Lodging in Chicago area for Troop of 40

[eaglebrc]

Looking for a location for a troop to stay in the Chicago area for a weekend visit to the Shedd's aquarium. We will have 40-45 people on the tour and will be coming in from central Michigan area. Would prefer a place within an hour of the Shedd Aquarium in downtown Chicago. Any suggestions?

[Spiney Norman]

Are you looking for somewhere to camp or an inexpensive motel? When are you planningto visit? There are lots of choices some better than others

[eaglebrc]

Looking for a lodge at a camp, maybe an armory, cheap motel. Something along that line. We wouldn't get in there until probably after 9:00 Friday night and would pull out for home early Sunday morning. It is about a 6-7 hour trip from here. Makes it tough for setting up camps in April weather and would mean larger vehicles to haul more gear.

[NealOnWheels]

My council has a camp near Michigan City, Indiana. It would be about 1 hour a 15 minutes away. There are cabins if that is what you are looking for. The camp is located near I94 and I80 so it would not be too far out of your way. PM me if you are interested.

[dg98adams]

I hope you are including the Field Museum, which is right next door.

 

Look for churches in the area. You might get one with a kitchen, where you can stay or be hosted by a Troop.

 

 

[ScoutNut]

I take it you are a Scout group?

 

Camp Sullivan, a Cook County Forest Preserve youth organization campground, might work for you. The cost is reasonable. They are heated cabins, and have their own kitchen facilities.

 

Not bad at all. The only thing is that they have metal bunk beds with no mattresses. Some folks recommend using cardboard under a closed cell pad under your sleeping bag. Personally, I prefer to set up my gear on the floor, or use my own camp cot. The bunks make great shelves!

 

http://www.fpdcc.com/tier3.php?content_id=57

 

 

[ScoutNut]

We do have armories too, although I am not sure if they can help with an overnight stay. I would recommend contacting each one separately to ask.

 

The 404th Chemical Brigade on Calumet Ave in Chicago, is directly south of the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, the Adler Planetarium, and Soldier Field.

 

http://www.il.ngb.army.mil/Army/UnitWeb/404chem/default.htm

 

The 1244th Transportation Company, is further West in North Riverside. However there is easy access to the expressway, and it is only about 20 minutes to the Museum Campus on the lakefront.

 

http://www.il.ngb.army.mil/Army/UnitWeb/1244TC/default.htm

 

 

 

(This message has been edited by Scoutnut)

[dScouter15]

The Three Fires Council's Camp Big Timber is located near Elgin, IL, and offers both tent and cabin camping. Some of the cabin buildings have nice kitchen facilities, if that makes a difference at all. Plus, its located near the Metra train line, so you could all take the train down into the city if you want - fare is only a couple bucks a head.

 

Camp web page: http://threefirescouncil.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=79&Itemid=106