Chicago, Illinois • Convention Center Visitor Guide
McCormick Place: Parking, Buildings, Hotels, Events & Directions
McCormick Place Convention Center is North America’s largest convention center, located along Chicago’s lakefront. Its four interconnected buildings host trade shows, international conventions, corporate conferences, exhibitions and entertainment events.
For a successful visit, the most important decision is which building your event uses. That determines the best street address, parking lot, transit route and pedestrian entrance.
Main address: 2301 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Chicago, IL 60616
Venue telephone: 312-791-7000
McCormick Place at a Glance
| Full name | McCormick Place Convention Center |
|---|---|
| City | Chicago, Illinois |
| General address | 2301 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Chicago, IL 60616 |
| Telephone | 312-791-7000 |
| Campus buildings | North, South, West and Lakeside Center (East) |
| Exhibit space | Approximately 2.6 million square feet |
| Meeting rooms | Approximately 173 rooms, with about 600,000 square feet of meeting space |
| Parking areas | Lots A, B and C, with different rates and entry rules |
| CTA Green Line | Cermak–McCormick Place station |
| Metra Electric | McCormick Place station inside the South Building Grand Concourse |
| Nearby hotels | Hyatt Regency McCormick Place and Marriott Marquis Chicago, both connected |
| Other venues | Wintrust Arena and Arie Crown Theater |
| Public opening times | Depend on individual events |
| Official website | mccormickplace.com |
North, South, West or Lakeside: Which Building Do You Need?
The McCormick Place campus is extremely large, and its entrances are not interchangeable. Although buildings are linked by indoor promenades and skybridges, reaching the wrong side can add considerable walking.
North Building
Main entrance: 2301 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
Includes exhibition space, meeting rooms, visitor amenities and connections to the South Building.
Usual parking: Lot A.
South Building
Main entrance: 2301 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
Contains major exhibition halls, meeting facilities and access to the Metra Electric McCormick Place station at Grand Concourse Level 2.5.
Usual parking: Lot A.
West Building
Main entrance: 2301 S. Indiana Avenue.
Features exhibit and meeting spaces, the Skyline Ballroom, and access to the adjacent hotel and arena campus.
Usual parking: Lot A.
Lakeside Center (East)
Main entrance: 2301 S. Jean Baptiste Point DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
Includes exhibit halls, Lakeside Ballroom, waterfront areas and Arie Crown Theater.
Usual parking: Lot C.
Quick Building and Parking Table
| Your destination | Primary address | Parking |
|---|---|---|
| North Building | 2301 S. MLK Jr. Drive | Lot A |
| South Building | 2301 S. MLK Jr. Drive | Lot A |
| West Building | 2301 S. Indiana Avenue | Lot A |
| Lakeside Center | 2301 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive | Lot C |
| Arie Crown Theater | Lakeside Center campus | Lot C |
| Wintrust Arena | 200 E. Cermak Road | Lot A |
McCormick Place Parking Rates: Lots A, B and C
The convention center operates three major parking areas. The published rate depends on the lot, length of stay and whether you purchase a prepaid parking permit.
| Parking lot | Standard rate | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Lot A | $27 up to 16 hours; $40 for 16–24 hours | 2301 S. Prairie Avenue |
| Lot B | $18 flat daily | 3050 S. Moe Drive |
| Lot C | $27 up to 16 hours; $40 for 16–24 hours | Fort Dearborn Drive; navigation reference 1801 Fort Dearborn Drive |
| Prepaid permit | $40 per day for Lots A or C | Advance purchase, guaranteed space and applicable in/out privileges |
Lot A
$27
For up to 16 hours. Six-level garage with approximately 2,100 spaces.
Clearance: 8 feet.
Overnight parking: Available.
Lot B
$18
Flat daily rate. Outdoor lot with more than 1,800 vehicle spaces.
Best for: Budget-conscious drivers who can walk farther.
Normal overnight car parking: Not available.
Lot C
$27
For up to 16 hours. Underground garage with approximately 1,900 spaces near Lakeside Center.
Clearance: 6 feet 4 inches.
Overnight parking: Generally unavailable except under specific show conditions.
Prepaid Parking
$40
Per day for an eligible advance permit.
Provides guaranteed parking even if lots reach capacity and in/out privileges according to the permit conditions.
