Chicago, Illinois · McCormick Square · Visitor Guide
McCormick Place Chicago: Find Your Building, Parking and Event Entrance
Heading to McCormick Place for a trade show, conference or public exhibition? This guide helps you choose the correct entrance, compare parking rates, use Chicago trains and buses, find your event hall and prepare for a smoother visit.
Where Is McCormick Place Convention Center?
McCormick Place is a major convention and exhibition complex on Chicago’s Near South Side, next to the Lake Michigan waterfront. It hosts professional trade shows, business meetings, exhibitions, conventions and selected public events.
The campus includes four major convention buildings: North, South, West and Lakeside Center. The wider McCormick Square area also includes Wintrust Arena, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place and Marriott Marquis Chicago.
Location Map
General destination: McCormick Place, 2301 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Chicago, IL 60616.
This map identifies the general campus. Use your assigned building or parking-lot address for the final approach.
McCormick Place Buildings: Which Entrance Do You Need?
McCormick Place is not a single exhibition hall. Your event may occupy one building, several halls or multiple buildings. The entrance listed on the event registration instructions is more useful than the general venue address.
| Building | Main Street Address | Primary Parking |
|---|---|---|
| North | 2301 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive | Lot A |
| South | 2301 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive | Lot A |
| West | 2301 S. Indiana Avenue | Lot A |
| Lakeside Center | 2301 S. Jean Baptiste Point DuSable Lake Shore Drive | Lot C |
| Wintrust Arena | 200 E. Cermak Road | Lot A |
North & South Buildings
Common destinations for major exhibition halls and convention sessions. Use the Martin Luther King Jr. Drive side as the principal street reference.
Useful arrival point: Gate 4 is a notable taxi and rideshare access area serving the North/South complex.
West Building
Faces South Indiana Avenue and contains exhibition, meeting and transportation facilities.
Useful arrival point: Gate 40 on South Indiana Avenue is a designated taxi and rideshare location.
Lakeside Center
Located near the lakefront and associated with the Arie Crown Theater. It is often referred to as the East Building.
Parking: Lot C is the main recommended parking area.
Wintrust Arena
Part of the larger McCormick Square destination, but an arena rather than a standard convention exhibition hall.
Important: Arena concerts and sporting events may have their own entry, security and bag policies.
How to Find Your Correct Entrance
- Locate the exact event name. Use the complete title and date printed on your registration or invitation.
- Identify the assigned building. Look for North, South, West or Lakeside Center.
- Find your hall or room. Save any hall letter, meeting room number or registration gate.
- Choose your arrival point. Drivers should select the relevant parking lot; transit users should identify the best pedestrian entrance.
- Follow event-day signage. Registration arrangements can change the entrance used by a particular show.
McCormick Place Parking: Rates, Addresses & Best Lots
McCormick Place operates three main parking facilities: Lot A, Lot B and Lot C. Their prices and access rules are different, so the cheapest lot is not necessarily the most convenient for your event.
Parking Lot A
Up to 16 hours
$40 for 16–24 hours.
Address: 2301 S. Prairie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616.
Garage · 8-foot clearance · Best primary option for North, South and West events.
Parking Lot B
Flat daily rate
Address: 3050 S. Moe Drive, Chicago, IL 60616.
Outdoor surface lot · Located near 31st Street · No standard in-and-out privileges.
Parking Lot C
Up to 16 hours
$40 for 16–24 hours.
Address: Fort Dearborn Drive, Chicago, IL 60616.
Underground garage · 6-foot-4-inch clearance · Best primary option for Lakeside Center.
Parking Comparison
| Feature | Lot A | Lot B | Lot C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parking type | Covered garage | Surface lot | Underground garage |
| Capacity | About 2,100 | Over 1,800 | About 1,900 |
| Standard price | $27 / $40 | $18 flat | $27 / $40 |
| Vehicle height | 8 feet | Outdoor lot | 6 ft 4 in |
| Overnight option | Available | Not standard | Event-dependent |
| Best choice | North, South, West | Budget parking | Lakeside Center |
The $27 rate applies up to 16 hours in Lots A and C. The $40 rate applies from 16 to 24 hours. Event pricing and special arrangements may differ. Parking inventory is not guaranteed without an eligible prepaid permit.
