Our middle child, Macey, will be studying abroad in Spain this year. I’m so excited for her—and frankly, a little bit jealous—but this 7-month adventure/education requires a lot of paperwork. One major requirement is a student visa, and the nearest Spanish consulate to our home is in Chicago. We decided to make it a McKeever Girls’ Trip to Chicago for her visa appointment and to celebrate her birthday.
Driving is not something I enjoy, especially in the city. Years ago, when the girls were really into their American Girl dolls, someone suggested I take the train to avoid the hassle of driving. I’m from rural Michigan—we don’t do trains here. It’s intimidating. I can’t be the only one who feels this way!
Because I HATE city driving, and since we had to travel to Chicago, I decided to pull up my big-girl panties, take the advice I was once given, and figure out how to take a train from Michigan to Chicago. After a little internet research, I discovered the Grand Rapids Kids website. This site—and the linked post about traveling by train to Chicago—was a huge help. They made the whole process seem incredibly easy, even providing hotel suggestions near the two main Chicago train stations.
The South Shore Line commuter train out of Michigan City had the schedule that best fit our travel needs. We opted for the Dune Park train station. I was pleased to discover that parking was free and plentiful. Tickets were only $9 per person (this is the one-way price, not round-trip), and the ride from Dune Park to Millennium Station in Chicago was just over an hour. You can track schedules and purchase tickets using the South Shore Line app. Millennium Station is the final stop—so no worries about missing your destination; just sit back and relax.
Once we arrived at Millennium Station, it was a short walk—just as promised by GR Kids—to our hotel: the Hampton Inn Majestic Chicago Theatre District. The hotel was safe, quiet, secure, clean, and offered a free breakfast that my girls said was very good. We didn’t spend much time there, but it met our needs perfectly.
Day 2 Itinerary: It’s BLAZING hot outside!!!
- Sleep in!
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Visa paperwork
- Lunch at Ed Debevic’s – It took the girls a minute to realize the rude waitstaff is actually the theme
- Shopping… lots of shopping
- Dinner with my Chicago besties at Boqueria, a tapas restaurant (so delicioso!)
Seriously, look at my hair in this humidity!
Day 3 Itinerary: Still BLAZING hot!!!
I’ve sweated so much I’m not sure how I still have water left in my body!
- Sleep in!
- Brunch at my favorite place: Beatrix– they have the most amazing lemon pancakes and chicken sausage
- Travel home
I don’t know why I haven’t made this trip before. Honestly, it’s probably because we never had the time or energy to travel beyond what was required for the kids’ sports teams. Now that I realize how easy it is to drive to Michigan City, leave the car, and avoid city driving and parking by riding the train—I’ll be doing it more often!
If you have time during your trip to Chicago, I recommend:
My Chicago Bucket List:
Book Read on This Trip:
The Girl in Seat 2A (Kindle Unlimited)
Shopping List for a Trip to Chicago:
- Copper Compression Socks
Do a lot of walking or sit for long travel stretches? These socks help with sore, swollen legs. Trust me—I thought I’d never see my ankles again! - Travel Backpack
Spacious, easy to carry, and perfect for adventures. - Adidas Cloudfoam Sneakers
Lightweight and super comfy. - Passport Holder Neck Wallet
Tuck this under your shirt to help protect your valuables from pickpockets. - Oversized Sunglasses
So glamorous!
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