Overnight, Re-Entry and Lost Tickets
- Lot A: Standard parking has no in/out privileges unless an eligible advance permit is purchased.
- Lot C: Standard parking also lacks in/out privileges unless covered by an eligible prepaid permit.
- Lot B: No standard in/out privileges.
- Overnight: Regular overnight parking is available in Lot A. Lot C may have event exceptions.
- Lost tickets: Lot A and C lost tickets can be charged at the $40 overnight rate for each day.
- Bus and RV parking: Lot B can accommodate these vehicles under a separate $40 daily overnight rate and operating restrictions.
- EV charging: Available in Lot A, first come, first served, with parking and charging fees.
McCormick Place Events and Tickets
McCormick Place hosts major trade shows, corporate gatherings, conventions, exhibitions and public events throughout the year. Its calendar provides event names, dates and assigned buildings, but admission and registration procedures depend on the organizer.
Industry Trade Shows
Large professional exhibitions may require paid registration, industry affiliation, badges or exhibitor credentials.
Public Exhibitions
Consumer shows and public events may offer general admission tickets, timed entry and different admission rules for children.
Corporate Conferences
Business conferences can operate across multiple buildings with separate keynote sessions, workshops and exhibitor halls.
Entertainment Events
Wintrust Arena and Arie Crown Theater form part of the broader campus but may use different ticketing, security and entrance procedures.
How to Find Your Event
Open McCormick Place Events and select your date or event name.
Check whether your event uses North, South, West or Lakeside Center.
Check the organizer’s website for ticket prices, badge pickup, opening hours and attendance requirements.
Use the building assignment to select the correct lot, transit connection or rideshare location.
Keep the specific gate, room number and registration information available on your phone.
CTA, Metra Electric, Rideshare and Airport Connections
McCormick Place is served by CTA buses, CTA rail and Metra Electric commuter rail. These can be useful alternatives to parking, particularly for visitors staying in downtown Chicago.
| Transport | Stop or connection | Details |
|---|---|---|
| CTA Green Line | Cermak–McCormick Place | Approximately two blocks from the northwest corner of the West Building |
| Metra Electric | McCormick Place station | Inside South Building Grand Concourse, Level 2.5 |
| CTA #3 King Drive | MLK Drive | Connects the convention district with downtown hotel areas |
| CTA #21 Cermak | Cermak Road / McCormick campus | East-west bus connections and CTA rail transfers |
| Taxi / rideshare | Event-designated campus gates | Gate 40 on Indiana Avenue may be useful when departing busy West Building events |
| Divvy bikes | Campus and surrounding streets | Short trips when weather and cycling conditions permit |
Published CTA Fares
CTA Bus
$2.25
Published regular one-way bus fare. Check current discounts, transfers and payment options.
CTA Rail
$2.50
Published regular one-way rail fare. Airport-origin trips may have different pricing.
Transit fares and schedules are subject to change. Use the CTA or Metra official trip planner for your date.
Getting Here From O’Hare and Midway
- O’Hare International Airport (ORD): CTA Blue Line connects with the downtown rail network. Transfer as appropriate to reach the Green Line or another connection to McCormick Place.
- Midway International Airport (MDW): CTA Orange Line serves downtown Chicago, where onward rail, bus or taxi connections are available.
- Direct vehicle transfer: Taxi or rideshare can be easier for attendees carrying several bags or exhibit materials.
- Hotel transfers: Some conference organizers provide shuttles between their official hotel blocks and the venue.
Hotels Connected to McCormick Place
Two major hotels are directly connected to the convention campus, making them especially attractive for early registrations, multi-day trade shows and Chicago winter travel.
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place
Address: 2233 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616.
Connected to McCormick Place, allowing convenient access to meetings and exhibitions. The hotel offers guest rooms, restaurants, business amenities and event facilities.
Best for: Conference delegates wanting direct campus access.
Marriott Marquis Chicago
Address: 2121 S. Prairie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616.
Located within the McCormick Square campus and connected to the convention complex. Offers upscale guest accommodation, on-site dining and event facilities.
Best for: Business guests and attendees wanting an integrated convention hotel.
