Spring Break in Chicago - Would I be safe with my daughter?

[WDWorld2003]

For spring break this year my husband does not have time off and my other daughter is taking a trip with her senior class to France (lucky her!)

My 15 year old has always wanted to go to Chicago. I was thinking of taking the train from Minneapolis to Chicago with her and spending a few mother/ daughter days shopping and going to the museums, etc. It's very affordable by train and this needs to be a budget trip. I've never been there so I do not know my way around. I'm pretty comfortable in Minneapolis but would not walk around at night and I'm assuming it is the same there.

Would love to hear where we should stay and if the train station is in walking distance go a good hotel. Also, any thoughts on if this a trip I could handle alone with my daughter or should I wait until we can have my husband along? Thanks for any help!

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Of course its safe, why wouldn't it be? Because its a big city? Its as safe as anywhere else in the nation. Have you ever walked around downtown Chicago at night? It's as crowded as it is in the day. I don't suggest walking around in the wee hours, but it doesn't sound like you would be doing that anyway. Check out the Homewood Suites, the Embassy Suites or the Doubletree Suites, you can get some great rates $149 a night with full breakfast included.

 

[Beth76]

Oh very safe!! Even at night. As long as you stay in the more popular areas (ie Michigan Avenue) and are smart. There will be a ton of people around. I've only felt not-safe once for about 30 seconds when a homeless person approached us for money and didn't back down easily. But we were on a side street at night and away from the crowds. If you're going budget, I would suggest getting a hotel on priceline--in the North Michigan Avenue area. That's close to tons of shopping and restaurants-all walkable. You'd have to take cabs to some of the museums though.

 

[WDWorld2003]

I am not familiar at all with Chicago and have never been there. There are areas of Minneapolis I would not set foot in alone but I know where there are which is why I was asking. I've heard wonderful things about the museums, shopping, etc. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[WDWorld2003]

This may sound stupid, but I've never even taken a cab alone..... how far are the museums from the main area of Chicago?

 

[Toby'sFriend]

If you stick around the Michigan Avenue/Downtown area, you will be quite safe, even at night.

 

[disneyeveryyear]

This may sound stupid, but I've never even taken a cab alone..... how far are the museums from the main area of Chicago?

You can get to the museums for a $5 - $10 cab ride from downtown, or you can take the Metra.

I second the Priceline idea. We usually pay <$50.00 for the Hyatt Regency on the river, I think we paid about $60 for the Palmer House Hilton.

You would need to take a cab from the train station, but shouldn't be too pricey.

 

[Beth76]

This may sound stupid, but I've never even taken a cab alone..... how far are the museums from the main area of Chicago?

Not very far. The Art Institute and Navy Pier might be walkable depending on where you stay and the weather. The field museum, planetarium and aquarium are probably only a 5-10 minute cab ride again depending on where you are. You could even take the bus. Science & Industry is a bit further south.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

There is usually a free tram that runs from the Michigan Avenue area down to Navy Pier. I think it starts running around Spring Break time, but I'm not sure. The Science and Field Museum you will need a taxi, but they are easy to get and not too expensive.

You might want to look into the City Passes. Those give you admission to all the major museums and the aquarium at a discounted price.

http://citypass.com/city/chicago.html

 

[WDWorld2003]

One other ? - has anyone ever taken the train in? I've taken a few commuter trains in Dallas but haven't been on a passenger train in 30 years (at least)!

As you can see, this would be a trip of many firsts! If I had my way, we'd be in a warm, sunny climate but this is something my daughter has always wanted to do....so, I'm trying to be brave and try this.

 

[Beth76]

As you can see, this would be a trip of many firsts! If I had my way, we'd be in a warm, sunny climate but this is something my daughter has always wanted to do....so, I'm trying to be brave and try this.

Oh you'll have fun!!! Chicago is a beautiful, wonderful city!! I've never taken a train, but cabs are easy. If you're at your hotel, they will probably be waiting out front to pick up people staying there. You just tell them where you want to go and voila! At big attractions, they'll also probably be lined up out front.

There is usually a free tram that runs from the Michigan Avenue area down to Navy Pier. I think it starts running around Spring Break time, but I'm not sure.

