Many of the poor reviews of this station come from literally 5+ years ago (many even like 10-12 years) well before the station was remodeled. As someone who moved into this area in the past year or so, I have to say that this station is fairly clean, modern, provides great shade, and is easy to navigate. I usually always enter from the north side of Wilson since I live closer to that side of the street, and there is literally only stairs on that side (which is fine fine for me personally), but if you are handicap, or just have trouble walking up stairs, the bigger entrance across the street on the south side of Wilson would be your entrance/exit. This is a very long station too so you can even enter here from the side of Target/Aldi as well. I love that the Wilson station is a major Purple line stop as well which makes it convenient during rush hour to get to other places quicker than just the Red Line. read more

I don't know if things have improved since the remodel of the Wilson station or if Uptown is a little more balanced in recent years, but I feel safe at the Wilson stop. It's a pretty clean station. It feels very high in the sky and the breeze is nearly constant there, a bit rough in wintery conditions and refreshing the rest of the year. There is an on-demand heated metal shelter on the platform if you're cold. The ramp at the Sunnyside entrance and exit (on the southern end of the station) is a nice option if you're wheeling stuff with you or don't want to deal with stairs or the elevator. The architecture is pleasant with the covered arch over the platform. It feels spacious, functional and comfortable. I like that there are three places to embark or to depart: Sunnyside Avenue, Wilson (south) and Wilson (north side). The Wilson south is kind of the main entrance, with Sunnyside a close second (especially convenient for Truman College, Aldi or Target), and the north as a distant third, though convenient to not have to cross the street or if you're transferring westbound. Safety: a number of transient people hang out at or near the station, but most are just minding their own business, struggling internally. You'll likely see the most between the Sunnyside entrance and the northward path or shortcut leading to Truman College, so keep that in mind if you're feeling unsafe or unsure. Others hang out between Sunnyside and Wilson on Broadway. Again, your own levels of comfort and familiarity will determine your feelings about security. Be aware, undistracted and compassionate, with relaxed intent. Wilson, Wilson, Big station Wilson, Alight or depart I sing Harry Nilsson? Bleh. read more

See all

To be transparent, I've only been using the Wilson CTA station post-renovation. However, it is one of the nicest stations on the line and perhaps one of the cleanest amongst all the CTA line stops. It can still feel a bit sketchy at night, but overall the lighting and the heaters really do a lot to make the Wilson station comfortable. read more

BIG. AIRY. FUZZY WUZZY BLUE SHADE. SPACIOUS. LIGHTS. COMFORTABLE. An exciting mega station that is effectively planned to handle crowds while providing safety. Day lights galore. I look forward to retail. 3 years of construction sounded like eternity. However, the Contractor did an excellent job in planning that they worked hard to establish the essentials. Transition went very well. read more

People keep on dissin' my stop! Okay, seriously, it is pretty gross... it does smell like pee, and chances are good (late at night) that you'll get mugged... but more often than not, you have to go through little hells like this to find a little piece of heaven. Or, um, really cheap produce grocers, and fraking great ribs! Yeah, get over the smell and ignore the crackheads, you can do it... and then check out one of the spots on my Uptown list, most of which are are going to be "locals only", because no one else takes the first step towards finding them! read more

CTA - Wilson Red Line Station - Looking South - Train Stations Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Lovely recently renovated stop by Truman College but it's still an intimidating stop in the middle of the night because of the area. Also, the beautiful architecture still contains disinterested and unhelpful CTA workers. This is useful stop not far from Uptown Pizza and BBQ, the Aragon, Hingwang, Mukase and Longacre. read more

I will add more to this review, once construction is completed, but as for now I get off at this stop in route to Truman College. If I weren't going to Truman College to do school work, this is the last stop I would consider getting off at. I'm always aware of my surroundings when I'm in this area, because there are many people doing un-productive things on Broadway; there have also been shootings in broad daylight. As for CTA Wilson, I like what their doing, and I look forward to seeing it once it is completed, but it still won't change my view of the area; it will still be trash! I haven't really stopped in many of the stores yet, but I did love City Sports; it's located across from the station. read more

