Skokie Swift

Question

I will be taking a day trip to Chicago from Milwaukee in December. We have lunch reserved at the Walnut Room.

I'm not sure why I haven't thought of exploring this before but I am looking at driving to the Skokie Swift and taking the L downtown. I know it requires a transfer at Howard.

Any thoughts about this? I do not want to take Amtrak down from Milwaukee. It suits some purposes well, but the limited schedule and logistics don't work well for us.

Is parking readily available at the Skokie Swift station? It looks like a big lot, but I don't know if it fills up. We won't get there until 10 or 11 am.

Answer

The Skokie Swift (Yellow Line) is a convenient option for getting from the northern suburbs, like Skokie, into downtown Chicago, especially if you prefer not to take Amtrak. The transfer at Howard to the Red Line is straightforward, and it will bring you directly to the heart of downtown, making it a relatively easy way to avoid driving all the way into the city. It sounds like a good alternative, especially since you're heading downtown for a lunch reservation at the Walnut Room, which is located in Macy's on State Street.

As for parking at the Skokie Swift station, it does have a large parking lot, but like with any popular transit station, availability can vary. Since you plan to arrive around 10 or 11 a.m., there may be some availability, but keep in mind that this is a busy time, especially during weekdays. It's possible the lot may be fuller by then, as commuters may have already parked for the day. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Arriving early: To increase your chances of finding parking, it's a good idea to arrive a bit earlier than 10 a.m. if possible, especially on weekdays.
Alternative parking: If the main lot is full, there are typically additional parking options nearby in Skokie, but it may require a bit more walking. You can check the Skokie Park District or other nearby lots for options.
Costs: The parking at the Skokie Swift is relatively affordable compared to parking in downtown Chicago, which is a nice benefit.

If parking does end up being a concern, you could also consider alternative ways to get to the Skokie Swift. For example, using a ride-share or a taxi from your hotel to the station could save you the hassle of finding parking, especially if you have limited time before your lunch reservation.

Overall, taking the Skokie Swift into Chicago is a practical and affordable way to get downtown without the stress of driving into the city. It will give you a nice, easy ride to your destination while avoiding the heavy traffic and expensive parking downtown. Have a great trip and enjoy your lunch at the Walnut Room!

Skokie Swift

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