There’s Only One Train Station Like This In All Of Illinois And It’s Magnificent
By Melissa Mahoney|Published January 26, 2022
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
The arrival of the first trains in Chicago in the mid-1800s opened up a world of travel in the state of Illinois. Over time, more rails were built around the state and the need for larger stations grew. In 1925, four railroad companies joined together in union to build the Chicago Union Station, an iconic landmark in the city. This historic train station in Illinois is ornate, stunning, and there’s no other one like it in the state.
The iconic Chicago Union Station first opened in May 1925. The idea for it first came from architect Daniel Burnham and it was ultimately constructed by the architectural firm Graham, Anderson, Probst, and White.
The exterior's gorgeous limestone was quarried in the neighboring state of Indiana. Once passengers enter the doors from the outside, they are brought into an ornate and jaw-dropping interior.
The Beaux-Arts-style Great Hall featuring a 110-foot-tall atrium and barrel-vaulted skylights is something of an architectural marvel. This alone will make you understand why the Chicago Union Station is considered one of the most beautiful train stations in the country.
Owned by Amtrak, the Chicago Union Station is the third-busiest train station in the country. It's a hub to both Amtrak and the Metra Commuter Rail and there are transfer options for the "L" Trains, buses, Greyhound, taxis, and rideshares.
Chicago Union Station does offer a bit more than just travel. You will also find several dining and shopping options and areas of the station may be booked for events.
Union Station is a hub of activity, of people coming and going, commuting to and from work or visiting the city. If you find yourself in the flurry of activity here, try and take a few moments to appreciate the grandeur that is the Chicago Union Station.
Whether you live in the state or just visiting, a trip to this historic train station in Illinois is a must. To learn more about the Chicago Union Station, visit the website.
If you love trains, check out these scenic train rides you can take in Illinois.
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