The Iconic Union Stockyards Gate: A Portal to Chicago's History
Explore the Union Stockyards Gate in Chicago, a historic landmark reflecting the city's rich agricultural legacy and urban evolution.
The Union Stockyards Gate is not just an entrance; it is a gateway into Chicago's legacy as a bustling hub of the livestock trade in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Erected in 1885, this majestic structure was once the ceremonial entrance to the stockyards, where countless cattle were processed and shipped, playing a pivotal role in the city's growth. Today, the gate stands as a testament to the industrious spirit of Chicago, making it a must-see for any traveler interested in the city's historical significance. Visitors can walk around the area to appreciate the architectural details that reflect the era's design aesthetics, capturing stunning photographs that encapsulate their journey through time. The surrounding neighborhood, known for its vibrant culture and history, offers a glimpse into the transformation from the once-bustling stockyards to the thriving community it is today. Though the stockyards themselves have long ceased operation, the legacy lives on, and the gate remains a historical landmark that attracts tourists from around the world. Exploring this site not only provides insight into Chicago's past but also allows visitors to appreciate the city's evolution into a modern metropolis while soaking in the nostalgia of its agricultural roots.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning for the best lighting for photographs.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through the nearby neighborhood to appreciate local culture.
- Check for any local events or historical tours that may be happening nearby.
- Bring a camera to capture the grandeur of the gate and the surrounding architecture.
- Don’t miss the nearby historical markers that provide additional context about the stockyards.
A brief summary to Union Stockyards Gate
- W Exchange Ave &, S Peoria St, Chicago, New City, IL, 60609, US
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Bus
From Arlington Heights, head to the nearest bus stop on E Northwest Hwy. Take the Pace Bus Route 696 towards the Woodfield Mall. Ride the bus for about 30 minutes until you reach the 'Elk Grove & Arlington' stop. Transfer to the Metra train at the Arlington Heights station. Board the Metra UP-NW line towards Chicago Union Station. Stay on the train for about 40 minutes until you reach the 'Illinois Medical District' station. From there, walk west on W Polk St for about 10 minutes until you reach S Peoria St, then turn left. Walk south on S Peoria St for about 5 minutes until you arrive at the Union Stockyards Gate located at W Exchange Ave & S Peoria St.
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Train
Make your way to the Arlington Heights Metra station located at 45 W Northwest Hwy. Board the Metra UP-NW line towards Chicago Union Station. The journey will take approximately 40 minutes. Once you arrive at the Illinois Medical District station, exit the train and head west on W Polk St for about 10 minutes. Turn left on S Peoria St and walk south for about 5 minutes until you reach the Union Stockyards Gate at the intersection of W Exchange Ave & S Peoria St.
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Bicycle
If you have access to a bicycle, start at Arlington Heights Memorial Library and head south on N Dunton Ave. Continue straight as it turns into S Dunton Ave. Follow this road for approximately 1 mile until you reach W Northwest Hwy. Turn left and ride for about 1.5 miles until you reach the intersection with S Peoria St. Turn right on S Peoria St and ride for another 0.5 miles until you arrive at the Union Stockyards Gate located at W Exchange Ave & S Peoria St.
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Walking
To walk from the Arlington Heights downtown area, start at the Village Hall on S Arlington Heights Rd. Head south on S Arlington Heights Rd for about 0.5 miles until you reach E Northwest Hwy. Turn left on E Northwest Hwy and walk east for about 0.7 miles until you reach the Metra Arlington Heights station. Board a train on the UP-NW line towards Chicago Union Station. Get off at Illinois Medical District and walk west on W Polk St for about 10 minutes. After that, turn left on S Peoria St and walk south for about 5 minutes until you arrive at W Exchange Ave & S Peoria St, the location of the Union Stockyards Gate.
Attractions Nearby to Union Stockyards Gate
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Heritage Museum of Asian Art
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Chicago Maritime Museum
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Guaranteed Rate Field
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S. R. Crown Hall (IIT College of Architecture)
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Hall Branch, Chicago Public Library
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Henry C. Palmisano Nature Park
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Chinese American Museum of Chicago
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Chicago's Chinatown Gateway
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Monument To The Great Northern Migration
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Chinatown Square Plaza
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Chess Records
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DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
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National Museum of Mexican Art
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McCormick Place
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Clarke-Ford House
Landmarks nearby to Union Stockyards Gate
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Swift Mansion
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Chicago Defender Building
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Eighth Regiment Armory
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Ida B. Wells-Barnett House
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Victory Monument
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The Castle
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Unity Hall
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Camp Douglas State Historic Site
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Abraham Lincoln Center - Frank Lloyd Wright
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Marquette Monument
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Douglas Tomb State Historic Site
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GWENDOLYN BROOKS: The Oracle of Bronzeville Margot McMahon
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Former Home of Muhammad Ali
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Second Presbyterian Church
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Isidore H. Heller House - Frank Lloyd Wright