See all

***This is probably not the nicest CTA station (it has been under construction for years); it also might appear to be not as safe looking as other CTA stations though I use this station several times throughout the year and have never experienced an issue; despite these improvement opportunities, this station still allows for a quick, convenient and inexpensive way to get around the city*** I'm not sure what the parking situation is in this area, but street parking might be available since this CTA station is located in a fairly residential area. read more

There have been some serious renovations going on for the past year at this station. The platform is very bright now, and everything looks very clean and well taken care of. When they are finished there will be a second platform for the Purple Line. Currently the actual station itself-the historic façade part-is still very much under construction. As for the area that this station is in: please don't listen to the people that make this sound like a war zone. The area is, to be honest, not the safest in Chicago, BUT it's FAR from the worst. Keep your wits about you. It's like any other part of any big city. Don't walk around like you are frightened. It's fine. This station is already looking more beautiful by the day, and that is only going to make it safer. read more

Ugh! So gross. Everything that you read here is true. This station smells like urine. It's dirty and nasty. There are only three turn styles, of which two are usually being used by people trying to figure out if their fare cards have any money left on them. It seems that the same toothless cracked out hooker is always outside this station soliciting customers, but all toothless cracked out hookers look the same to me. If that's your thing, then this is your station. read more

Remember that article the Tribune wrote about sexual harassment at CTA stations? Well, I ALWAYS get harassed here .. albeit, outside (mostly). I guess the authorities can't do much then. The quickest route home from north Chicago is switching from the Red Line to a bus outside Wilson. I used to do this. No longer. Instead, I take the train all the way down to Belmont and switch. That's how much I dislike being at and outside Wilson CTA. Being a petite, Asian girl, it's easy to become prey to anyone who walks or drives by me. At Wilson, I hear unwanted calls and whistles each and every damn time.. I would never, ever venture outside Wilson CTA at night to wait for a bus. It does not feel safe for women. Aside from sexual harassment taken place here (and outside), this train reeks of human urine. Whew! It's very evident on the platform where people have done their business. It's not as bad as New York train stations, but pretty close. Wilson CTA is in need of serious renovation, but also ... security presence. PS: This station is right above a Popeyes, so I hope you enjoy the strong smell of dead birds fried in oil. Gross! read more

Wow, people are really whiny! Yes, this stop is sub-par compared to other stops in the city. But this a big city, bums are going to ask you for cigarettes or money sometimes. Yes, one time a guy showed a buddy of mine his gun on the platform (handgun, people! get your minds out of the gutter), but no harm no foul. I guess I wouldn't really be happy about my girlfriend wandering around this area by herself at night, but then again, she's not retarded and therefore wouldn't do it. Try this, get off here, walk across Broadway and get a slice of pizza from Gigio's. Then walk north on Broadway to get a drink at either the Green Mill or Uptown Lounge. If this is too "gross" or "scary" for you, perhaps rethink your intentions about experiencing life in a big city. read more

It's not safe. Ever. Morning. Noon. Night. Pay attention you your surroundings at all times, as the steady traffic of shady people constantly surround you all hours. Security is there. Quality? Pending. Depends on who gets stuck with the night shift. It's not the stop you should worry about, it's what happens the second you step on the sidewalk and are no longer protected. Holy hell. Here's where you really need to pay close attention.....unless you have an ugly purse you want stolen to justify buying a new one. If ya can, just don't come up here. Well, come to Uptown, I love it. Just get off at Sheridan or the following stop, even if it's inconvenient. The walk and fresh air will do you some good ;) read more

CTA - Wilson Red Line Station - Clean just like the neighborhood :/ - Train Stations Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It's become a game every morning and evening while on my way to and from work to dodge the gigantic spit wads, nasty questionable liquids and of course pee stains on the ground at this station. It is the worst station I have seen, and obviously I am not the only one who views it this way because last year it was voted in The Red Eye as the worst station in Chicago. Now that says a lot, right? The floor is falling apart, it smells like garbage and urine, the stairs look like they have seen better days, the limestone is covered in years of dust and rust, at least 4 days out of 5 you will smell the disgusting fried grease smell of popeyes and haf the time at least one machine is out of order. I just hope they decide to at least re-do the floor, get someone to power-wash the stone, and maybe paint the walls before they open the new Target. I mean if i didn't have to use this station every day for work, I certainly would be put off by this station and probably never go to any place surrounding it. Yes, Lawrence is a tad bit better, but they have problems too. I say renovation is looong over due for this station. Stay away if you can. If not, just do what I do and stare at the ground to avoid eye contact with anyone and hold your nose :) read more

