Travel the South Shore Line if you visit or live in the northwest corner of Indiana known as the "Region." The Historic South Shore Line runs from the South Bend Regional Airport directly to the Loop in downtown Chicago and has been operating for nearly one-hundred years.

To go from South Bend to the Millennium Station, below Randolph Street, takes less than three hours. You can board at Michigan City or several other stops along the way. Most stops have plenty of safe and convenient parking available. For each stop, determine if you would like to spend more time on the train or time driving to the train. There are other stops in Chicago, besides Randolph. You can stop near the Shedd Aquarium, Natural History Museum, Adler Planetarium, Museum of Science and Industry and McCormack’s Place.

You buy your tickets on the train with cash only. Ticket offices will accept cash or check, and credit cards can be used to purchase tickets online. Make sure you ask your conductor which stop is closest to your destination. The trains are modern double deck coaches, with restrooms. Bring your own snacks as there are no concessions on the trains. Be sure to pick up after yourself.

If you ride the train to downtown Chicago, you ascend a flight of steps to the corner of Randolph and Michigan - the Magnificent Mile. The Magnificent Mile includes the Art Museum and other cultural interests, shopping, dining, seasonal events, hotels and more. You can Google the train schedule/fares and Chicago Magnificent Mile.

Train fare is economical, especially when you consider you do not have to fight traffic, seek your destination, and find parking in Chicago. You can take the train and enjoy the scenery through and around the famous Indiana Dunes Lakeshore. Trains are electric, so they have a minimum impact upon the environment. Like other forms of public transportation, they are safe and reliable. You can also choose to talk to your friends or family, read a book, or take a nap. Schools and clubs can also take groups on the train.

You will have a brief walk from the train station to your destination. You will also be walking whether you visit a museum or see the sights downtown. Make sure you check the schedule online so you know when to meet your train to board, and return times for the end of the day. The Daily (Monday-Friday) schedule varies from the Weekend/Holiday schedule, too.

You will need to organize your travel essentials, such as snacks, iPad, book, Nook or Kindle, and phone for the train ride. You may have other essentials to carry for the remainder of the day. A recommendation would be the Scully Aerosquadron leather courier. The leather courier will easily organize and protect electronic gadgets, and all the other items you need to carry. Scully, an American Company has been around for over one-hundred years, slightly longer than the South Shore Line.