University Village luggage storage

About University Village

Also known as Little Italy, University Village is on the western side of Chicago in Illinois. Early on, the village was about 90% Italian immigrants, which is where it got the name Little Italy. However, it is now one of the most diverse communities in the country. The streets are lined with brownstones, two-flats, and condos as well as Greystone buildings. Tucked in between, you can find dozens of interesting shops, restaurants, and bars. Much of the cuisine is Italian, but street vendors sell all kinds of delights like Chicago hot dogs, pizza, and polish sausages. 

Although the village is small, there are about a dozen parks to enjoy. Take a walk through Addams Medill Park on 14th Street, Sheridan Park on South Aberdeen Street, and Arrigo Park on South Loomis Street. The University of Illinois at Chicago takes up most of the northeastern corner of University Village and has a lot of student-related activities like bars, sports clubs, and cafés. But most of the fun is found on Taylor Street where you can discover delis and pizzerias, as well as unique shops and boutiques. The architecture along the street is legendary, with many of the buildings built in the late 1800s. 

Fun Fact: Little Italy was featured as the hometown in the novel Paper Fish by Tina De Rosa in 1980.  

Things to do at University Village

In every city, there are always major attractions that you cannot miss. But many people miss the unique spots that are not as well known as the others. Check out some of these spots that we suggest. 

• Visit the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame on North Clybourn Avenue
• Go see the Hull House Museum on South Halsted Street where Jane Addams started the settlement house movement
• Get a shaved ice lemonade at Mario’s Italian Lemonade on West Taylor Street
• Check out Nevermore Park on West 16th Street where you can see Flyboy and Lil Mama
• Take a Chariot tour at Chicago Chariot on South Michigan Avenue
• Visit the marine creatures at Shedd Aquarium on South Lakeshore Drive
• Get a selfie with Christopher Columbus at Arrigo Park on South Loomis Street
• See the city from 1,353 feet in the air from the Skydeck on South Wacker Road

Transit Options Near University Village

• CTA Subway Blue, Pink, Green, and Orange Lines 
• Bus routes 8, 37, 157
• Rideshare Apps
• Taxicab

Luggage Storage Near University Village

We are also frequent travelers. We've had the problem of what to do with our bags while venturing about town. We came up with Bounce, where you can leave your luggage for safekeeping while you go check out recommended attractions, do some shopping, and whatever else you want to do. Just download the Bounce app and book your bags at our most convenient location before dropping them off to have some fun. Locals can also benefit from our service. If you don’t want to go home after work, drop your bags off with one of our partners and go out for the evening. 

Luggage Storage Options Near University Village

You cannot bring your luggage with you to many of the attractions in and around University Village, and why would you want to? Nobody likes having to drag around their bags while they shop, eat, and explore. We have many affiliates nearby who will keep your things safe as long as you need. 

Luggage Storage Near Chicago Riverwalk

Just under 10 minutes from University Village on East Lower Wacker Drive, the Chicago Riverwalk is a bustling and exciting place to be all year long. The Chicago Riverwalk spans from the Franklin-Orleans Street Bridge to the Dusable Harbor. Head to the Water Plaza between Wells and La Salle Streets to rent a cycle boat or water taxi. See the River Theater just past the Marshall Suloway Bridge, the Heald Square Monument between State and Wabash Streets, and the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum at Michigan Avenue. Don’t miss the plethora of food and drink options along the way like O’Brien’s Riverwalk Café, Twisted Eggroll, Tiny Tapp & Café, and the Beat Kitchen on the Riverwalk. Stop by Gordo’s Homemade Ice Cream or Sweet Home Gelato for dessert. Leave your bags with one of our partner locations to walk, eat, shop, and enjoy it all hands-free. 

Luggage Storage Near the Museum of Contemporary Art

The renowned art museum on East Chicago Avenue is about 16 minutes from University Village. They have more than 2,500 artworks from the 1920s to the present from all over the world. It started as an art hall in 1964 but opened to the public in 1967 on East Ontario Street. After becoming popular, they moved to their new building, where they are housed in the site of the Illinois National Guard Armory. The collection of artwork varies from time to time. It features different exhibits and themes like the Atrium Project: Ad Minoliti, Carolina Caycedo: From the Bottom of the River, The Location of Lines, and much more. And their Chicago Works exhibits feature a new local artist every season. If you get hungry, stop by the Marisol for some burgers, sandwiches, or salad. But don’t bring your bags. Our Bounce affiliates nearby will hang onto them for you. 

Luggage Storage Near the Lincoln Park Zoo 

If you like animals, check out the Lincoln Park Zoo about 20 minutes away on North Clark Street. This large zoo has dozens of sections like the Birds of Prey, McCormick Bird House, Kovler Sea Lion Pool, and the Regenstein Small Mammal and Reptile Center. From the Aardvark to the Zebra Tilapia, you can see over 160 species. The African Painted Dogs are amazing to watch as they play like regular domestic dogs, and the Eastern Black Rhinoceros is a stunning creature. There are several types of monkeys and other primates to watch at the Helen Brach Primate House and Regenstein Center for African Apes. They have four large cafés where you can grab some food and an ice cream shop nearby for dessert. And don’t forget to stop at the gift shop for souvenirs. Grab your camera from your suitcase before leaving it at one of our Bounce locations nearby.