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McCormick Place: The Heart of Chicago's Events

Explore McCormick Place, Chicago's iconic convention center, hosting world-class events and exhibitions in a stunning architectural setting.

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McCormick Place is not only the largest convention center in North America but also a hub of culture and innovation in Chicago. Tourists can explore its vast spaces, world-class amenities, and vibrant exhibitions that reflect the city’s spirit. Whether attending a trade show, a convention, or simply exploring the architecture, McCormick Place offers an engaging experience for every visitor.

A brief summary to McCormick Place

  • Monday 6 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-10 pm
  • Friday 6 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Check the event calendar on the McCormick Place website to plan your visit around exciting conventions.
  • Consider using public transportation to avoid parking hassles; the center is easily accessible via the 'L' train.
  • Explore the nearby Museum Campus, which includes the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium for a full day of fun.
  • Don’t miss the food options available within the center; there are several eateries offering local and international cuisine.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as you may walk a lot during events, given the vast size of the convention center.
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Getting There

  • Public Transit - Bus

    From Schaumburg, walk to the nearest bus stop that services the Pace Bus route. Take the Pace Bus Route 606 towards the 'Schaumburg Metra Station.' Once you arrive at the Schaumburg Metra Station, transfer to the Metra train on the Milwaukee District West Line towards Chicago Union Station. After a pleasant ride, get off at the 'Union Station' stop. From there, exit the station and walk to the nearby 'State/Lake' CTA station. Board the 'Green Line' train towards 'Ashland'. Ride the train until you reach the '35th-Bronzeville-IIT' stop. After exiting, you can walk about 10 minutes to McCormick Place, which is located at 2301 S Martin Luther King Dr.

  • Public Transit - Train

    Start by walking to the nearest Metra station in Schaumburg, which is the 'Schaumburg Metra Station.' Board the Metra train on the Milwaukee District West Line heading to Chicago Union Station. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes. Once you arrive at Union Station, transfer to the 'Pink Line' subway service. Take the Pink Line train towards '18th.' After about 20 minutes, get off at the 'Polk' stop. From the Polk station, it's a 15-minute walk to McCormick Place located at 2301 S Martin Luther King Dr.

  • Rideshare

    Open your rideshare app (like Uber or Lyft) and request a ride to McCormick Place, 2301 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616. Make sure to provide your current location in Schaumburg as the pickup point. The driver will navigate directly to the convention center, and it should take about 40 minutes depending on traffic.

  • Bicycle

    If you are comfortable biking, you can rent a Divvy bike from one of the stations in Schaumburg. Head south towards the nearest Metra station and take the Metra train to Union Station in Chicago. Once in Chicago, you can ride your Divvy bike to McCormick Place. The ride from Union Station to McCormick Place is approximately 10 minutes.

Unlock the Best of McCormick Place

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Discover more about McCormick Place

As the largest convention center in North America, McCormick Place stands as a testament to Chicago's status as a premier destination for events, trade shows, and exhibitions. Spanning over 2.6 million square feet, this architectural marvel is not just a venue; it’s a vibrant ecosystem of commerce and culture. Tourists visiting McCormick Place will find a bustling atmosphere filled with professionals and enthusiasts from various fields, offering a unique opportunity to network and engage with innovative ideas and products. The center hosts numerous events throughout the year, ranging from industry trade shows to educational conferences, showcasing Chicago’s commitment to being at the forefront of business and technology. Visitors can also admire the stunning design of the facility, which features expansive, well-lit exhibition halls and state-of-the-art meeting spaces. It is conveniently located near Lake Michigan, providing picturesque views and easy access to other attractions in the city. For those interested in architecture, a stroll around the premises reveals the thoughtful integration of functionality and aesthetics. While attending an event is a popular reason to visit, the center’s public spaces and amenities, including restaurants and shops, invite exploration. Whether you're attending an event or simply visiting to soak in the ambiance, McCormick Place offers a dynamic experience that captures the essence of Chicago's vibrant spirit.

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