Which Parking Lot Should You Choose?
- North, South or West event: Start with Lot A.
- Lakeside Center or Arie Crown Theater: Start with Lot C.
- Lowest published regular daily price: Compare Lot B, allowing for a longer walk.
- Overnight passenger-vehicle parking: Lot A is the primary published option.
- Large bus or RV: Check Lot B availability and the separate vehicle rules.
- Electric vehicle: Lot A has charging stations, subject to availability and additional charging fees.
Bus, RV & Oversized Vehicle Parking
McCormick Place directs bus and RV parking to surface Lot B. The published overnight rate is $40 per day with in-and-out privileges, subject to availability and restrictions. Vehicle hookups are not provided, and leisure camping is not allowed.
How to Reserve McCormick Place Parking
- Confirm whether your event is in North, South, West or Lakeside Center.
- Select Lot A, B or C based on the building and your vehicle’s clearance requirements.
- Decide whether you need regular day parking or guaranteed prepaid parking with re-entry privileges.
- Review the final price, permit validity and any event-specific requirements.
- Use the official McCormick Place parking and purchase page to complete the reservation.
- Save the permit or QR code and navigate to the exact lot address.
Getting to McCormick Place: CTA, Metra, Driving & Airports
Public transportation can be easier than driving during large Chicago conventions. McCormick Place is served by CTA buses, the Green Line and Metra Electric trains.
| Transportation | Station or Route | Visitor Advice |
|---|---|---|
| CTA Green Line | Cermak–McCormick Place | Useful for West Building and connections from downtown. |
| Metra Electric | McCormick Place station | Station is inside the South Building’s Grand Concourse. |
| CTA Bus #3 | King Drive | Connects downtown/Michigan Avenue areas with the campus. |
| CTA Bus #21 | Cermak | East–west service and Green Line connections. |
| Rideshare | Designated campus gates | Gate 40 is a useful West Building pickup option. |
CTA Green Line: Cermak–McCormick Place
The Green Line station is at Cermak Road and State Street, approximately 0.15 mile from the northwest corner of the West Building. The station is not inside the convention building, so allow time to walk to your actual event hall.
The venue’s transportation guide lists a regular CTA rail fare of $2.50. Check CTA for current fare and payment details before traveling.
Metra Electric: Direct Downtown Connection
McCormick Place has a Metra Electric station on Level 2.5 of the South Building’s Grand Concourse. Trains connect with Millennium Station downtown, with a published journey of approximately seven minutes on applicable services.
Best for: Visitors staying near Millennium Park, the Loop or locations served by the Metra Electric corridor. Confirm train times because service varies by day and time.
CTA Bus Routes
- #3 King Drive: A practical route linking downtown Michigan Avenue areas with McCormick Place.
- #21 Cermak: Runs east–west and is useful for connections near the Green Line.
- Other nearby services: Routes #4, #X4 and #1 may help depending on your starting location and operating schedules.
The venue’s transportation information lists a standard CTA bus fare of $2.25. Ventra and supported contactless payment methods are available.
From O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Board the CTA Blue Line at O’Hare.
- Travel toward downtown Chicago.
- Transfer to the southbound Green Line at Clark/Lake.
- Exit at Cermak–McCormick Place.
- Walk to your event building or follow the organizer’s shuttle directions.
If carrying heavy equipment or multiple bags, compare taxi, rideshare or event shuttle arrangements instead of assuming the train is the easiest final-mile option.
From Midway International Airport (MDW)
- Take the CTA Orange Line toward the Loop.
- Exit at Roosevelt for the appropriate Green Line connection.
- Take the southbound Green Line one stop to Cermak–McCormick Place.
- Walk to the assigned convention building.
Rideshare & Taxi Pickup
McCormick Place recommends considering Gate 40 on South Indiana Avenue, at the West Building, for rideshare pickup after busy events. This can be useful when other pickup points are crowded.
For passengers with mobility needs, however, use the accessible drop-off and pickup location appropriate to the event building rather than choosing a more distant gate.
