If your day starts near Union Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center, or Willis Tower, you are already in one of Chicago’s most useful downtown starting points. From here, you can visit Skydeck, walk toward the Riverwalk, grab a meal in the Loop or West Loop, or use Shoreline Sightseeing’s Union Station / Willis Tower dock to continue your day by water.
The dock gives visitors a simple way to move from the west side of the Loop toward Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier, and other waterfront stops. It is especially useful for train travelers, Willis Tower visitors, and anyone who wants to avoid turning a downtown sightseeing day into a traffic-heavy route.
Here’s what to do near Union Station and Willis Tower, including nearby attractions, walkable stops, water taxi access, and ways to turn this part of downtown into the start of a Chicago outing.
Things to Do Near Union Station Chicago and Willis Tower
Near Union Station and Willis Tower, visitors can explore Skydeck Chicago, the Chicago Riverwalk, Union Station’s Great Hall, downtown restaurants, West Loop dining, Loop architecture, public art, and Shoreline’s Union Station / Willis Tower water taxi dock.
If you are looking for things to do near Willis Tower, the area offers Skydeck Chicago, Union Station, riverfront views, nearby restaurants, and easy access to the Chicago Water Taxi.
This area works especially well for visitors who want to combine transportation with sightseeing. Instead of treating Union Station or Willis Tower as a single stop, you can use the surrounding neighborhood as a launch point for a broader downtown plan.
Popular things to do nearby include:
- Visit Willis Tower and Skydeck Chicago
- See the Great Hall at Union Station
- Walk toward the Chicago Riverwalk
- Explore nearby Loop architecture and public art
- Grab lunch or dinner in the Loop or West Loop
- Ride the Chicago Water Taxi toward Michigan Avenue or Navy Pier
- Connect to a Chicago river tour or lakefront sightseeing plan
Start at the Union Station / Willis Tower Chicago Water Taxi Dock
Shoreline Sightseeing’s Union Station / Willis Tower water taxi is useful for visitors arriving near Union Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center, Willis Tower, and the surrounding west side of the Loop.
From this dock, you can travel by water toward Michigan Avenue or Navy Pier while enjoying Chicago River views along the way. It is a practical option if you are arriving by train, visiting Willis Tower, or looking for a more scenic way to move through downtown.
The dock is especially helpful if your day includes multiple stops. Instead of walking across the Loop, sitting in traffic, or coordinating several rideshares, you can make transportation part of the experience.
How Close is the Water Taxi Dock to Union Station and Willis Tower?
Shoreline’s Union Station / Willis Tower dock is located near the west side of the Loop, making it convenient for visitors coming from Union Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center, Willis Tower, and nearby downtown offices or hotels.
Before you go, check the current water taxi schedule for departure times, route details, and boarding information. Schedules can vary by date, weather, and demand, so it is best to confirm service before building your day around a specific departure.
Visit Willis Tower and Skydeck Chicago
Willis Tower is one of Chicago’s most recognizable landmarks, and it is one of the biggest attractions near the Union Station / Willis Tower dock. For many visitors, Skydeck Chicago is the main reason to spend time in this part of the Loop.
Among Willis Tower Chicago attractions, Skydeck is the main draw, but the nearby river, restaurants, and water taxi access make it easier to build a longer downtown plan.
If Skydeck is your first stop, the nearby water taxi dock gives you an easy way to continue your day after the visit. You can start with city views from above, then head to the river for a water-level view of downtown.
This pairing works well because it gives you two very different perspectives of Chicago:
- Willis Tower and Skydeck for skyline views from above
- The Chicago Water Taxi for river views through downtown
- A Chicago river tour or boat tour for a more complete sightseeing experience
Explore Union Station and Nearby Architecture
Union Station is more than a transportation hub. Its Great Hall is one of the most memorable interior spaces near the dock, especially for visitors arriving by train or anyone interested in Chicago architecture.
For visitors looking for Union Station Chicago attractions, the Great Hall, nearby river views, Willis Tower, and the water taxi dock are some of the easiest options to add before or after a train trip.
