I'm wondering what type of neighborhood the train station is in - in Grand Rapids. We will be parking a car for a few days while we're in Chicago - hoping there is a SECURE lot.

Background: It's my mother's car. She has memories of the train station in Flint back in the 70's when things were unsafe. So her association with train station parking lots in Michigan is that her car will be stripped by the time we get back.

Another option: We can take the train from Holland if the parking situation is better.

We're going to see King Tut!!

From MARP Site:http://www.marp.org
The unstaffed Grand Rapids station is at the corner of Market and Wealthy Streets. There are 45 free spaces at the station and travelers can use the overflow lot at the GRATA bus facility across the street if the station lot is full. Although the area does not look impressive, it is safe, and people can leave their cars at the station for extended periods without worry. The station building is smallish, but is kept spotless by the caretaker. A video ticketing machine has been installed in the waiting room. Food service on the Pere Marquette has been recently upgraded to an Amcafe.
The unstaffed Holland station was extensively remodeled in the 1980's, and turned a rather spartan station building into an exceptionally attractive facility. Located right at the entrance of Windmill Park, the station has 34 free parking spaces. The area is quite safe, and cars can be left for extended periods. The station serves both Amtrak and intercity buses; the waiting room is not open after 5:00 pm.

It's not the safest neighborhood in Grand Rapids, but the station is fairly new and I'm sure they have security, or at least cameras because of where it is. I don't think your car will be stripped, but I definitely wouldn't leave anything in view. Either hide it in the trunk or take it with you. That's pretty much common sense for anywhere you leave your car!

Another option would be to park at one of the hotel lots downtown (such as the Grand Plaza) and take a cab to the station. It'll cost more, but then you'll know your car will be safe.

Thanks for the response...

Hmmm...maybe we should take the train from Holland instead. What do you think?

bump

Anybody know about the Holland, MI Amtrak station?

Sorry Pepper - just Grand Rapids. Maybe try reposting with that in the title.

we live in Holland and have taken the train to Chicago several times. Very safe to leave the car.

jserv -

Thanks for the info - AWESOME!!!
Do you have any recs for a hotel nearby? We need to stay the night before we leave for Chicago.

There are several within a 5min drive. hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express off 31 and downtown, the Haworth Conference Center on Hope College Campus is very nice.The trip is great comes right into the heart of Chicago and a $5 taxi ride will get you to the Magnificent Mile area. Have fun!

Pepper131 - did you take this trip yet? I'm considering taking the Amtrack from here in GR to Chicago in a few weeks and I'm wondering what the train was like. It sure beats the cost of gas & parking!

BTW, Pepper - how was your visit to Grand Rapids - did you like the Amway Grand Plaza?

I just thought I might suggest taking the South Shore Train out of Michigan City, IN .It is far cheaper than Amtrak and you end up right by Millenium Park. You do have to drive a bit farther, but I love it.