Post Renovations the stop is amazing. It's easy to access, has plenty of seating and walking space and machines in front of you need to refill your card. Overall it's a great stop that gets you where you need to go. read more

Finally, a reason to give something a 1 star rating. This stop is horrid, yes. It smells like pee, etc. We all know this. Don't stop here unless you HAVE to. Even if you have to, stop at another station and walk the extra 20 minutes. I don't think there is much the CTA can do at this point. It's a neighborhood thing. Maybe more lights...better amenities...more security? I dunno. What I do know, I'm tired of being harassed at this stop. I'm tired of being asked for money at this stop. Actually, I was specifically told by a miscreant how much more money he needed and what he needed it for. "Man, I need 15 cent to get me a forty." I sincerely apologized. I never carry any cash. I am going to make sure I have a quarter in my pocket if I ever get off at this stop again. read more

Congrats Wilson stop on being crowned the "crust station" of the CTA. Out of eight lines and a whopping 144 stations, you are the worst! The smell of urine wafts through many of the red line stations and actual train cars themselves. Your one saving grace is that the station is above ground and has the breeze from the lake to blow the stank of pee away. read more

This is no suppose to look like this have CTA even ever clean the train. Spring is a season which many illness would increase and I hope we can pay to have a safety trip from place to place. read more

See all

My 1st one star review and it feels so good to use it on the Wilson Red line stop. I can't believe that I for a second was worried about the man on the ground just past the turn style. Did he fall? Was he okay? NEITHER- he had crawled under to get a free ride and was just getting up as I walked by. I can't say enough horrendous things about this stop. I have actually called the CTA more than once to tell them that they were giving rides away for free. If there is an attendant he lets all the crazies in for free and if the attendant is away selling crack- all of the loonies in this hood pull all kinds of tricks to get a free ride. I'm really hoping that the Target will encourage a rehab. read more

Holy shit. This is no longer the piss stained, to-scared-to-get-off-after 7 pm train station that I remember from a few years back. The new station is brand spanking new, well signed, and very well lit. I would be happy to call this my station now if I lived in uptown! read more

Many people believe that Uptown is caught in the past with little gentrification---except historically, the station was gorgeous in its heyday of being near the Uptown Theatre Entertainment District (don't believe me: http://www.transitchicago.com/assets/1/planning/Wilson_1923_looking_NW_CTA.jpg). It's partially true and a sad reality...and this train station is a reminder of Chicago's dark side. I usually utilize the southside Wilson entrance which always has a line at its two turnstyles. Usually one pass machine is "out of service". The historic station and stairs leading up to the track reek of urine and are full of pigeon feces that causes everyone to be paranoid that they'll present symptoms of Birds Fancier Lung (AKA: Pigeon's Lung) during the next few weeks (it's a real thing: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird_fancier's_lung). I am always extra cognizant of my surroundings looking for stray bullets, getting pick-picketed, being hit on by a sex worker, and avoiding drug deals. Thankfully, after years of winning the CTA's "grungiest station award" by voters, the station is going to be having a fabulous upgrade in the near future! Check it out at: http://www.transitchicago.com/wilson/. As long as the $203 million are spent elsewhere, we look forward to its renovation beginning mid-2013. read more

Wilson is the worst station on the Red Line, and possibly on the entire CTA route. To be fair, there are a few others that are almost as bad (Irving Park Blue, Roosevelt Red, etc.), but I think this has the most potent combination of stench, disrepair, and shady characters. I can't recall a time all of the equipment worked. There's always a turnstile or fare card bending machine out of order, non-working lights, and so-on. From what I hear, safety in - and around - the station is questionable. I've never experienced problems, but I can imagine someone less intimidating could have a hard time. I happen to like the Popeye's Chicken, but that's all them - the CTA doesn't get credit for Popeye's. The only positive thing I can say is that the view from the platform is kind of nice. That said; unless I have to, I'd rather just avoid the Wilson Red Line Station. read more