For schedules, fares, route changes and station accessibility, complete your journey planning through the official McCormick Place transportation guide.
McCormick Place Events, Tickets & Opening Hours
McCormick Place hosts trade shows, professional conventions, product exhibitions, conferences, consumer events and other organized activities. There is no single admission price or daily visitor schedule that applies to every event.
Events & Admission
Some events sell public tickets, while others require professional registration, exhibitor credentials, invitations or advance approval.
Ticket price: Determined by the event organizer.
Hours & Entry
Public access depends on the event calendar, registration arrangements and scheduled building activity.
Opening time: Check your event’s attendee instructions, not just the general venue address.
How to Find and Attend an Event
- Search by event name. Identify the exact show, date and organizer.
- Check the venue calendar. Confirm that the event is scheduled at McCormick Place.
- Identify admission requirements. Determine whether the show requires tickets, advance registration or business credentials.
- Check location and timing. Save the assigned building, registration hours and hall number.
- Review rules. Check bags, photography, age restrictions and re-entry policies where applicable.
- Complete registration. Open the official McCormick Place event calendar, select the event and follow its organizer’s authorized registration link.
McCormick Place Floor Plans, Exhibit Halls & Meeting Rooms
Knowing your building is only the first step. Large shows may occupy multiple halls, registration areas, conference rooms and connecting concourses.
| Destination | How to Recognize It | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| South Building | Major exhibition and conference facilities, including Hall A areas. | Exhibit level, entry gate and registration position. |
| North Building | Exhibition spaces including Hall B and related conference facilities. | Correct hall section and meeting-room level. |
| West Building | Exhibit and meeting areas including Hall F and numbered West rooms. | Room prefix, level and West Building entrance. |
| Lakeside Center | Lakefront exhibition facilities and Arie Crown Theater. | Correct lakefront entrance and event-specific access. |
Which Floor Plan Is Useful?
- Street/campus map: Use for parking, building entrances and transportation gates.
- Building floor plan: Use to understand levels, corridors, meeting rooms and public services.
- Event floor plan: Use for actual exhibitor booths, registration counters, stages and temporary hall arrangements.
- Accessibility route: Use for accessible parking, elevators and designated drop-off locations.
Easy Room-Finding Method
Write down these four details before arrival:
- Building name
- Exhibit hall or meeting room number
- Floor or level
- Nearest designated entrance
A room number without a building name may not be enough to navigate efficiently across the campus.
McCormick Place publishes building diagrams, planning specifications and campus maps. For an exact meeting-room route, start from the venue’s official building specifications and floor-plan resources, then match them with your event’s current show map.
Accessibility, Wheelchairs & Accessible Parking
McCormick Place provides accessible entrances, elevators, restrooms, designated parking and visitor support across its convention campus.
Accessible Parking
Accessible parking is available in Lot A and Lot C, as well as the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place garage. The best choice depends on your event building and the route from the parking space to the event entrance.
| Building | Published Accessible Drop-Off / Pickup |
|---|---|
| North | Gate 22 |
| South | Gate 4 |
| West | Gate 40 |
| Lakeside Center | Drop-off Gate 37; car drop-off Gate 31; pickup Gate 30 |
Wheelchair & Mobility Equipment
Wheelchairs, mobility scooters, power chairs and certain mobility-related equipment can be arranged through the venue’s preferred provider, Scootaround Mobility Solutions.
Mobility equipment telephone: 888-441-7575.
Reserve ahead when possible, especially for large conferences. On-site availability can vary with the event schedule.
Important Accessibility Details
- Public signage incorporates raised lettering and Braille.
- Accessible restrooms and visitor service areas are available.
- Wheelchair seating is provided at Arie Crown Theater, with companion seating arrangements available by advance request.
- Most meeting rooms and theaters are wheelchair accessible.
- Rooms E268, E269 and E272A–E272D have limited accessibility/use arrangements noted by the venue.
For specific accommodations, entry points and mobility arrangements, consult the official McCormick Place accessibility information.
Food, Wi-Fi, Nursing Rooms, Restrooms & Visitor Services
McCormick Place has on-campus amenities, but availability can depend on the building, event attendance and operating schedule.
