Chicago/Cubs Vacation

[mustangcy]

Alright Fanatics...taking the family(4) to Chicago this summer to hit a Cubs game and do a little sight seeing. Nothing crazy, thinking two/three nights (get in, get out). So main questions:

1. Coming from SE Iowa...should we train in?
2. Should we stay downtown or hit the burbs and uber in?
3. Good places to stay (hotel, VRBO, etc)?

Help me out here...we already did Mexico in the spring so this is mainly a quick (and as cheap as Chicago can be) trip.

 

[Cyched]

Alright Fanatics...taking the family(4) to Chicago this summer to hit a Cubs game and do a little sight seeing. Nothing crazy, thinking two/three nights (get in, get out). So main questions:

1. Coming from SE Iowa...should we train in?
2. Should we stay downtown or hit the burbs and uber in?
3. Good places to stay (hotel, VRBO, etc)?

Help me out here...we already did Mexico in the spring so this is mainly a quick (and as cheap as Chicago can be) trip.

I’d drive in just for the convenience, but don’t know enough about the train to say either way.

If you stay downtown you’ll be able to take the red line straight to Wrigley, but will likely be more expensive than the burbs. More to do downtown with restaurants, Navy Pier etc.

Have fun! Wrigley is a blast.

 

[JP4CY]

I’d train it in from outside of the main city. If you get a decent hotel in the Gold Coast, parking can be $40 to $50 a night for a car. If you get an Airbnb and want to park on the street, some are free, some are permits.
Train works out well for getting around.
Bars around Wrigley are fun but also pricey.
You can bring in peanuts.
Don’t sit in bleachers with your family, you can get cheaper corner tickets.

Museum and aquarium are great. I personally hate Navy Pier. I think it’s about as tourist trappy as possible.

Go to Portillos, don’t shop on Michigan.

 

[CycloneErik]

I'd do suburbs and take the train in.

Also, I'm jealous and I hate you for this opportunity.

 

[CYCLNST8]

My wife and I just stayed at an AirBNB with two other couples across the street from right field next to Murphy's a couple weeks ago (there were stands on top of the building). Not a terrible price when you split it up. I'd have a hard time staying anywhere else now. Parking is a little FUBAR- they gave us daily passes to park in the street. We used Uber & Lyft to visit downtown.

 

[Clonefan32]

I've always had good luck with the park and ride. It's probably a 5-10 minute bus ride from your car to Wrigley, but it's free from what I recall. Only problem can be catching the bus back to your vehicle. Some games it's been no-big-deal. Other games I've waited a long time.

 

[FerShizzle]

Alright Fanatics...taking the family(4) to Chicago this summer to hit a Cubs game and do a little sight seeing. Nothing crazy, thinking two/three nights (get in, get out). So main questions:

1. Coming from SE Iowa...should we train in?
2. Should we stay downtown or hit the burbs and uber in?
3. Good places to stay (hotel, VRBO, etc)?

Help me out here...we already did Mexico in the spring so this is mainly a quick (and as cheap as Chicago can be) trip.

The last time my wife and I went, we did Airbnb. I would highly recommend it. That service was made for cities like Chicago and specifically Wrigleyville. We found a place within walking distance of Wrigley and the train. Parking was included with the rental. It was significantly cheaper than any of the hotels near Wrigley, and we had the luxury of a full kitchen.

 

[Cycsk]

"Taking the train" may mean different things.

If you mean "take the train from Iowa to Chicago," you are talking about Amtrak. Recognize that you will end up at Union Station right in the middle of downtown.

If you mean "take the train to the Cubs game," you are talking about the CTA subway/elevated trains, like the Red Line that goes right to Wrigley Field.

The AirBNB near Wrigley Field sounds like a brilliant idea. I've never done it, but it makes sense, particularly if Cubs games are the main reason for your trip. Lots of good restaurants and clubs nearby.

You can still take the train (Red Line) at other times of day to downtown and experience it. I would recommend not going all the way to downtown, but get off in River North which is a nicer area for shopping/eating. Go downtown for the museums, architecture, etc.

If you are not a big city person and don't want to go downtown, you might consider going the other direction and stay in Evanston. Great town. Tons of nice restaurants, but no big city downtown feel. And of course, there is Northwestern University right on the lake.

Look into CTA passes (they work on trains and buses). Maybe use Uber late at night, but buses and trains will take care of most of what you need, especially downtown Chicago where there is a bus every 10 seconds on Michigan Avenue.