Visiting Chicago

Thanks to all replies. Just really needed transportation info for self and DW. She already has a list of things to do. We will also take some time to enjoy the dunes. Happy Trails

Yes, to all of the above suggestions. In addition, you might want to stop by Millennium Park (right outside the South Shore station), Sears Tower (Willis Tower), Architectural tours given by the Chicago Architecture Foundation, on the river by boat and walking.

wallaceb wrote:
Hello to all, We will be staying at Indiana Dunes SP outside of Gary Indiana and would like to use mass transit to make a couple of day visits to Chicago. Any suggestion?

Need more info. Just you and spouse? Have kids? What ages?
Interested in info on mass Transportation or playing tourist?

As others have said, the South Shore Railroad is the way to go. They have a station just outside the Dunes and in about an hour, you will be let off right in downtown Chicago. It also makes stops at 57th street, which is just a few blocks from the Museum of Science and Industry (a must see). The museum is housed in a huge building originally from the 1933 World's fair. Also, the South Shore Line stops at Museum Campus/11th which is just a short walk to the field Museum of Natural History (with mummies and Sue, the world's largest T-Rex skeleton): the Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium. Downtown stop gets you to Sears and John Hancock skyscrapers, Michigan Avenue and State Street Shopping, Grant Park, Millennium Park. And a taxicab can then get you to other places like Lincoln Park Zoo.

And don't forget to spend time exploring the Dunes. Swim at the beach. Climb Mount Tom. Visit the surrounding Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, their Visitor Center, ranger-led hikes and programs, Baily Homestead and Chellberg Farm, climb Mount Baldy (a moving Dune).

Siteseeing- Museum of Science and Industry. Still wishing I had spent more time there.

DO you want suggestions on transit or sightseeing I cannot figure it out from your cryptic post.

The South Shore Railroad

Frequent trains from the Indiana Dunes to Chicago.