History of Chicago Free Trolleys
Twelve or more years ago the City of Chicago offered free trolley service from Michigan Avenue and State Street to the Museum Campus. The free trolley to the Museum Campus was discontinued at least ten years ago.
There are “hop on hop off” trolleys that can be picked up around downtown that cost $40+ per person adult per 24 hour period. If you can afford it this can be a great way to quickly see the highlights of the city.
If you’re on a budget the best option is to use a combination of CTA Buses.
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CTA to/from Navy Pier
Several CTA buses serve Navy Pier: 29, 65, 66 and 124. To get to Navy Pier from Ogilvie or Union Stations take the 124 bus. From Millennium Station walk to Michigan Ave and take the 124 bus or walk to State Street and take the #29 bus. To get from LaSalle Street Station walk east to State Street and take the #29 bus.
Getting to the Art Institute from Navy Pier:
Take the #29 bus from Navy Pier and get off at Adams. Walk east two blocks to Michigan Avenue. The AIC will be straight ahead.
Getting to the Museum Campus from Navy Pier:
There are two ways to get to the Museum Campus from Navy Pier:
Year round: Take the #29 bus from Navy Pier and get off on State Street at Lake Street. Then wait for the #146 bus. Make sure the #146 bus is going all the way to the Museum Campus (sometimes they only go as far as Harrison Street). You can read the sign on the front of the bus and make sure it says “Museum Campus”. The #146 will stop at the following Museum Campus locations:
- Solidarity Drive and Field Museum (This stop for Soldier Field also)
- Solidarity Drive and Lynn White Drive for Northerly Island
- Solidarity and Planetarium (This stop for 12th Street beach also)
- Solidarity Drive and Aquarium
Water Taxi
During the summer and early fall you can take the Water Taxi from Navy Pier to Museum Campus. It actually lets you off at the Shedd Aquarium. Guide to Chicago Water Taxi’s.
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Related posts:
- Cheap eats at Navy Pier
- Things to do at Navy Pier
- Looking for something free or cheap to do in Chicago for adults?
- Looking for something to do with the kids? Check this out: Free and cheap things to do with Kids in Chicago.
- Free fireworks at Navy Pier on Wednesday and Saturday.
- If these free trolleys don’t float your boat check out the Water Taxi’s.
