Chicago retreat
 

looking for a great place for relaxation and reflection whilst on very long business trip to the US. Have a few spare days during week 2 (Tuesday - Friday) and looking for somewhere to stay where I can escape. Will not have a car so need somewhere within the metro system or by train. All recommendations welcome whether they be things like Mindfulness, spiritual or just focused on relaxation.

A great place to relax is the Chicago Botanic Garden. Even when is crowded on the weekend you could find a quiet spots to enjoy and relax. Weekdays are not that bad. While it is a bit far from Downtown Chicago (like 20~25 miles) it is fairly close to the train station, around 1 mile. You should be able to just walk that distance. Other place that comes to mind is the Baha’i House of Worship, Again, it's not close Downtown, but it's on the way to the Botanic Gardens and close to the same train service that departs from the Ogilvie Transportation Center But the Temple is farther from the station, too far to walk. Need a Taxi or Uber to get there and back. Or a bike :cool:

While there are many great places in Chicago, I have a feeling you want to escape the City noise for a while...

A strong second for the Baha'i House. It is very reflective and also is open in the evenings and is lovely lit up.

Many thanks, just been on website and looks superb. 365 acres - looks like this can take up 2 days alone. Iain

The Baha'i Temple is a lovely place with a walking distance to a nice beach.

https://goo.gl/maps/stJCERNC3Jp

What time of the year is your trip?

September

Very close to the train, same station as the Botanic Garden there's a park thet holds concerts thru the summer, but it'll be winding down in September.

Ravinia Schedule

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The Botanic Garden is fine but going there as a day trip from downtown without a car is a hassle. Once you get to the Ogilvie train station it’s almost an hour ride each way since you will be going in the opposite direction from the express commuter trains. Instead I suggest you head north from downtown on foot and explore Lincoln Park and the scenic lakefront. You can rent a Divvy bike if that appeals. Walk through Lincoln Park, stopping at the free zoo and the conservatory. At 125 West Fullerton detour to the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, a secluded spot for meditation:
Lincoln Park Conservancy Restoring Lincoln Park's Art, Architecture and Nature Since 1984.

The next day walk south along the lakefront to the Museum campus. Even if you don’t want to visit any of the three excellent museums you can enjoy the surroundings and the wonderful views of the city. There’s also the Riverwalk along the Chicago river, a lovely path for admiring Chicago’s renowned architecture. Make time for the Architectural Foundation river cruise, don’t be fooled by imitators. And you shouldn’t miss Millenium Park in the center of the city. It’s overrun by tourists but worth a visit. Head south from Millenium Park to the Gardens of the Art Institute, a lovely spot to expunge debris of business meetings.