Union Station, Chicago

What happened to the beautiful benchs in the magnificent grand hall!! They ARE historical architecture and MUST be returned- when will this be done? I am discounting my ratiing, where as in the past I would of given it a FULL 5 stars. The original door handles were taken out, as I noticed earlier, but this bench removal......how is the historical society tolerating this?

I really like union station It has lots of places to eat and the hall is very pretty at christmas Relaxing and not overly crowded

Union Station is just a station. I do not know why people think it walls or floors would be made out of gold. Like any other station it has resturants, places to shop and train or bus station.

Ok I dont know what I thought maybe great art work or maybe more like GCS NY what a joke dont bother unless you need a train to somewhere.

Union Station is a great place. Lots of places to eat. A very nice atmosphere. Sometimes a little bit crowded, but overall, I would really enjoyed my visit.

Union Station (recently renovated about 15 years ago) harkens back to a day where trains were the fastest and most civilized way to travel long distances. The Grand Hall, despite an almost empty ghost-like demeanor, is nothing short of impressively breathtaking. Pillars, topped with gold-toned classical statues, flank the edges and the dearth of benches seems to suggest that Union Station was meant to handle more traffic than it does today. There are a number of restaurants and small shops selling a variety of Chicago souvenirs and foodstuffs (hot dogs, deep-dish pizza, and steak and particularly good in Chicago) and both the Chicago Metra and Amtrak operate out of the station. Union Station, unlike many of its contempories, has been kept up well and is clean as one can expect of a train station. The bathrooms aren't bad at all and things generally seem to be under control. If you're in Chicago, you should make a point to visit Union Station, even if just to see the Grand Hall.

It could have been maintained better... and there is a huge problem with transients sleeping in the doorway. It's also a pain to get further north from here.

To call it just a train station is just too much of an understatement. The magnificent Grand Hall is an experience in itself. The room is made of soft pink Tennessee Marble and the skylight provides a soft, very relaxing atmosphere that will give you the message to just sit on one of the long wood benches and take it all in. The film "The Untouchables", starring Kevin Costner was filmed in this station. Many of you will remember the scene where the baby pram goes out of control down the stairs. Taking any of the trains from this station is easy and the folks here are happy and helpful. Many different places to eat ranging from a simple hot dog to Chicago-style BBQ ribs. Enjoy the station, I know that I did!!

loved it we came in on the train from Elgin and just loved Union Station. It certainly was a sight to see in Chicago.