How often do we prefer to carry luggage on a business trip? Well, It’s clear that most of the time we need to carry because carrying luggage is essential to us and our trip. But if you’re in Chicago for a conference or event, there is a higher chance it will be hosted in McCormick Place. And carrying your bulky suitcase or large luggage to a meeting isn’t always a good idea in such a large place. And therefore you need to leave your luggage elsewhere near McCormick Place.

In another situation, You may be exploring McCormick Place to get to know more about Chicago like any other tourist and you don’t prefer to carry luggage heavy weight on your shoulder while having a tour of McCormick Place. And if you’re facing the same problem and searching for a safe place to store your luggage then this guide will help you out.

Did you know that there are several options for storing luggage? Here you will find the best one to store them. But before we start exploring all those options let’s take a quick look at this famous convention center in Chicago. 

About McCormick Place

Chicago is known for its dazzling sights, amazing attractions, delicious foods, sky-high buildings, large venus, and so many other things. McCormick Place is one of them that holds the current record of being the largest convention center in all of North America. It consists of four interconnected buildings, and it is located about 2 miles south of downtown Chicago.

Over the years, McCormick Place has become an integral part of Chicago’s culture and history. It hosts numerous trade shows and meetings such as CAS (Chicago Auto Show), International Home + Housewares Show, the National Restaurant Association Annual Show, and many more trade shows and events relating to business in different industries. McCormick is basically the home of several annual events with attendees from all over the world, It hosts more than 3.5 million visitors every year. McCormick Place was founded by Robert R. McCormick – a prominent member of the McCormick family, and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. The construction of the complex was completed in the early 90s, and it was named after McCormick, who died in 1955.

Whether you’re here for a business meeting or exhibition, or convention, you might end up being very stressed by dragging your luggage all around the convention center. And that’s why it’s always a better plan to find luggage storage first so that you can do whatever you want to do without worrying about luggage.

Where to Store Luggage near McCormick Place

Actually, Chicago isn’t very open to luggage storage due to security reasons even at both airports you will not be able to find luggage storage. Although you can store your luggage at Union Station for $10 per day if you have tickets for Amtrak trains, otherwise you will be charged around $20 per day. And there aren’t public lockers at most stations.

Luckily, at McCormick Place, you at least get an option to store but there isn’t any specific location as it depends on events and organizers and where they add a baggage check-in location. But Permanent coat check areas are located at Gate 4 in the South Building and at the Transportation Center in the West Building. But as mentioned it depends on the organizer whether they allow luggage inside the convention center during events or not, and that being said it’s always better to choose luggage storage outside McCormick Place.

Inspired by Airbnb, there are a few companies that can help you store your baggage anywhere in Chicago. Most of them do partner with local hotels and properties, shops, and hostels to make luggage storage accessible to you at many points in Chicago. It’s a completely new concept of luggage storage service, it’s unique as well as way more flexible campared to traditional luggage facilities, lockers, and cloakrooms. By using their bags-drop location you just drop your luggage off, and you’re now out of luggage worries for the rest of the day.

How Much Does it Cost to Store Luggage?

The price can be the biggest factor when choosing luggage storage because luggage storage charges vary according to the service provider as well as the duration of the storage you are choosing. And here is a bit more about the pricing of luggage storage in or near McCormick Place.

If you’re storing your luggage at Union Station which is offered by Amtrak it can cost you $20 per item per day, you can get a discount of $10 if you have a ticket for Amtrak trains. Coming back to prices by storage facilities which are offered by brands like BagsAway, Stasher, NannyBag, and many others, It can cost you around $6-10 per day for an item. And they also can charge you as less as $1.5/hour, you can choose any duration starting just one hour, and there isn’t any limit on duration. They also offer free insurance without charging extra and provide better safety on your items.

Quick Details About McCormick Place?

Address: 2301 S King Dr, Chicago, United States
Operation Hours: 06:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Daily
Parking: 3 lots, 5800 total spaces
Owner: Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority
Function: Convention center, Arena
Contact: +1 312-791-7000
More Info: Visit the official website

Lost & Found: Despite not offering luggage storage McCormick Plan does offer lost and found support to its visitors, To claim lost property, you can use the form on their website.