The surrounding area also puts you close to classic Loop streets, river bridges, and landmark buildings. You do not need to plan a long walk to make the area worthwhile. A short visit can include the Great Hall, nearby river views, and a water taxi ride that continues the experience from the river.
For travelers arriving at Union Station or Ogilvie, this is one of the easiest ways to turn a commute or train arrival into part of a downtown Chicago itinerary.
Things to Do Near the Chicago Riverwalk
If you are looking for things to do near the Chicago Riverwalk, this area puts you close to river views, bridge photos, casual dining, water taxi service, and nearby boat tour connections.
From the west side of the Loop, you can work your way toward the river and continue toward more central Riverwalk areas. It is a good option before or after riding the water taxi, especially if you want to add photos, a casual meal, or a short walk to your day.
A Riverwalk plan can include:
- Taking photos of the Chicago River
- Walking near downtown bridges
- Stopping for food or drinks
- Continuing toward Michigan Avenue
- Pairing the walk with a water taxi ride
- Adding a Chicago boat tour if you want a fuller sightseeing experience
Where to Eat Near Union Station and Willis Tower
The Union Station and Willis Tower area gives visitors access to both Loop and West Loop dining. That makes it easy to add a meal before or after a water taxi ride, train arrival, Skydeck visit, or downtown sightseeing plan.
If you want something quick, stay close to Union Station, Willis Tower, or nearby office towers. If you have more time, the West Loop gives you more dining options and works well for lunch, dinner, or a longer break before heading back downtown.
This area is especially useful for:
- Coffee before a morning activity
- Lunch after arriving by train
- Dinner before heading home from Union Station
- A casual meal before riding the water taxi
- A West Loop stop before continuing toward the lakefront
Use the Chicago Water Taxi to Avoid Downtown Traffic
Our Chicago water taxi is one of the easiest ways to continue your day from Union Station or Willis Tower. Downtown traffic, rideshare delays, and long walks across the Loop can slow down an otherwise simple itinerary.
The water taxi is not a narrated sightseeing tour, but it still gives you a scenic ride along the Chicago River. From the Union Station / Willis Tower area, visitors can travel by water toward Michigan Avenue or Navy Pier while taking in riverfront views along the way.
This is especially useful for:
- Train travelers arriving at Union Station
- Commuters near Ogilvie Transportation Center
- Visitors planning a Willis Tower or Skydeck stop
- Families trying to reduce extra walking
- Travelers heading toward Michigan Avenue or Navy Pier
- Anyone looking for a scenic alternative to street-level traffic
If your day continues east, check both our Michigan Avenue water taxi schedule and Navy Pier water taxi schedule before planning your next stop.
Connect to a Chicago River Tour or Boat Tour
The Union Station / Willis Tower dock is a practical starting point, but it can also connect you to a larger day on the water. The water taxi can help you get from a west Loop starting point to the docks where Chicago river tours and lake tours depart.
If you want to add more sightseeing after visiting Union Station or Willis Tower, consider:
- Our Chicago architecture boat tour for guided views of downtown buildings, bridges, and riverfront landmarks
- Our Lake Michigan boat tour for skyline views from the lake
This works well for visitors who want transportation and sightseeing to fit together. You can start near Union Station or Willis Tower, move through the city by water taxi, and end with a tour that gives you a fuller view of Chicago from the river or lake.
Sample Itinerary Near Union Station and Willis Tower
This area works best when you treat it as a starting point, not just a single stop. Here is one way to build a simple downtown itinerary around the Union Station / Willis Tower dock.
| Time | Idea | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Arrive at Union Station and visit the Great Hall. | Easy first stop for train travelers. |
| Late Morning | Visit Willis Tower or Skydeck Chicago. | Major nearby attraction within the West Loop. |
| Midday | Grab lunch in the Loop or West Loop. | Convenient before continuing toward the river. |
| Afternoon | Ride the Chicago Water Taxi toward Michigan Avenue or Navy Pier. | Adds river views and helps avoid street traffic. |
| Later | Add a Chicago river tour or lake tour. | Turns a downtown visit into a fuller day on the water. |
If you have limited time, choose one major attraction and one water-based experience. If you have more of the day open, you can combine Union Station, Willis Tower, the Riverwalk, water taxi service, and a boat tour without needing to cross the city multiple times.
