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Union Station: Icon of a Great Age

  • Grand lobby and waiting area in Union Station

    Great Hall restoration. © Amtrak, courtesy Goettsch Partners.

Take in the elaborate details of this historic landmark, including the stunning Great Hall, recently restored to its original 1925 glory.

  • Grand lobby and waiting area in Union Station

    Great Hall restoration. © Amtrak, courtesy Goettsch Partners.

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.

Duration
1 hour
Site Type
Buildings
Location
Downtown
Architects and Styles
Meet

500 W. Jackson Blvd. between Canal and Clinton

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. Find out how this building plays a role in Chicago’s current hot real estate market of the West Loop.

Know before you go:
  • Road construction and bus reroutes in the area may cause delays in getting to the meeting location. Please plan for extra travel time.

Tour reviews

    • Detailed lit up torch.Detailed lit up torch.
      Railroads played such an important role in the development of Chicago. We are very lucky to still have this gorgeous example of a building type that most US cities have lost over the years.
      Joan JohnsCAC Docent
  • Union Station

    Great Hall restoration. © Amtrak, courtesy Goettsch Partners.

  • Exterior shot of Union station featuring the wooden doors surrounded by ornate green walls on the left and large white columns to the right

    Union Station exterior. Photo by Brian Kay.

  • Photo of a wooden bench with side carvings inside union station

    Original oak bench in the Great Hall. Photo by StevieD Photography.

  • Union Station

    Great Hall restoration. © Amtrak, courtesy Goettsch Partners.

  • Union Station

    Night and Day sculptures by Henry Hering. © Amtrak, courtesy Goettsch Partners.

  • Photo of a golden light post inside of Union Station with detailed ornamentation

    Great Hall torchiere. Photo by StevieD Photography

Tour Accessibility

CAC is committed to improving access to our tours. The accessibility information below reflects our docents’ experience and is provided for general guidance only.

What to expect on this tour

  • Icon of a person walking with a red percentage sign

    Terrain & Surfaces

    Moderate - Some uneven or mixed surfaces

  • Icon of a wheelchair and red arrow

    Wheelchair & Walker Access

    Moderate - Ramps and alternate routes provided

  • Icon of the outline or some steps and a red arrow pointing diagonally right and up.

    Steps or Stairs

    Moderate - Step-free alternate route available

  • Icon of an ear with a red throughline

    Hearing Access

    Easy - Quiet setting, easy to hear

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Interior image of a large building with tan walls and large columns.Interior image of a large building with tan walls and large columns.

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Discover more about Union Station’s historic past, impressive restoration and legacy.

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