Should You Stay on Campus or Downtown?
| Location | Main advantage | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Connected campus hotel | Convenient access to convention buildings | Room price, taxes, parking and walking route to your hall |
| South Loop hotel | Potentially convenient neighborhood location | Actual walking route and transit access |
| Downtown / Loop hotel | Restaurants, sightseeing and varied accommodation | Event shuttle, Metra, CTA or rideshare costs |
| Airport-area hotel | May suit short airport layovers | Longer journey to the convention campus |
Hotel selection tip: A connected hotel can save time in bad weather, but it may not be the least expensive option. Compare the total stay cost and whether your organizer has negotiated room-block rates.
McCormick Place Map and Driving Directions
The general visitor address is 2301 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. However, your GPS destination should ideally match the actual building or parking lot rather than the venue’s overall address.
Parking Lot GPS Addresses
| Lot | Navigation address |
|---|---|
| Lot A | 2301 S. Prairie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616 |
| Lot B | 3050 S. Moe Drive, Chicago, IL 60616 |
| Lot C | 1801 Fort Dearborn Drive, Chicago, IL 60616 |
Driving to Lot A From Major Highways
The venue’s directions commonly use the Interstate 55 / Stevenson Expressway approach toward Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
- Follow the appropriate interstate route toward I-55 North.
- Use Exit 293D for Martin Luther King Jr. Drive as directed by official signage.
- Follow the signs to the Lot A entrance ramp.
- Use the posted parking entrance and preserve enough time to walk to the assigned building.
Accessibility, Wheelchair Rentals and Visitor Amenities
McCormick Place provides accessible parking, pedestrian routes, elevators, visitor information facilities and mobility equipment rental options.
| Service | Visitor details |
|---|---|
| Accessible parking | Available in Lots A, B and C; follow posted accessible routes |
| Mobility equipment | Wheelchairs and scooters may be reserved through Scootaround |
| Scootaround telephone | 888-441-7575 |
| Nursing / lactation rooms | Private Mamava lactation suites in three campus locations |
| Visitor information | Information locations in multiple buildings |
| Food and beverages | Campus restaurants, cafes, food courts and vending |
| Business amenities | Business centers and convenience services in selected buildings |
| Event Wi-Fi | Access and service levels depend on location and event requirements |
| Cash / ATMs | ATM machines available at selected campus locations |
Nursing Pod 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.
Mamava suite access is managed through the corresponding mobile app.
Planning Accessible Entry
Obtain the event hall and room number before choosing your arrival gate.
Check the campus map for lifts, entry doors and pedestrian connections.
Contact Scootaround in advance to arrange a wheelchair or scooter for your event.
Special event configurations may use different accessible seating and registration procedures.
Exhibitors: Loading Docks, Booth Services and Internet
Exhibiting at McCormick Place requires more advance coordination than attending as a visitor. Your event organizer and general service contractor are the primary sources for booth assignments, freight schedules and show-specific rules.
Freight and Loading
Use the hall-specific loading instructions issued by the show contractor. Do not send freight to an arbitrary public entrance or attempt unloading at attendee drop-off points.
Internet and Telecommunications
McCormick Place Technology Services handles internet and telecommunications ordering. Technical services may have advance-order discounts and deadlines.
Phone: 312-791-6113.
Exhibitor Parking
Check whether your crew needs standard attendee parking, an advance permit, oversized vehicle arrangements or separate truck marshaling facilities.
Booth Construction
Confirm union labor jurisdictions, safety rules, electrical orders, rigging requirements and booth setup schedules with your event’s general service contractor.
Exhibitor Preparation Checklist
- Confirm exact building, hall, booth number and freight destination.
- Read the event’s service kit and deadlines.
- Order power, wired internet or approved Wi-Fi in advance.
- Check approved booth height and overhead signage requirements.
- Coordinate union labor and freight handling where applicable.
- Arrange loading appointments, truck marshaling and staff parking.
- Review insurance and other event-specific vendor requirements.
- Keep your service contractor’s telephone number available.
Official exhibitor resources and technology service ordering.
How to Book McCormick Place for a Convention or Event
McCormick Place provides large exhibit halls, ballrooms, meeting rooms and related facilities for conventions, professional conferences, consumer shows and corporate events.
Estimate participants, desired dates, move-in and move-out schedules, booth counts and room needs.
Review North, South, West and Lakeside floor plans based on hall capacity, required meeting rooms and registration areas.