Food & Drinks
Food courts, cafés, concessions and vending machines are available at designated locations.
Published examples include South Building Level 2.5, North Building Level 2 and West Building Level 2 food-service areas.
Wi-Fi
The venue describes complimentary basic Wi-Fi in public spaces and meeting rooms, with a published 768 Kbps service level and show-specific exceptions.
Exhibit-floor coverage is more limited; premium internet services may require purchase.
Business Services
Business centers and supplies are available in designated South and West Building areas. Service availability should be checked for specific requirements.
Visitor Information
Information locations include South Building, North Building, West Building and Lakeside Center.
Use these desks if you need directions to a gate, meeting room or campus service.
Nursing & Lactation Facilities
McCormick Place identifies private Mamava lactation suites at these locations:
- Lakeside Center: Level 2 near the gift shop.
- North/South: Level 2.5 across from Starbucks.
- West Building: Level 1 near the main information desk on Indiana Avenue.
The venue advises using the Mamava mobile app for suite access. Confirm current access instructions with guest services if necessary.
Coat Check, ATMs & First Aid
The West Building’s published facilities identify a coat-check location near Gates 43 and 44 on Level 1. ATMs and first-aid facilities are also identified in venue information.
Coat-check operation can depend on the event, so do not assume it is available at every entrance or throughout the day.
Hotels Near McCormick Place & Local Chicago Tips
Staying near McCormick Place reduces travel between sessions, but hotel location, parking charges and event-block rates can affect the total cost of your visit.
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place
A convention-oriented hotel connected to the McCormick Place complex. Convenient for visitors who want indoor access to parts of the campus.
Check: Room pricing, hotel parking charges, covered walking route and event dates.
Marriott Marquis Chicago
Located in the McCormick Square district near Wintrust Arena and the convention facilities.
Check: Convention block eligibility, total nightly cost, parking and the route to your assigned building.
Other Areas Worth Comparing
| Area | Why Visitors Consider It |
|---|---|
| South Loop | Useful for visitors who want to stay close to the Near South Side and downtown amenities. |
| Chinatown | Restaurant options and connections to other Chicago neighborhoods. |
| Downtown Loop | Broader hotel choices with CTA and Metra connections. |
| Near Michigan Avenue | Shopping, dining and selected CTA #3 bus connections. |
Chicago Visitor Tips
- Check whether your conference offers a preferred hotel block or shuttle.
- Compare the complete hotel price, including taxes and parking fees.
- Allow for Chicago traffic and large simultaneous convention events.
- In winter, plan for wind, ice and cold outdoor walking between locations.
- If attending morning sessions, confirm breakfast and transportation availability before booking.
- Do not assume every nearby hotel has a direct enclosed walkway to your event hall.
For travelers comparing convention trips in other Midwest cities, our Indiana Convention Center visitor guide explains downtown Indianapolis parking, event registration and hotel skywalk connections.
Visitors comparing large US exhibition destinations can also see our Jacob K. Javits Convention Center guide for Manhattan transit and exhibition access, or the Hynes Convention Center Boston guide for Back Bay hotel and subway planning.
Exhibitor Services & How to Book an Event at McCormick Place
Event organizers and exhibitors have different needs from ordinary visitors. Before ordering booth services or requesting convention space, identify the show-specific contractor requirements and venue policies.
For Exhibitors
- Confirm assigned exhibition hall, booth number and move-in period.
- Identify the designated freight entrance and loading dock.
- Review exhibitor service ordering deadlines.
- Arrange electrical, internet, telecommunications and required labor services.
- Confirm security, badge, insurance and equipment restrictions.
- Check move-out and material-handling arrangements before shipping.
For Organizers: Venue Booking Steps
- Define the event. Prepare event type, preferred dates, expected attendees and number of exhibitors.
- Estimate space needs. Identify exhibit halls, meeting rooms, ballroom requirements and circulation areas.
- Plan operational services. Include freight, internet, utilities, food service, security and accessibility.
- Prepare your budget. Account for facility rental and separately contracted event services.
- Request availability. Use the official McCormick Place event booking channel.
- Review the proposal. Confirm dates, hall assignments, service rules, payment terms and cancellation conditions before committing.