If they recover your property they will contact you within 48 hours during the standard business work week (Monday through Friday). If not, this report will be kept on file and checked against what was turned in.

What to expect at McCormick Place?

McCormick Place is the biggest convention center in Chicago well as as the biggest anywhere in the U.S. This convention center is an amazing example of architecture and a marvel of engineering that can take you half a century back in history. To get a sense of its incredible scale, you can attend an event here. The entire McCormick Place campus is connected by dramatic pedestrian promenades and sky bridges that offer you a unique experience, this is quite well-known for its hundreds of public art pieces. If you like trade shows, and public events such as TEDx and others then you must visit McCormick Place to attend one similar event. 

McCormick Place is the largest green-certified convention center which is another incredible thing about McCormick Place. With over 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space, the McCormick Place campus provides world-class facilities that can accommodate just about any event. There are 15+ world-class restaurants inside and outside the convention center. Along with offering all of these, it also offers beautiful views of the famous and striking Lake Michigan. Inside all the buildings you will find public toilets, waiting areas, theaters, and many more things to add some fun to your day full of meetings and events.

Best Hotels to Stay near McCormick Place

What if you get both luggage storage as well your comfortable stay at the same place? Yes, that’s what a hotel does offer. The hotel can be a great alternative for luggage storage in case you’re not able to find one, and an affordable hotel deal might be a lifesaver especially if you’re new to Chicago. Because it’s a great option we’ve come across different hotels near McCormick Place and mentioned some of them here.

Hyatt Regency McCormick Place

One of the best hotels, located in an ideal location directly connected to the McCormick Place convention center. In addition to stunning views of Lake Michigan and central Chicago, at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, you can enjoy modern business facilities and free WiFi access. But this hotel isn’t recommended unless you’re on a business trip because it costs nearly hundreds of times the cost of luggage storage. But it’s a luxury hotel to stay in McCormick Place.

Hampton Inn Chicago McCormick Place

This is the best hotel if you’re looking for one near McCormick Place. Hampton Inn Chicago McCormick Place is located at a distance of 2.7 km from the Field Museum of Natural History. It is just 0.5km from McCormick Place and offers access to the many other attractions near the Chicago city center. With a bar, this 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, this is considered a very affordable and luxurious stay.

Marriott Marquis Chicago

Directly connected to McCormick Place, you get on-site dining and a 24-hour fitness center, and so many other things. A dedicated safety box is offered to each guest to store their personal items. Cermak-McCormick Place Green Line train station is just 2 blocks away, offering easy access to downtown Chicago’s iconic landmarks and attractions, including Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and Soldier Field. But this one is also among the most expensive hotels in Chicago.

Frequently Asked Questions!

Where can I store luggage near McCormick Place?

McCormick Place convention does offer a coat check but they don’t have dedicated luggage storage. Therefore, you need to look elsewhere. There are multiple points where you can store luggage using companies like BagsAway, Stasher, Bounce, and more.

How much does it cost to store luggage near McCormick Place?

The price for luggage storage near McCormick Place can vary but you will be charged around $6-10/bag for the entire day, or you can also pay $1.5 per hour for your items with storage providers. Charges are different for each of these companies that offer luggage storage.

Are there storage lockers in McCormick Place?

Unfortunately not, there isn’t luggage storage available inside McCormick Place convention center. But during annual shows, luggage check-in facilities are installed on both sides of the buildings. But you can find a coat check where you can also drop your suitcase if needed.

How to get to McCormick Place?

There are popular metro stations like CTA – Chicago or CTA – Monroe that can be used for nearby transit. You can take a bus ride to the closest bus spots including CTA – 47th and Lake Park Terminal, And CTA Bus Stop 1518. If traveling by train, Cermak-McCormick Place Green Line train station, Ogilvie Transportation Center and Metra – LaSalle Street are the nearest stations to McCormick Place.

How big is McCormick Place?

2.6 million square feet, McCormick Place has comprised of four buildings, the West, South, North Buildings, and the Lakeside Center. In fact, McCormick Place is the biggest convention center in Chicago and the United States.