McCormack Place- how to get there?
 

Hi---at the last minute my hubby and I are supposed to be at McCormick Place on Sat. and Sun. for a convention, altho we can't get a hotel anyplace downtown due to the Marathon. So now we're thinking about staying in the burbs and taking the train in. Should we shuttle to O'Hare and then take the blue line? Our other option is to park at the Cumberland station and take the train, altho I'm wondering if that parking lot will be full? Also, I read recently on this forum to "forget about taking the train to McCormick place, take a cab instead". What's your feeling on this? I'm wondering how easy it is going to be to train in, and then find a bus/cab to take us back and forth on Saturday and Sunday to McCrmk Place. Thx in advance for your advice!!

The train doesn't go to McCormick Place. It's not a walkable distance either- more than two miles. If you take public transportation, you'll have to transfer downtown to either a cab or a bus. www.transitchicago.com has a trip finder for CTA buses and trains if you want to look it up.

Since McCormick Place is south of the Loop, you may want to see if you can stay in the Hyde Park area. I wouldn't normally recommend this area for a tourist, although the University of Chicago is there and it does get its share of vistors, but there aren't a lot of hotels. The U of C website has some links. The Midway airport area might be another way to go. I know hotel rooms are almost impossible to find that weekend!

Colette,

I am a suburban guy myself. I am assuming from your post that you have a car. My advice would be to stay in the burbs almost anyplace in the vicinity of a Metra station. Parking is a piece of cake on weekends and you get unlimited rides for $5.00. Take the Metra to the train station (there are a couple) in the city and cab it from there. I am not as familiar with where the blue line ends.

Most conventions at McCormick run shuttle buses from the hotels where conventioneers are staying to the center. Check with the convention management to find out which hotels are included on the shuttle runs and then gear your travel plans from the suburbs to whichever is the easiest way to get to one of these hotels. Then, you can take the free bus to and from the center.

Thanks for all the tips! The hotel/free shuttle idea is a good one! Thx again.

The Wooded Isle Suites in Hyde Park is a good option. It's across the street from the Museum of Science and Industry and very close to the university. There is shopping within walking distance and the beach and a great park, the Point. It is converted, older apts, so has character. It is only a few miles from McCormick Place. Here is their website: http://www.woodedisle.com/