My train trip on South Shore Line trains.

So if your stationed at Fort Campbell, or Fort Knox, KY these are the South Shore line trains (you can google) that take you into Chicago and their terminus is at Mellenial Station right next to Navy Pier on the lakefront. They are fairly safe and more convienent than driving into the city via car. If your going to park and ride, Michiganiana Airport is probably the best place to do so but you can do so at just about any station farther out than Gary, Ind. Beverly Shores, Ind is a nice park and ride location. Just do not park in Gary or closer as they are somewhat rough areas if you have a nice car. Cost of the train is not too expensive and I think it is worth not having to worry about driving a car in downtown Chicago. At Navy Pier they have a nice little ferris wheel and mini-amusement park with eating places and your right on the lakefront at the foot of Michican Ave (Manificient Mile Shopping Area). You can take a cab to the Planetarium, Acquairium.........and/or Museum of Science and Industry. Museum of Science and Industry you should allow a minimum of 6-8 hours because of all the exhibits, they have a live tornado vortex in a 3-4 story cyclindar which is cool to watch. HO Scale trainset of Chicago to Seattle. United Airlines jet, Coal Mine, German U-boat, etc. If you have kids the Museum is a great destination and they have a cafeteria in the basement. South Shore line was started by Samuel Insull which was Thomas Edisons apprentice in Chicago. He was looking to create a market for electricity way back then and it was cheaper than coal powered steam engines. So a bit of history there.