Tips for visiting Chicago (Schaumburg, Marshall: floor, vs, bus)

[amberwhose]

I'll be staying in Chicago for one or two nights, but only have just a little time to go out sight seeing late on July 3 and/or early on July 4th. We'll be in the Schaumberg area. Never been to Chicago before...some things we're considering: races and fireworks at Arlington Park, fireworks at Navy Pier, Hancock Tower and/or Willis Tower, Grant Park/Millenium Park. Any suggestions? What would driving into downtown and back be like on the evening of the 3rd? Would the Metra or L be viable options? Is parking safe at the train stations? Would it be safe to go to and from stations after fireworks downtown? Or is there something different we could do on the evening of the 3rd? We've never been, and don't have our hearts set on anything other than checking out one of the towers.

[thePR]

The Metra would be a good choice to get downtown, and the Schaumburg station has plenty of good parking. I wouldn't suggest going to Arlington Park because you don't come this far not to be in Chicago.

And it's still the Sears Tower.

[persuasian]

haha, i guess you think it's still the Marshall Field's too

Originally Posted by thePR

The Metra would be a good choice to get downtown, and the Schaumburg station has plenty of good parking. I wouldn't suggest going to Arlington Park because you don't come this far not to be in Chicago.

And it's still the Sears Tower.

[chirack]

Originally Posted by amberwhose

I'll be staying in Chicago for one or two nights, but only have just a little time to go out sight seeing late on July 3 and/or early on July 4th. We'll be in the Schaumberg area. Never been to Chicago before...some things we're considering: races and fireworks at Arlington Park, fireworks at Navy Pier, Hancock Tower and/or Willis Tower, Grant Park/Millenium Park. Any suggestions? What would driving into downtown and back be like on the evening of the 3rd? Would the Metra or L be viable options? Is parking safe at the train stations? Would it be safe to go to and from stations after fireworks downtown? Or is there something different we could do on the evening of the 3rd? We've never been, and don't have our hearts set on anything other than checking out one of the towers.

Metra and the El are your best bets for traveling into town. Parking/Traffic downtown can be a nightmare.There is no free parking. Parking is safe at train stations and it should be reasonable safe going to/from the stations.

Check to hours of the things you are intrested in viewing. Also if this trip is for fun( not visting family ect...) don't stay in Schaumberg(too far away from the touristy stuff downtown).

[persuasian]

I would at least do one of the CFA boat tours.

Originally Posted by amberwhose

I'll be staying in Chicago for one or two nights, but only have just a little time to go out sight seeing late on July 3 and/or early on July 4th. We'll be in the Schaumberg area. Never been to Chicago before...some things we're considering: races and fireworks at Arlington Park, fireworks at Navy Pier, Hancock Tower and/or Willis Tower, Grant Park/Millenium Park. Any suggestions? What would driving into downtown and back be like on the evening of the 3rd? Would the Metra or L be viable options? Is parking safe at the train stations? Would it be safe to go to and from stations after fireworks downtown? Or is there something different we could do on the evening of the 3rd? We've never been, and don't have our hearts set on anything other than checking out one of the towers.

[amberwhose]

Ooo...we love boat tours, so I'll definitely look into that. We are actually just passing through Chicago in a way, but we are mixing a tiny bit of business into what is otherwise a road trip to see family. That's why we're staying in schaumberg. Any advice on Metra vs El? Is one nicer or safer? Does one have better schedules? I've looked a little online at the schedules, but would love advice from others who have actually used them.

[Manigault]

Originally Posted by amberwhose

Ooo...we love boat tours, so I'll definitely look into that. We are actually just passing through Chicago in a way, but we are mixing a tiny bit of business into what is otherwise a road trip to see family. That's why we're staying in schaumberg. Any advice on Metra vs El? Is one nicer or safer? Does one have better schedules? I've looked a little online at the schedules, but would love advice from others who have actually used them.

From Schaumburg, I'd drive if possible. You'd have to take a Woodfield bus to the el at O'Hare first. Metra is ok, but does not actually stop in Schaumburg and has a spotty schedule.

Safety is not a real issue as to rapid transit between downtown Chicago and Schaumburg.

[It'sAutomatic]

Go and enjoy the city, forget fireworks. I'm sure you've seen plenty in your life, and in Chicago they can be overcrowded, sweaty affairs.

[thePR]

Originally Posted by Manigault

From Schaumburg, I'd drive if possible. You'd have to take a Woodfield bus to the el at O'Hare first. Metra is ok, but does not actually stop in Schaumburg and has a spotty schedule.

Safety is not a real issue as to rapid transit between downtown Chicago and Schaumburg.

The Metra does stop in Schaumburg, though. It's right by where the Schaumburg Flyers play.

[UICJohn]

Some things to consider:

There are several fantastic boat tours that go either on the lake or on the river. It all depends on what you want - an architectural tour perhaps or maybe just a ride on the lake and have some drinks.

The Sears Tower is nice but I have always preferred the Hancock Building mostly because it's near other attractions. In addition, they have a lounge on the 96th floor and go up there, get a drink, and you don't have to pay to get up there.

I have heard the fireworks at Arlington are pretty good. However, I think they're on July 2nd this year? But I could be wrong.

Taste of Chicago is on July 3rd. However, I know what the overall thought on that festival is. But personally, being an out of towner just stopping by, it isn't that bad if it's just a stop. I wouldn't spend all day there but get a strip of tickets and try something? And that's basically in Grant Park and right next to Millennium Park.