Nervous about going to Chicago.. Help, please?

Question

I'm going up to Great Lakes for a graduation, and my train drops me off in (I think) Downtown Chicago. It's the Amtrak station. I'm really nervous, because I have to walk outside to get to the METRA station with luggage, and I'm really afraid I'll get mugged..

Is there anything I could keep in mind? I've never ever been to a big city like that, except for NYC during Christmas, and I was with a group. I'll be on my own this time. What if I scratch my nose, and that's the secret gang symbol for murder, haha?

I'm a young white female, normal build, will that get me into trouble? Do you guys have any tips for me? This is my first time traveling alone, and I'm just worried. Thanks. =)

Answer 1

You will not have any trouble, even if you're coming up in the evening. The Amtrak station is Union Station in downtown chicago on Canal Street, between Adams and Jackson. This is a highly busy train station just west of the Chicago River. The Metra station you need is the Ogilvie Transportation Center on Madison just west of Canal.

At Union Station, there is an exit on Madison St. directly from some of the platforms. This exit is kitty corner from the Metra station. I don't think the Amtrak platform gives you direct access to north exit (when you get off, look the other way from where the terminal is, if you see stairs down the platform, that's the way to Madison St.), but you can ask in the station for which platforms take you to Madison St to find the closest one. You walk the length of the platform, then have stairs to climb up to the street. If your luggage isn't too much for you to get up stairs, you end up just having to cross the street, minimizing your outside time.

All this said, the other posters are correct that this is a perfectly safe neighborhood for anyone, including young women. There's lots of car traffic around there, and foot traffic as well. Even if you're outside from Adams to Madison dragging your bag, you're OK. But if you're still nervous, you can always take a cab the two blocks for around $3 plus tip. Pick up your cab on Adams, tell him to drop you at Madison & Clinton on the Northeast corner.

Have a good time, and don't be worried.

Answer 2

You will be fine. There are 2 METRA stations, one is actually at Union Station where the AMTRAK trains stop; the other is at Ogilvie station which is just a few blocks (less than 5 minute walk) away. Don;t worry about gangs or any foolishness like that. The police are actually QUITE visible downtown. I worked downtown for 5 years and never felt uncomfortable walking around down there.

Just be worried about the cold and the wind. Have a safe trip.

Also, check the metrarail.com (Metra train web site) and the CTA (transit authority web site) where you can get maps, fares, etc to help you get where you need to go. Try to avoid the CTA (Transit Authority). This week they are to implement service cuttbacks as the CTA is basically bankrupt. You can also catch a free trolley directly across from the Metra station. Just ask anybody in the train station and they will direct you where you need to go.

Answer 3

There are many young white females who live in Chicagoand every other major city. Many young white females who go to school downtown and are there every day.

A tip? Don't worry. Cities aren't as scary as small town people like to claim they are. Most people live in the city their entire life without having any problems with gangs, etc... So don't be scared... there's no reason to be. And on the 1/1,000,000 million chance there IS someone looking for trouble, you looking scared/confused/lost would just make you more of a target. So don't even think about it and you'll be perfectly fine.

When I was briefly living in Chicago, I'd walk through the ghetto in the middle of the night and never had a problem (though I admit, I was a little worried I would), and certainly never had or worried about something happening downtown. Honestly, as someone from the "big city", I feel much more in danger when I'm in small towns (of being harassed by some conservative white trash douchebags)... and likewise, I've only had such problems in smaller towns, never in cities.

Also, I assure you there's no gang symbol for "hey, murder me!"

Answer 4

Geez, calm down! Just because it's Chicago doens't mean that there are criminals and shooting on every corner. There are small towns where you can get your butt kicked much easier than Chicago. Ever see the movie "Deliverance"?

Just walk a few blocks north from the Amtrak train station the the Metra station. They're both very close to a branch of the Chicago River so just follow that. Unless you're walking there at 3:30 in the morning (which I doubt), you'll be surrounded by office working going to their jobs in suits and ties, etc. But first of all, calm down. Just becuase you're a "young white female, normal build" doesn't mean you're more prone to be attacked than someone else. If anything, a black teenager is more likely to be jumped or shot in this town.

Answer 5

Don't worry, I've visited Chicago alot (mostly downtown). It's great! As long as your not walking down the street at some crazy hour. You'll have a great time! Your obviously from a smaller area. I think most cities are great, and most are pedrestrian friendly downtown. No Worries.

Answer 6

The area where Amtrak/Metra stations are is relatively safe. There are cops driving around and pretty much stationed to patrol that area. It is a top priority of our mayor to ensure tourist safety.

Answer 7

Don't worry, i live about 45 minutes away from Chicago so i visit all the time. There are hardly any gangs downtown, most of the people are really friendly. Last time i went, my dad and i couldn't find our way to one building and one guy walked us to the building! The people are really nice, so don't worry!

Answer 8

I live there hun, nuthin' 2 be worried 'bout everyone is really nice, and near the amtrak theres A LOT of offices and guards and police men ect. you should be fine, but no matter where u are its always good to have a cell-phone handy.

Answer 9

dowtown chicago is one of the safer big cities. i've been down there a lot, as i live in the chicago suburbs. you'll be fine, but as someone else said, just don't be ignorant. if you're arriving at night, just make sure no one's following you and you'll be okay. if you're arriving during the day, you really have nothing to worry about. enjoy!

Answer 10

You,ll be ok if you don't walk around looking like you sound! Thats a dead giveaway anywhere.So look like you know where you are going, don't gawk at highrises like you are Dorothy from Kansas!! If you get lost, get your composure, remember that the Streets are in hundreds and State/Madison is the dividing line for North and South/East and West. If you need directions, ask a Police Officer,not strangers!!!!!