Ward for lunch, then walk back to the intermodal station to catch a return train to Chicago. If you don't fit this in, you will at least be able to get some great pictures of Chicago Union Station (the Great Hall).

If I do this, it will be the 610 AM departure, a few hours in MKE, then back in Chicago by 1230. Its tempting if anything just to say I've rode Amtrak outside of southern California, but I've already got a very full itinerary (select delis, diners, coffee joints, historical buildings in addition to mainstream attractions). The Art Institute could be a half day (of four) by itself.

One thing for sure is that I'm walking a minimum 10 miles per day. Have to do something to hedge against all that Chicago food and drink that I"m pretending that I'll enjoy "in moderation."

[littletraveller]

Chicago is a lot of things.

Boring is NOT one of them...

[Master Jay]

Losfrisco, do you like to check out the "ethnic neighborhoods"?

[Losfrisco]

Originally Posted by Master Jay

Losfrisco, do you like to check out the "ethnic neighborhoods"?

Yes, planning those out now. I know there's an L stop at Chinatown so that's a definite.

[Master Jay]

Losfrico, You shall enjoy the shops and restaurants in Chinatown. A good place to take pictures, too.

If you can, check out one of my favorite neighborhoods, Lincoln Square. Take the Brown line to Western Avenue. Get out, head north and east to the 1 way section of Lincoln Avenue!

[SonySegaTendo617]

Originally Posted by Losfrisco

If I do this, it will be the 610 AM departure, a few hours in MKE, then back in Chicago by 1230. Its tempting if anything just to say I've rode Amtrak outside of southern California, but I've already got a very full itinerary (select delis, diners, coffee joints, historical buildings in addition to mainstream attractions). The Art Institute could be a half day (of four) by itself.

One thing for sure is that I'm walking a minimum 10 miles per day. Have to do something to hedge against all that Chicago food and drink that I"m pretending that I'll enjoy "in moderation."

As someone who's been to Milwaukee numerous times before, I'd stay for a little more time than just the time proposed here, if you asked me. At least for like 2-4 hours more. Especially to explore the area near Brady and Farwell, on the northeast side of Milwaukee. I always really liked going to Von Trier, and getting a beer and relaxing there. But that's just me.