Consider venue rental, contractor labor, security, food and beverage, technology, electricity, audiovisual services and cleaning.
Use the McCormick Place event booking form with your event specifications and requested dates.
Work with the sales team on space assignments, event operations, guest circulation, hotel blocks and service requirements.
Obtain written confirmation before advertising a date, purchasing travel for speakers or committing to nonrefundable suppliers.
Venue sales email: sales@mccormickplace.com.
What to Do Near McCormick Place
Its lakefront location provides access to Chicago’s South Loop and surrounding districts. Visitors may want to combine an event with restaurants, museums and waterfront sightseeing.
Lakefront Trail
Chicago’s lakefront path provides outdoor recreational access near the convention center. Weather can be windy and cold outside summer.
Wintrust Arena
A 10,000-seat venue within the McCormick Square campus that hosts sports and entertainment events.
South Loop
Neighborhood restaurants, cafes and businesses offer dining choices beyond the convention complex.
Museum Campus
The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium are popular Chicago attractions in the broader nearby lakefront area.
Chicago travel tip: The lakefront can feel much colder and windier than downtown streets. Dress for outdoor walking when visiting in fall or winter.
Event-Day Checklist
- Confirm the exact event name, building, hall and registration location.
- Use the building-specific street address.
- Choose Lot A, B or C based on your destination.
- Check the current parking rate and permit rules.
- Remember prepaid permits and standard tickets have different re-entry conditions.
- If using CTA, verify Green Line and bus schedules.
- If using Metra, confirm McCormick Place station service.
- Review the event’s bag, ticket and security restrictions.
- Reserve mobility equipment and accommodations when necessary.
- Save the venue phone number: 312-791-7000.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is McCormick Place Convention Center located?
McCormick Place is in Chicago, Illinois. Its general address is 2301 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Chicago, IL 60616. The West and Lakeside buildings have separate main entrance addresses.
2. How much is parking at McCormick Place?
The current official parking page lists Lot A and Lot C at $27 for up to 16 hours or $40 for 16–24 hours. Lot B costs $18 per day. Eligible prepaid parking permits cost $40 daily.
3. Which McCormick Place parking lot is best?
Lot A is the designated primary parking location for events in the North, South and West Buildings. Lot C is the primary parking area for Lakeside Center and Arie Crown Theater. Lot B is a lower-cost outdoor alternative.
4. Is McCormick Place the largest convention center in the United States?
Yes. McCormick Place is widely recognized as North America’s largest convention center, with approximately 2.6 million square feet of exhibition space.
5. How many buildings does McCormick Place have?
Four main convention buildings: North, South, West and Lakeside Center, also called the East Building. The broader campus includes Wintrust Arena and connected hotels.
6. Is there a train station at McCormick Place?
Yes. Metra Electric has a McCormick Place station in the South Building’s Grand Concourse on Level 2.5. The CTA Green Line Cermak–McCormick Place station is nearby outside the campus.
7. What hotels are connected to McCormick Place?
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place and Marriott Marquis Chicago are connected to the convention center campus. Guests should confirm the pedestrian connection most convenient for their assigned hall.
8. Does McCormick Place offer overnight parking?
Regular overnight parking is available in Lot A. Lot B does not provide ordinary overnight passenger-car parking, and Lot C generally does not allow overnight parking except under certain show arrangements.
9. Is McCormick Place accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes. The campus provides accessible parking, building facilities and mobility equipment rental options. Wheelchairs and scooters can be arranged through Scootaround at 888-441-7575.
10. How do I book McCormick Place for an event?
Review the venue’s floor plans, prepare your event specifications and submit a Request for Proposal through the official McCormick Place booking page. The sales team can discuss available dates, spaces and contractual requirements.
Official McCormick Place Maps and Visitor Resources
Final Visitor Recommendation
McCormick Place is an excellent location for major conventions and trade shows, but its enormous four-building layout means visitors should plan more carefully than they would for a small convention center.
Before leaving: confirm your building and hall, choose the correct parking lot or transit stop, check event registration instructions, and allow time for moving through the campus. For multi-day events, connected hotels or advance parking permits can make logistics easier.
Independent visitor guide based on official McCormick Place and Chicago tourism information reviewed October 2026. Parking rates, public transportation schedules, event assignments and facility services may change.