8 hour layover in Chicago

[urbpan]

I asked Twitter and Facebook and got nothin.' I don't know why I didn't ask you guys first, here's where the brains is.

My dad and I have an 8 hour layover in Chicago. WE ARE NOT CHECKING OUR BAGS so we'll be carrying some luggage around. What might our options be for a quick trip into the city? There are no public lockers any more, certainly not in airports, and probably not even in bus stations. Any bright ideas? Have you done such a thing, and if so, how did you pull it off?

Thanks!

Comments

[captainsblog.livejournal.com]

I would imagine that if you called Democratic headquarters, the ward heelers could fix you up in exchange for some donations and lit drops.

[urbpan.livejournal.com]

Now THAT'S the kind of creative thinking I'm talking about. Maybe my stepbrother Rahm can help us out.

[dinahprincedaly.livejournal.com]

when we toured U Chicago they let us leave our luggage in the admissions office...

the zoo there is supposed to be great, do you know anyone at the zoo who would watch your stuff?

sorry no help

[lyonesse.livejournal.com]

i always do this at the train station (where there are, or at least were, big lockers) and go to the art museum. 's fab!

[hhw]

the art museum very likely has a (possibly non-free) bag-check service/requirement. It also has the same admissions fee as the Met in NYC: pay what you want. The Field museum probably can check bags too.

keep in mind that the chances of delay at ORD are high so you might not actually get all 8 hours...

[greenminions.livejournal.com]

Union Station in Chicago does still have the lockers.

[featheredfrog.livejournal.com]

Most hotels have checkrooms. If for "guests only", offer the bell captain $20, or eat a meal in the hotel restaurant.

[xiloxoch.livejournal.com]

O'Hare or Midway? If you're at Midway, you probably have time to take the 55 bus to Hyde Park and check out some UChicago things like the Robie House (Frank Lloyd Wright). The bus takes about 1.5 hours each way. If you're at O'Hare, the Blue Line will take you into the Loop in about 1-1.5 hours, where you can go to the Art Institute and check your bag there. Or you can get off the train at the Damen stop, in the trendy Wicker Park neighborhood, and people-watch at an outdoor cafe for a while. Depending on when your trip is, I'd be happy to act as a tour guide.