URBAN DAY HIKES
Money Museum, Cultural Center, and
Buckingham Fountain
Chicago
August 18, 20, 2026
Aug 18, 20, 2026
5 hours
$25.00
Difficulty rating
Miles
Approximately 3.5 miles
Terrain
Terrain is pavement.
Times
We’ll meet at 9:45 am inside Oglivie train station on the ground floor near Hudson Booksellers on Madison street.
From the train station, we’ll walk to the Money Museum, Cultural Center and, Buckingham Fountain - we’ll aim to get to the fountain at the top of the hour to see the huge water spout display.
There is a 3:45pm train from Ogilvie back to NW suburbs, or you may choose to stay longer in the city.
This week we visit the Chicago Loop, the beating heart of downtown, bounded by the Chicago River (north/west), Lake Michigan (east), and Roosevelt Road (south).
It is the city’s historic hub for business, government, and arts. It gets its name from the elevated "L" train tracks that loop around the district.
First we’ll stop at the Chicago Federal Money Museum, a free, interactive museum located inside the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago in the city's financial district. You’ll see The Million Dollar Cube, Rare Currency, and can take a picture at a kiosk to create a custom souvenir dollar bill.
There are food establishments along our way to Buckingham Fountain so we’ll pick up a to go lunch to eat at the fountain. The Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain is a historic Chicago landmark and the centerpiece of Grant Park. Dedicated in 1927, it ranks among the largest fountains in the world and is affectionately considered "Chicago's front door."
Finally, we’ll see the Chicago Cultural Center. The Center is is a landmark public institution that offers free admission to art exhibitions, music concerts, film screenings, theater events and architectural tours. It is famously home to the world's largest Tiffany stained-glass dome.
Washroom
Two options at the train:
-The restroom on the main floor, Madison street, might be closed for cleaning. Look for signs. There are bathrooms downstairs. See next bullet point.
-Bathrooms on the train station’s lower level on the southeast end, access right when you get off the train. When you disembark the train look to your right or left for the stairway. (More detailed description: The stairway is midway on the disembarking walkway. If you’re at the front of the train walk towards the back of the train, to the north. If you’re at the back of the train, walk towards the station.)
There are washrooms at the Money Museum, Cultural Center, and at the Buckingham Fountain.
What to Bring
Water
Emergency Medical Information form filled out, kept in your bag
Clothing layers as needed, sometimes trains and buildings are cold.
Sturdy walking shoes
Can grab snacks at French Market before boarding train home.
The Chicago French Market is located in the northwest corner on the lower floor of Ogilvie train station, below the actual trains.
Founded in 2009, the Bensidoun Family brought together a unique collection of 30 + local vendors to create the Chicago French Market. From the movement in America to support local food systems and bring back the European-inspired marketplace, you will find best-of-the-best from Chicago’s melting pot neighborhoods largely comprised of entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses and accomplished purveyors presenting foods from around the world.
Let’s Fully Savor the Fun
We ask you kindly to silence your phones and keep conversations positive.
Weather
We have fun in all kinds of weather, so we rarely postpone. If we do cancel a hike, you will receive an email before 8am on the day of your hike.
You Will Learn
You will see the originals of physical money in America, take in the beauty of the tiffany dome and engraved famous sayings at the Cultural Center, and perhaps get splashed by the Buckingham Fountain.
Driving/Train Directions
Meet at Ogilvie Transportation Center
500 West Madison Street
Chicago, IL 60661
We will meet in the lobby near the Hudson Booksellers store on the ground floor facing Madison Street at 9:45 am.
(Those from the Northwest Suburbs can ride the train on the UP-NW 640 line, leaving Palatine at 8:42am )
Discussion Starter Question
Can you tell if a $bill is a counterfeit?
Guide
Kathryn aka “Laughing Ocean”
847-341-4564
Quote of the day
“Adventure is worthwhile in itself.” – Amelia Earhart
Cancellations
If you desire to cancel your day hike, you can reschedule for a different hike within the same season:
Please email hello@trailboundtrip.com, and state your name, and desired new hike day.
You will receive confirmation for this new day hike if there is room on the trip.
Refunds
Refunds are given when Trailbound Trips cancels a hike. Trailbound Trips will cancel and refund a hike for two reasons:
There needs to be a minimum of five people. You will be notified 24 hours in advance if this is the case.
The weather is dangerous or not bearable. You will be notified before 8 a.m. on the day of the hike via email.