Layover.Exploration.

Stuck with a layover at O'Hare? Don't resign yourself to overpriced airport coffee and endless scrolling. Whether you've got a quick breather or a longer stretch, there's a way to turn that downtime into a mini-adventure. And guess what? You don't even need to break the bank or trek miles away!

Baggage Blues Be Gone!

First things first, nobody wants to lug their suitcase around on a layover. That's where the awesome folks at BaggageHelp come in! They're located conveniently near O'Hare, and get this:

Now, let's get to the good stuff... what you can actually do!

SHORT LAYOVER EXPLORATION -

  1. Fashion Outlet Mall

  2. Stephen Convention Center

  3. I-Fly Indoor Skydiving

  4. Fogo Brazilian Steakhouse

  5. AMC

  6. Joe’s Live

  7. Zanies

  8. Allstate Arena (10 minutes away)

LONG LAYOVER EXPLORATION – CITY OF CHICAGO:

PART 1:

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to Chicago Center – (From BaggageHelp Office):

  1. Walk to Rosemont CTA Station: Exit BaggageHelp, turn left on River Road, and walk towards the next traffic light.  (Do not walk toward the Stephen Convention Center).

    • For those at O’hare, follow the signs to CTA Transit (near Terminal 1). Day pass $5. Valid for all trains and buses.
    • Board the Blue Line (and skip to step 3)

  2. As soon as you pass the overhead highway, turn right towards the CTA Train and Bus Station (Rosemont Stop).

  3. Take the CTA Blue Line Train: Board the Blue Line train towards the city and get off at the Clark/Lake Stop (45-minute ride).

PART 2:

EXPLORATION BEGINS AT THE RIVERWALK:

  1. Reach the Riverwalk: Exit the Clark/Lake station. You'll see a McDonald's; the Chicago Riverwalk is located directly behind the building on Wacker Drive.

  2. Explore the Riverwalk: Walk around the McDonald's and turn right on LaSalle Street (or left on Clark Street) to reach Wacker Drive. Access the Riverwalk via the entrance on LaSalle Street and enjoy the restaurants and shops.

  3. Head to Michigan Avenue: Walk east on Wacker Drive towards Michigan Avenue

PART 3a:

MICHIGAN AVENUE EXPLORATION:

Please refer to the map for the instructions below:

To the RIGHT (south) of Michigan Avenue**/Wacker Drive** (exit from the Riverwalk):

  1. Millennium Park: Located 3 blocks south (corner of Randolph/Michigan).

  2. Art Institute of Chicago: Continue south on Michigan Avenue to Adams Street.

  3. Buckingham Fountain: Behind the Art Institute, along Columbus/Balboa Drive.

  4. Museum Campus (Shedd, Planetarium, Field Museum): Take any bus south on Michigan Avenue to Roosevelt/Michigan Avenue, then transfer to the #146 bus to the Museum Campus.

PART 3b:

To the LEFT (north) of Michigan Avenue/Wacker Drive (exit from the Riverwalk):

  1. Magnificent Mile Shopping: Located to the north of Michigan/Wacker.  (Walk left over the river)

  2. Navy Pier: Continue to Walk north or take a bus to Illinois Street.  There is a staircase to lower street to board the #65 bus to Navy Pier

    • Then take the #65 bus to Navy Pier.

  3. Oak Street Beach: Located next to Navy Pier.

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