So, I had an errand to run in Uptown today, and I didn't want to drive on the icy roads. I got off the Red Line at Wilson, and the platform was actually pretty clean. In addition, there was no one outside asking me for money. The freezing rain must have scared all of the sketchy people away. Nothing special, but nothing bad either. 3 stars/5 read more

I like the Ventra machines. It's brand new and disgustingly filthy already. The vomit, urine, spit, beverage spills, gum wads that you see when you look down are nauseating. It needs to be maintained better, mopped more, something. It's very inconvenient not knowing if the construction will cause street closure on Wilson and reroute your bus. read more

See all

This place needs a bath. No, scratch that.. this place needs to be completely rehabbed. Wilson Red Line Station: You stink. Bad. If I didn't live somewhat close to you, I would avoid you at all cost. When buying a place in the area, one of the big negatives, was you. I want you to get better. Give me a call and let me know if I can do anything else, because that pine tree air freshener I left you isn't working. read more

I have to review this train station because it reeks! It just screams despair, dread, disgust, disease, disaster, danger and, well, you get the point. It's filthy and I feel faint walking up those stairs. I am glad that there is a stop at Wilson, especially since I have found a few gems within walking distance, but damn! I need the CTA to get it together! And fast! read more

I get a kick out of the fact that the one guy who thinks the Wilson Red Line stop isn't so bad---apparently lives in Lincoln Square. I'm guessing he doesn't come east just to use this stop for his public transportation needs. We KNOW it's the big-city; we live in it, use this particular stop, and deal on a daily basis with the fine clientele that calls Broadway & Wilson home. Living in Lincoln Square and taking the Brown Line to work would be a snap compared to this. My girlfriend lived on Argyle, and while she didn't give her stop a 2nd thought, she hated using the Wilson stop. Face it, it's a necessary evil, no more, no less. read more

As a rule, I never give less than three stars to a transit stop because they do get me from place to place. Yet if I weren't so steadfast, I would probably dip below for this stop. Wilson is dirty and sketchy. If you can, walk North to Lawrence... it's not far away. read more

Of course it's repugnant, putrid, and totally intolerable for most people... yet I bet that you stingy yuppies will still take the CTA instead of finally realizing who the proper customers are and should be (poor college students and the underclass). I wish this type of hypocrisy would end. You chose to live in Chicago, and the city's deficiences are numerous and growing, so at least let pay a few hundred dollars a month and take cabs. read more

Why can't we give zero stars? The platform is small, the whole station is dirty, it stinks, and it's just kind of depressing. The last time I was there, both gates on Wilson were out of order. If I had to get on the el every day for work, well, I wouldn't. You do see some interesting people though, some interesting in a good way and some not. Maybe the stop itself just brings out the anger in some folks. read more

Out of curiosity I looked at some older reviews. Seems like even 3 years ago when Target opened, there was hope this CTA station would be remodeled. Apparently there's no hope remaining. Normally I would not walk around that area of uptown at night. But we had gone to Target and ended up having to leave my car in the parking garage (as it decided to stop working.) Walked to the Wilson stop. This place is disgusting. It is dark and dreary and looks abandoned. There is garbage and filth all around. Anybody could be hiding in any corner of this place and they would be well concealed. How can the CTA let this place operate under these conditions? Why isn't something being done? Why is there no security? I feel the CTA is libel for anything that goes wrong here. i would recommend no one ever enter here alone. read more

This used to be my stop, so I have some nostalgia about this stop. But there is too much human poop on the stairs to give it more than one star. read more

Probably the most disgusting filthy stop on all the lines, beyond unsafe it's the place to go to get robbed! Smell like urine and has for over 15years! The cta staff refuse to leave their cage for any reason no matter what is happening right before their eyes!! No handicap access what so ever and being next to a city collage that is ridiculous... This dump of an excuse has the noble honor of being voted the worst el station in the city not once,not twice, but three years in a row! The city and the cta ignore this station like a red headed step child. When we moved into the "HOOD" in 1995 the city and cta unveiled their plans for complete remodel yet it's 2011 and nothing has been done. read more