South Shore Line Overnight Parking

[nate77]

Taking the train to Chicago for a few days.

Is it a crazy idea to leave my car overnight at either the Dunes Park Station, or Ogden Dunes Station?

I saw on the south shore line website that they don't forbid leaving a car overnight, but they don't recommend it.

I'd hate to comeback and find my car on blocks, but if others do it, and it is fairly normal let me know.

Thanks

 

[mom45]

I had a friend who parked at Ogden Dunes to go to work every day. She had her car stolen out of that lot TWICE! I used to park at Dunes Park in Chesterton and never had a problem, but others did. I just drove a really junky car that nobody wanted. Lots of the regular commuters drive junkers just for that reason.

I am not sure I would be comfortable leaving mine overnight. East Chicago also has a lot of issues from what I understand...people finding their cars up on blocks or gone when they get off the train in the evening. There is no security in any of their lots as far as I know.

 

[TB1999]

How far do you live from the station? Why not just take a cab or uber to the station and leave your car at home?

 

[nate77]

Thanks, I live an hour and a half from NWI, so a cab is out of the question.

May just catch the train at the South Bend airport, since I read that their lot is secured.

 

[mom45]

Thanks, I live an hour and a half from NWI, so a cab is out of the question.

May just catch the train at the South Bend airport, since I read that their lot is secured.

I was going to suggest that but wasn't sure if that was an option since it is farther. We have left our vehicle there when flying and have never had any issues.

 

[aclark]

I would say Chesterton Dunes station would be the safest out of all of them. I could maybe see doing Ogden Dunes for one night, but wouldn't do multiples. We've also left my wife's car at Hammond for 1 night without problems, but I don't recommend it.

Depending on your departure and return there might be some NWI guys that would help you out, or let you park in their driveway. Maybe post up in the NWI post, or shoot me a PM. I'd be willing to help, but I'm not super close to any station.

 

[jedi]

to more then 1 night at any of the lots unless you have a real good junkier. I use to take the train via east chicagi and hammond daily to go into the city. Both have issues with theft if the car is left for a long time.

Is chicago your final destination and you dont want to park there? When will u be doing this? U can pm if need be.

 

[longbow]

I would not do it. Why not drive the whole distance?

 

[Gabriel]

The Carroll Ave station in Michigan City has surprisingly few issues. They have an overflow lot with a fence around it about a block up the street. That being said, leaving a car for long in any of the South Shore lots isn't a great idea as everyone knows the owner isn't coming back anytime soon.

 

[nate77]

It would be two nights, going up the day after Christmas.

Parking at our hotel, near the magnificent mile is $55.00 a day, plus tolls, plus extra gas, and of course the traffic downtown, is why the train is so attractive.

Economy parking at south bend is $8 per day, and south bend is the closest station to me, straight up 31. $8 per day is worth the piece of mind.

Thanks, everyone.

 

[jedi]

Just be prepared for delays.
The south shore is never on time and if its cold they have frozen lines issues. Best of luck.

 

[repeter1977]

Using East Chicago station, I'd never had problems, but I get there just after 6 and park close well lit area. Not sure on the other stations. Like Jedi said, bad weather, be expecting delays, especially since Metra has priority on the rails.

 

[actaeon277]

It would be two nights, going up the day after Christmas.

Parking at our hotel, near the magnificent mile is $55.00 a day, plus tolls, plus extra gas, and of course the traffic downtown, is why the train is so attractive.

Economy parking at south bend is $8 per day, and south bend is the closest station to me, straight up 31. $8 per day is worth the piece of mind.

Thanks, everyone.

I'm working mids then.
PM me
Depending on the times your talking about, and the dates, I'll let you park on my driveway and I'll drive you to/from the Gary station.

 

[Ballstater98]

I am 2.5 miles away from the Ogden Dunes Station. I might be able to help out depending on date and times as I work days. While my driveway won't work, I probably would be able to get a neighbor that usually has a spot or, you can park on the street on a lighted corner. Other option, if times don't line up, park here and call a cab. Safe neighborhood with many retired neighbors or I wouldn't be here.

PM me if that might work.

 

[Gabriel]

It would be two nights, going up the day after Christmas.

Parking at our hotel, near the magnificent mile is $55.00 a day, plus tolls, plus extra gas, and of course the traffic downtown, is why the train is so attractive.

Economy parking at south bend is $8 per day, and south bend is the closest station to me, straight up 31. $8 per day is worth the piece of mind.

Thanks, everyone.

$8 a night for piece of mind and it's the closest to you seems like a no-brainer to me.

 

[nate77]

Thanks, for the offers, but I wouldn't want to put anyone out.

I just wondered if it was normal, and safe, but it doesn't sound like either.

Thanks again,