momoffive

Hi, what is the best was to get to University of Chicago from the south? Say from Interstate 57 or from Indiana if I stay in a hotel east of I-57. I did the I-57 merge onto I-94\90 and cut over east to University of Chicago last year (don't remember the exit #, but it had a sign for Museum of Science and Industry) and I don't care to drive thru that neighborhood again. I'm half tempted to go all the way into Chicago and cut back down on Lake Shore drive. Here's the directions the University of Chicago gives but they mean nothing to me. Are these safe routes?:

From the Southern Suburbs:
Take the Dan Ryan Expressway (I-94) northbound, exiting at Stony Island Avenue. Drive north on Stony Island to the westbound Midway Plaisance (between 60th and 59th Streets). Turn left onto the Midway Plaisance, and go west to campus. (I-57 travelers: Take I-94 east to reach the Stony Island ramp.)

From Indiana: Take I-65 N or I-80 W to the Skyway (I-90/94 W). Drive westbound on the Skyway, exiting at Stony Island. Drive north on Stony Island and turn left on 60th Street.

thanks, momoffive

johnc

The Dan Ryan is not recommended - they just started a major reconstruction project and are asking people to avoid or reroute. Web sites:

http://www.danryanexpressway.com/
http://www.avoidtheryan.com/

The second link has a map showing alternate routes. It sounds like they want inbound traffic using the east route, outbound to the west.

Peacemaker

Hi momoffive - Yes, these are accurate directions. However, I just heard from my brother who was going to visit our folks in Hyde Park that there is major construction on the Dan Ryan but that might be heading south, rather than north, since he is coming from Wisc.
Stony Island may seem like it is scary but it is actually fine. Trust me, I've done it many, many times when that neighborhood was worse than it is now. You probably exited at 55th Street from the Dan Ryan last time. Yes, that neighborhood can seem scary but that is a major thoroughway from Midway airport. Just drive 55th Street all the way through Washington Park to Woodlawn Ave. It might get a little confusing through the park but try to stay straight and continue on 55th. That is probably the route that the taxis drive. For your own comfort, drive during the daytime, esp. if you are alone.

Another way you could go (but again, I don't know if the Dan
Ryan is under construction on the south side), is drive north on the Dan Ryan to I-55 going towards the east (towards the lake - the sign might say north). Go all the way to Lake Shore Drive and go south to 57th Street. Take a right and it will bend around in front of the Museum of Science and Industry. Take a right onto either 57th Street (I'm not sure it goes through under the tracks anymore - I forget) or 59th Street or the Midway Plaisance. Follow this for about 6 - 8 blocks (you might want to park here because parking is difficult), until Woodlawn Ave. Take a right and drive to 57th Street and take a left. Go one block to University ave. You are in the midst of the University at 57th and University.
If you have more questions, shoot them my way.

Driving on the highways and on Lake Shore Drive to 57th is probably more comfortable for you. I grew up in Hyde Park and I have driven all over Chicago. Stony Island may appear rather scary but it is part of the South Shore neighborhood and it has improved immensely.

Peacemaker

Thanks johnc. That answers my question about the Dan Ryan.

neverborn

Stay off the Dan Ryan. Take Lake Shore to 57th.

Katharos

I must say that, due to the construction on the Dan Ryan, everyone is scared that they will run into a traffic jam, and hence, they are taking side roads. The Dan Ryan was very clear today at 4:00-6:00, around rush hour time.

But, being the notoriously jammed highway, take it at your own risk. It is simply that it has been very clear for the past week or so.

momoffive

I don't have hotel reservations yet. Can't stay Ramada Inn Lakeshore (really close but they are full). I don't want to pay big bucks for a room downtown for 2 nights because I'm getting ready to become a tuition pauper (just kidding.......kind of :-) )

I remember once we took Lake Shore Drive out of Chicago and it was do-able. I'm thinking of heading up I-57 and heading east toward Indiana maybe on I-80 and snaring a room close to jumping on 41. Would this plan work?

momoffive

idad

Another approach might be to take I-57 to 294 N, then catch I-55 east. Look for a hotel/motel around Midway airport on Cicero Ave. To get to UofC, you can take I-55 to Lake Shore Drive South to either 53rd or 57th street exit.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=e...cago,+IL+60615

momoffive

I've got my reservations made around Midway and it looks like it'll be easy to get to the University. Leslie

Peacemaker

It's very easy to get to Hyde Park from Midway. idad's map is very helpful!! Just follow it and you will get there no problem. It's probably best to do a 57th Street exit in front of the museum. That takes you closer to the university.

You may need some luck on finding a parking spot. Try the Midway Plaisance. Usually you can find one along there.

johnc

That section of I-55 has been choked with traffic on the couple of visits we made, so allow lots of time. Might average 30-35 mph instead of 55.

The parking deck on the north end of campus (57th St?) had spaces open when we were there.

And I agree with Peacemaker that a daytime drive on 55th St all the way to U of C is not bad.

idad

I have always been one with the parking Gods, but I have usually been able to find parking on Woodlawn or Kimbark near 56th or 57th as well as on the Midway. If I recall, you will probably start at Ida Noyes Hall where you will drop off the sleeping bag and any luggage for the overnight, which in on 59th between Woodlawn & Kimbark, so a parking spot on the Midway is perhaps the place to start looking.

http://maps.uchicago.edu/eastquad/idanoyes.html

Peacemaker

Ahhh...the parking Gods!! Try Univesity Ave. between 59th and 57th Streets for parking also since people seem to come and go there. University Ave is a one way going north.

ottothecow

give 56th street between ellis and university a try. During mid day it will still be hard but after 3:00 or so, parking infront of max P central is easy as pie.

neverborn

I can't parallel park