How McCormick Place Compares With Other Major Venues
If you are planning a multi-city show, venue-specific transportation and logistics can affect attendee experience. Our Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall guide explains another large venue’s hall layout, parking and internal transportation approach.
McCormick Place Event-Day Checklist
Before Leaving
- Check event date and admission time.
- Save your QR ticket or badge confirmation.
- Confirm the building and exhibit hall.
- Check event-specific bag and ID requirements.
- Choose transit, parking or rideshare.
- Download any necessary event map.
When You Arrive
- Follow signs for your event’s entrance.
- Have registration credentials ready.
- Find restrooms and visitor information.
- Identify your first meeting-room location.
- Confirm your return transportation route.
- Save parking location or pickup gate details.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrong building: Navigating to the general campus address instead of the event-specific entrance.
- Wrong parking lot: Choosing Lot C for a West Building meeting without understanding the extra travel.
- Assuming tickets are sold at the door: Some business conventions require preapproved registration.
- Ignoring vehicle clearance: Bringing a tall vehicle into an unsuitable garage.
- Assuming unlimited Wi-Fi: Depending on basic complimentary service for high-bandwidth work.
- Underestimating indoor walking: Scheduling sessions in different halls without allowing transition time.
McCormick Place Chicago: 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is McCormick Place Convention Center located?
The general address is 2301 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Chicago, IL 60616. The complex has multiple buildings, so use your event’s assigned entrance for accurate directions.
2. How much does parking cost at McCormick Place?
Published standard rates are $27 for up to 16 hours and $40 for 16–24 hours in Lots A and C. Lot B costs $18 per day. Guaranteed prepaid parking in Lots A and C is listed at $40 per day.
3. Which McCormick Place parking lot is best?
Lot A is the primary recommendation for events in the North, South and West Buildings. Lot C is the primary choice for Lakeside Center and Arie Crown Theater. Lot B offers a lower regular parking rate but may involve more walking.
4. Is there a train station at McCormick Place?
Yes. The Metra Electric McCormick Place station is inside the South Building’s Grand Concourse on Level 2.5. The nearby CTA Green Line Cermak–McCormick Place station is at Cermak Road and State Street.
5. How do I get to McCormick Place from O’Hare Airport?
Take the CTA Blue Line from O’Hare to Clark/Lake, transfer to a southbound Green Line train and exit at Cermak–McCormick Place. Walk to your event building or follow your event’s shuttle arrangements.
6. Is McCormick Place open to the public?
Public access depends on the event. Some exhibitions sell general-admission tickets, while business conventions may require professional credentials, invitations or advance registration. There is no universal public entry ticket.
7. Does McCormick Place have wheelchair accessibility?
Yes. The venue provides accessible entrances, parking, elevators, restrooms and mobility services. Some meeting rooms have limited accessibility arrangements, so visitors needing accommodations should confirm their assigned rooms in advance.
8. Is Wi-Fi free at McCormick Place?
Basic complimentary Wi-Fi is described for meeting rooms and public spaces, subject to event-specific exceptions and capacity limits. Exhibit-floor coverage is limited, and higher-performance exhibitor internet services may require payment.
9. Are hotels connected to McCormick Place?
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place is connected to the convention complex, and Marriott Marquis Chicago is located in the surrounding McCormick Square campus. Confirm the exact indoor or outdoor walking route to your event building when booking.
10. Where can I find McCormick Place events and floor plans?
The official McCormick Place website publishes an events calendar and building planning resources. Use the event calendar to find your show, then check the organizer’s floor plan for current booth numbers, registration counters and assigned halls.
Final Visitor Information
McCormick Place is a large multi-building Chicago convention campus. The three things that make the biggest difference to a successful visit are choosing the correct building, arranging your transportation or parking, and checking the specific event’s admission instructions.
For most visitors: Confirm your event location first, choose Lot A or C if driving, consider CTA or Metra if traveling from downtown, and save the event organizer’s current floor plan.
Information reviewed October 23, 2026. Parking rates, transit fares, event admission, accessible services, schedules and venue policies may change. McCormick Place and individual event organizers remain responsible for current operating information. This is an independent visitor guide, not the official venue website.