Unfortunately the tram doesn't start until Memorial Day weekend.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

You can get to the museums for a $5 - $10 cab ride from downtown, or you can take the Metra.

I think you meant to say the "L" not the Metra. Metra runs to and from the suburbs. The "L" (elevated) is run by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and runs in the city, with the exception of a few suburbs (Oak Park, Forest Park and Evanston come to mind).

 

[crz4mm2]

We take the train from downstate. It is easy. Cab fare was 10-15 bucks from the train station to downtown (with tip).
We did priceline and got our hotel (Sheraton ) for 70 bucks a night. some friends that went the week before paid 149 a night by just calling the hotel direct
It is a beautiful hotel and easily with in walking distance from Michigan ave.
We did not do the museums this last trip, but you can get the pass to get in to all of that for cheaper (shedd aquarium etc).
Chicago is one of our favorite cities to visit.
Have a great time.

 

[Ava83]

Chicago is safe! and you'll love it. Chicago in the spring is great! The trolley will get you places on Michigan Ave.You may want to do a wendella boat tour.

http://www.wendellaboats.com/tours.htm

There is so much to do, check the city's website they really have tons of information. I am a big Chicago fan.


I am thrilled that I live near my favorite city ever!

 

[Chicago526]

I've never taken Amtrak between Chicago and Minneapolis, but I looked into it once (a friend of mine moved to MN a few years ago) and it's a loooong trip, something like 12 hours. Only takes six to drive! But, if you aren't comfortable driving, it's not a bad option. It takes you to Union Staion, which is right in downtown Chicago. The Station itself is quiet safe (you will see homeless people, but they don't usually bother anyone). The station itself is a sight to see, make sure you walk through the Great Hall!

There is a cab stand right outside one of the exits (can't remember which one...Adams St. I think but dont' quote me) and they'll get you to the hotel. To get around, just ask your hotels front desk or concierge, they'll let you know the best way to get around, you shouldn't need to use cabs unless you want to go to some of the musuems that are further away from the Loop (Science and Industry, for example).

I've always felt safe in the city, though of course use common sense. Just watch out for pickpockets and purse-snatchers, keep your valuables someplace that they can't be easliy grabed by a passer-by. I haven't heard that those crimes are higher here than anywhere else, but nothing will ruin a vacation faster then losing your money, credit cards, and id!

 

[WDWorld2003]

Thanks everyone..... I'm hoping this all works out! I may have more questions as I put this trip together. I can't believe I only live 8 hours away and have never been there. I'll let you know how it turns out if we go.

 

[vivilasvegas]

You'll be fine. I'm sure you'll be staying downtown with the touristy stuff, so it's very safe. If you go out to the neighborhoods (where some fantastic restuarants are), just take a cab.

Don't wander around Humboldt Park, Hyde Park at night, and some areas on the southside and you should be fine.

 

[golfgal]

It won't take you 8 hours from Minneapolis to get to Chicago, it will be about 6 hours depending on traffic. The drive there is very nice. We stopped in the Dells to eat the few times we drove to Chicago from the Mlps area.

Downtown Chicago has a safer feeling then downtown Minneapolis. It is more open or something, I don't know why it feels that way to me. The Chicago skyline is great!

 

[Chicago Girl]

You'll be fine. I'm sure you'll be staying downtown with the touristy stuff, so it's very safe. If you go out to the neighborhoods (where some fantastic restuarants are), just take a cab.

Don't wander around Humboldt Park, Hyde Park at night, and some areas on the southside and you should be fine.

Hyde Park? I'm in that area often for school, and may I add, late at night. I haven't had any problems.

 

[jodifla]

It won't take you 8 hours from Minneapolis to get to Chicago, it will be about 6 hours depending on traffic. The drive there is very nice. We stopped in the Dells to eat the few times we drove to Chicago from the Mlps area.

Downtown Chicago has a safer feeling then downtown Minneapolis. It is more open or something, I don't know why it feels that way to me. The Chicago skyline is great!

Really? I was going to drive from detroit to Minneapolis, but I thought is was a 15 hour or so drive...but since Chicago is only a four hour drive from here, I guess I'm looking at more like 10-12 hours.