German guy in Chicago - Looking for toys, army boots and sightseeing (Oak Park: houses, neighborhood)

[Herr Keim]

Hi,

I am to CHicago until Sunday and I am very impressed of the city.

I want to buy combat boots from Danner (not available in Germany) and
toys for my son. I reside at Central Loop. Any hints? I have no ideas where to buy this!

I would also like to do some sightseeing, any suggestions?


Greetings,
Keim

[5Lakes]

Originally Posted by Herr Keim

Hi,

I am to CHicago until Sunday and I am very impressed of the city.

I want to buy combat boots from Danner (not available in Germany) and
toys for my son. I reside at Central Loop. Any hints? I have no ideas where to buy this!

I would also like to do some sightseeing, any suggestions?


Greetings,
Keim

Well, I don't know much about combat boots but I know there is an Army-Navy surplus store located at Lincoln and Greenview. Take the brown line train north of the Loop to the Paulina stop, then walk south on Lincoln about .5 miles until you get to Greenview. On the way you will also go past a toy store on Lincoln to check out. There is yet another toy store on Belmont a few blocks east of Lincoln. You will walk past Belmont on the way to the Army-Navy store.

[Herr Keim]

So I have to use the train. I had preferred walking.

Is it dangerous to go by train, when it is dark?

[Mr Mappy]

Up to that neighborhood? No. The Brown Line is clean, and safe, and the area by Belmont/Ashland/Lincoln (where the Army Surplus is) is a good one.

[Hatchetman]

Interesting toy stores do not exist in the US. You could take the Metra out to Oak Park (20 minutes by train). There is a nice little boutique toy store there, Gepetto's, at Oak Park and Lake Streets. Take a couple of mile walk and see the various Frank Lloyd Wright houses.

[Herr Keim]

Thanks a lot guys!

I will report, what I have experienced.

[5Lakes]

You may also be interseted in the Lego store for toys. It is within walking distance, located on Michigan Avenue in the mall that the Nordstrom department store is in.

[soulful]

Herr. You have to checkout Timeless Toys which is located in the 4700 block of North Lincoln Avenue. Take the Brown Line to the Western Avenue stop and then walk north on Lincoln Ave.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie even shop there.. Angelina and Zahara go Toy Shopping! | Angelina Jolie, Zahara Jolie Pitt : Just Jared

[Johnny Northside]

Danner is more of an outdoor/hiking boot, so you are not going to find it at the Army/Navy store. Their local dealers include:

ALLEN EDMONDS
541 N MICHIGAN AVE
CHICAGO, IL 60611
312-755-9306

DICK'S SPORTING GOODS INC
Village Crossing
5601 Touhy Avenue
Niles, IL 60714
847-779-8800
Mon-Thur 9:30am - 9pm; Fri-Sat 9 am - 9:30 pm; Sun 10am - 7pm

DICK'S SPORTING GOODS INC
The Glen
1900 Tower Drive
Glenview, IL 60025
847-730-7400
Mon-Thur 9:30am - 9pm; Fri-Sat 9 am - 9:30 pm; Sun 10am - 7pm
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com

Allen Edmonds is right downtown, walkable up the Magnificent Mile from the Loop. There are other Dick's Sporting Goods locations in the Chicago area, but these two are the closest (about 12 and 15 miles respectively). They are also reasonably close (within a mile or mile and a half) of the nearest Metra rail station, which you could catch from Union Station downtown. There are definitely sidewalks to walk to the Niles location; not sure, but pretty sure the same would be true of the Glenview location. I'd call any of these places, especially the suburban Dick's locations, to confirm their stock before making an unnecessary trip.

If you go to the toy store on Lincoln Avenue, you will be in the heart of Chicago's old German neighborhood. There are several remnants of that past glory, including the Chicago Brauhaus (full restaurant), and a couple of other German bars.

[Herr Keim]

Thank you for all the nice hints!

I have already taken a look to the Allen Edmonds store, but there was no single Danner shoe inside. I wonder why Danner states this store as distributor...