Tips for Planning Your Visit Near Union Station and Willis Tower
A little planning can make this part of downtown easier to navigate. The area is busy with commuters, visitors, office workers, and train travelers, so it helps to know your next stop before you arrive.
Before heading out, keep these tips in mind:
- Check the current water taxi schedule before building your itinerary
- Allow extra time if you are arriving by train
- Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk between Union Station, Willis Tower, and the Riverwalk
- Plan food stops around your train, water taxi, or tour time
- Use the water taxi if you want to continue toward Michigan Avenue or Navy Pier
- Build in extra time during peak commuting hours or busy visitor periods
The Union Station / Willis Tower area is most useful when it helps connect your day. Start with the train station, Skydeck, or a nearby meal, then use the dock to continue exploring Chicago from the water.
FAQs About Things to Do Near Union Station and Willis Tower
The top things to do near Union Station in Chicago include seeing the Great Hall, visiting Willis Tower and Skydeck Chicago, walking toward the Chicago Riverwalk, exploring nearby Loop architecture, finding restaurants in the Loop or West Loop, and riding the Chicago Water Taxi from the Union Station / Willis Tower dock.
The top things to do near Willis Tower include Skydeck Chicago, Union Station, the Chicago Riverwalk, nearby restaurants, Loop architecture, and Shoreline Sightseeing’s Union Station / Willis Tower water taxi dock.
Yes. Willis Tower is close to Union Station and is commonly reached on foot from the station area. If your plans continue toward the river, Michigan Avenue, or Navy Pier, the nearby Union Station / Willis Tower water taxi dock gives you another way to keep moving through downtown.
Near the Union Station / Willis Tower water taxi dock, visitors can find Union Station, Willis Tower, Skydeck Chicago, Loop restaurants, riverfront streets, and access to Chicago Water Taxi service toward Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier.
Yes. Shoreline Sightseeing operates a Chicago water taxi stop serving the Union Station area. The Union Station / Willis Tower dock is useful for visitors arriving by train or looking for a scenic way to continue through downtown.
Yes. Shoreline Sightseeing’s Union Station / Willis Tower dock serves the Willis Tower area. Visitors can use the dock to travel by water toward Michigan Avenue or Navy Pier while enjoying Chicago River views.
The Union Station / Willis Tower dock is located near the west side of the Loop, making it convenient for visitors coming from Union Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center, Willis Tower, and nearby downtown hotels or offices. Check the dock schedule for current boarding information before you go.
Yes. Shoreline’s Union Station / Willis Tower water taxi route includes service toward Navy Pier. Check the current schedule before you go, since water taxi service can vary by date, weather, and customer traffic.
Yes. From the Union Station / Willis Tower dock, visitors can ride the water taxi toward Michigan Avenue. It is a scenic option for traveling through downtown without relying only on street traffic.
Attractions near Union Station Chicago include Willis Tower, Skydeck Chicago, Union Station’s Great Hall, the Chicago Riverwalk, Loop architecture, nearby restaurants, and water taxi access along the Chicago River.
Attractions near Willis Tower Chicago include Skydeck Chicago, Union Station, the Chicago Riverwalk, Loop restaurants, West Loop dining, nearby architecture, and the Union Station / Willis Tower water taxi dock.
Yes. The Union Station / Willis Tower dock is useful for tourists because it connects a major downtown arrival area with the Chicago River, Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier, and other waterfront destinations by water taxi.
Yes. Visitors can use the water taxi from the Union Station / Willis Tower dock to continue toward Michigan Avenue or Navy Pier, where they can connect with Chicago boat tours, including river and lake tour options.
