Chicago Midway International Airport is much more than a place to catch a flight. From local dining favorites and immersive art to family-friendly spaces and relaxing lounges, Midway delivers an only-in-Chicago experience. Whether you have a short layover or extra time before boarding, the airport’s growing lineup of amenities, entertainment, and attractions makes it easy to turn travel time into part of the travel adventure.
White Sox mural
Baseball fans can celebrate Chicago White Sox milestones and the legendary players featured in the eye-catching South Side Pride mural. View the vinyl installation by artist Zissou Tasseff-Elenkoff on the pedway connecting Midway to the CTA Orange Line train station. Created in partnership with the Chicago Department of Aviation and the White Sox, the artwork adds a dose of hometown spirit to the terminal experience. The 13,600-square-foot mural highlights over 125 seasons of baseball while offering travelers memorable photo ops.
Gameway
Need a break between flights? Gameway turns wait time into playtime with a video gaming lounge near Gate A5 at Midway. Travelers can reserve sanitized Xbox, PlayStation, and PC gaming stations equipped with high-quality headphones to play popular games such as Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Madden. The space is designed for both solo players and groups, making it a fun option for families, teens, and gaming enthusiasts.
The Original Mr. Beef
The Original Mr. Beef, an iconic Chicago sandwich spot in River North, brings its legendary menu to Midway near Gate B14. Mr. Beef serves Italian beef, sausage, and combo sandwiches (dipped or dry), giving travelers a delicious taste of a local culinary tradition before departing the city. Fans of The Bear TV show may recognize the name, but the restaurant has been rooted in Chicago for nearly 50 years.
Midway lounge
Travelers looking to recharge can relax in style at The Club MDW, the airport’s first passenger lounge, located in the Central Market at Gate B1. All travelers can access the lounge by purchasing a day pass for $50 or using a membership program such as Priority Pass. Designed with modern amenities and a welcoming atmosphere, the lounge offers comfortable seating, workspaces with charging stations, complimentary food and drinks, and views of the airfield through floor-to-ceiling windows. The space reflects Chicago’s architectural history while offering a calm retreat from the bustling terminal.
Airport art
Midway’s public art program brings creativity and culture to the travel journey. Throughout the airport — in ticketing, security, pedways, and other areas — travelers discover murals, sculptures, photography, and installations that celebrate Chicago’s neighborhoods, diversity, and artists. The rotating exhibits and permanent displays offer glimpses into the city’s cultural identity.
Kids Play Area
Families traveling through Midway will appreciate the airport’s kid-friendly play space near Gate A5. Young travelers can burn off energy before boarding in the colorful Kids Play Area that offers a safe, carpeted, engaging environment. Children can climb, explore, and play during layovers or delays, while the adults relax in comfy seats.
Yoga Room
Whether you want to ease travel stress or are simply looking to recharge mentally and physically, stop by Midway’s Yoga Room in Concourse C. The quiet space offers room to stretch, meditate, or practice yoga. Soft lighting and a serene, wellness-focused atmosphere create a sense of relaxation amid the busy terminal environment.
Battle of Midway Memorial exhibit
History takes center stage at the Battle of Midway Memorial exhibit, which honors the airport’s namesake and the pivotal World War II naval battle in the Pacific. The exhibit features historical displays and informative materials that offer travelers insight into the battle’s significance and its impact on American history. Located within the Concourse A Hall, the exhibit is an educational stop for aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious visitors alike, adding context to the airport’s heritage.
Entertainment
Midway Airport keeps it lively year-round with entertainment and performances that surprise and delight travelers. During busy travel periods, visitors may encounter live music, dancers, family-friendly programming, DJs, balloon artists, and other performers throughout the airport, especially near the Battle of Midway exhibit and Central Market areas. The performances create a festive atmosphere, adding a sense of fun to the airport experience.
Interfaith chapel
Midway offers a chapel that provides a peaceful, interfaith space for prayer, meditation, or simply taking a few calming moments during a busy day of travel. If you’re beginning a meaningful trip, navigating a long layover, or looking for a break from the terminal’s energy, locate the chapel on the Mezzanine Level of Concourse C. Inside, you’ll find prayer books, prayer rugs, rosaries, and other worship materials.
Midway Central Market
Midway Central Market, at the intersection of Concourses A and B, serves as the airport’s dining and gathering hub, bringing together a variety of food, beverages, and retail options in one convenient space. Inspired by Chicago’s diverse culinary scene, the Market features local flavors alongside traveler favorites, creating a comfortable place to refuel and relax before a flight.
Learn about more things to see and do while traveling through Chicago Midway International Airport.
