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Activity Chicago, USA

Roundtrip Shuttle to South Side and Obama Presidential Center

4.1 (20 reviews) 30 min Free cancellation
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Roundtrip Shuttle to South Side and Obama Presidential Center

About this activity

Discover more of Chicago beyond downtown with this convenient South Side open-top shuttle transfer. Travel from central Chicago to some of the city’s most important cultural and historic destinations, including Jackson Park, the Obama Presidential Center campus, and the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry.

Enjoy an easy ride south without arranging taxis, rideshares, or public transit connections. The shuttle first stops near the Obama Presidential Center and Jackson Park, giving you access to one of Chicago’s most historic lakefront spaces. Explore the area at your own pace, take photos, or continue your visit independently.

The route also serves the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry, one of Chicago’s most popular attractions and one of the largest science museums in the world.

This is a great option for travelers who want a simple, affordable way to visit Chicago’s South Side highlights from downtown. Choose a one-way transfer or an all-day ticket for added flexibility.

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At a glance

Duration
30 min
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Up to 99 people
People per booking
1–15
Guide
English
Operated by
Big Bus Tours - USA

Ages: Infants (3–12 years) · Adults (13–100 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Choose between a One-Way or All-Day Ticket
  • Included: Museum of Science & Industry shuttle stop
  • Included: Obama Presidential Center and Jackson Park shuttle stop
  • Included: Open-top bus shuttle transfer between Downtown and South Side

Not included

  • Not included: Obama Presidential Center Museum ticket
  • Not included: Museum of Science and Industry ticket

Itinerary

  1. Michigan Avenue Bridge

    Passing by

    Board the shuttle downtown at 98 E Wacker (Big Bus Stop #1)

  2. Obama Presidential Center

    Passing by

    The Obama Presidential Center is a vibrant 19.3 acre campus located in Chicago’s historic Jackson Park. Designed to inspire, empower, and connect people to bring change home, the campus features a diverse array of public spaces. Head to the Museum to learn who shaped our democracy. Enjoy the natural beauty of the outdoors at the Women’s Garden or the Wetland Walk. Grab a book at the Library.

  3. Jackson Park

    Passing by

    Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1871, Jackson Park is filled with history and natural beauty. Renowned as the site of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, the 551.5-acre park is home to the Obama Presidential Center, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, and the scenic Wooded Island, which features the beautiful Japanese Garden, also known as the Osaka Garden.

  4. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

    Passing by

    Discover one of the world's largest science museums at the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry. The museum offers unforgettable exhibits, engaging events, and hands-on experiences that let your curiosity run wild. Top highlights include the Science Storms exhibit, where you can observe tornadoes and lightning strikes, and the U-505 Submarine exhibit, which tells the story of the only German U-boat captured by the United States during World War II.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • Guests meet at 98 E. Wacker Drive (across the bridge from Trump Tower), just a few steps west of the Michigan Avenue Bridge. Please see Big Bus Stop #1 on the website for an image of the stop pr additional assistance if needed.

End point

  • Guests meet at 98 E. Wacker Drive (across the bridge from Trump Tower), just a few steps west of the Michigan Avenue Bridge. Please see Big Bus Stop #1 on the website for an image of the stop pr additional assistance if needed.

Using your ticket

Guests meet at 98 E. Wacker Drive (across the bridge from Trump Tower), just a few steps west of the Michigan Avenue Bridge. Please see Big Bus Stop #1 on the website for an image of the stop pr additional assistance if needed.

Pick-up time and frequency: every 30–45 minutes from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM daily.

Pick-up location: 98 E Wacker Drive (between Michigan Ave. and Wabash Ave.)

Duration: 25 - 30 minutes (approx.)

Stops: The shuttle first stops at the Obama Presidential Center and Jackson Park, then at the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry, before returning to 98 E Wacker Drive.

Ticket redemption: Please present your digital or printed ticket at the boarding location: 98 E Wacker Drive.

Please note: Admission to the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry and the Obama Presidential Center museum is not included in this ticket and must be purchased separately. This is a shuttle and not a guided tour, so no audio commentary will be available on board.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%

Good to know

  • Wheelchair accessible

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

  • Service animals allowed

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

  • The Chicago South Side & Presidential Center open-top bus shuttle operates daily, connecting Downtown Chicago to the South Side.

  • The shuttle first stops at the Obama Presidential Center and Jackson Park, then at the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry, before returning to 98 E Wacker Drive.

  • Admission to the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry and the Obama Presidential Center museum is not included in this ticket and must be purchased separately. This is a shuttle and not a guided tour, so no audio commentary will be available on board.

  • Shuttle duration is 25-30 minutes. Shuttle runs every 30–45 minutes from 9:30AM-2:30PM daily

Options

  • Shuttle - All-Day Access

    Unlimited roundtrip transfers

  • Shuttle - One-Way Journey

    Single transfer ticket

Traveller ratings

4.1 out of 5 · 20 reviews
5
70%
4
0%
3
10%
2
10%
1
10%

Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Roundtrip Shuttle to South Side and Obama Presidential Center

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