Chicago, or the “Windy City,” as it is affectionately known, is located on the western beaches of Lake Michigan. This city, which is known for its thriving arts scene, various cultural attractions, superb shopping, and unique architecture, draws people from all over the world, including the United States.
A global reputation as a focal point of twentieth-century architecture and art has been established by architects such as Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright, and painters such as Picasso, Miró, Dubuffet, and Chagall who have all left their imprint on Chicago.
Furthermore, the city has a lot to offer in terms of sports, with the Chicago Bears representing American football, the Chicago White Sox and Cubs representing baseball, and the Chicago Bulls representing basketball.
Finally, but certainly not least, are the lovely beaches that extend down the shoreline and draw hundreds of sun-seekers throughout the summer months. When to visit Chicago may be determined by your interests, especially if you are going for sports or cultural events, but the ideal season to visit is from spring through autumn due to the favorable weather conditions. See our list of the best attractions and things to do in Chicago for a more in-depth look at what to see and do in the city.
Adler Planetarium
The Adler Planetarium is a world apart from the ones that most children get to see on school excursions, and people of all ages will enjoy the presentations and extensive displays that it has to offer. The Adler Planetarium, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, takes pride in being the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, having opened its doors in 1930.
The planetarium is comprised of two dome theaters, each of which presents a different performance each night, including explorations of the night sky above Chicago, the solar system, and the moon. A broad collection of displays covers a wide range of themes, including life on other planets, meteors and meteorites, space exploration, the history of scientific disciplines, and even the history of astrology. There is also a large number of interactive exhibits.
Several exhibitions highlight the achievements of disadvantaged groups, such as women, Latinos, and LGBTQ+ astronomers, among other things.
A special mention should be made of an outstanding display that examines the significance of Islamic astronomers’ contributions and the ways in which their studies influenced the religion and the rest of the globe. Aside from that, there are collections of relics from the history of astronomy, such as several antique and old sundials, as well as telescopes, on display. During your visit, be sure to allow enough time for the Skyline Walk, which runs around the edge of the park and is the greatest site to take shots of the city skyline short of taking a boat trip.
Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs, was erected in 1914 and is the second-oldest Major League Baseball stadium in the United States, behind only Fenway Park in Boston in terms of years of service.
In addition to the 1917 no-hitter pitched by the Cubs’ Jim Vaughn and the Reds’ Fred Toney, the stadium has seen several iconic events in baseball history, notably Babe Ruth’s “called shot” during game three of the 1932 World Series. Tours of the ballpark are available throughout the season, and you will be able to see the press box, the field, and the dugouts if there is no game scheduled that day.
Buckingham Fountain
The Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain, which was built in 1927 as a gift from the Buckingham family, is one of the biggest fountains in the world. The center fountain, which is designed in the distinctive Art Deco style of the time period, is encircled by four seahorses, which symbolize the four states that border Lake Michigan. Every hour, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., the fountain erupts into life, ejecting 15,000 gallons of water via roughly 200 nozzles per minute to produce an imposing spectacle.
Following sunset, the water display is enhanced by lighting, making it a must-see if you are in the vicinity at that time of day. The fountain serves as the main point of Grant Park, a sprawling public area in Chicago that incorporates several attractions and smaller parks such as Millennium Park, which is similar to Central Park in New York City and one of the city’s most popular attractions.
Museum Campus, which includes the Field Museum of Natural History, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium, is one of the park’s most popular tourist attractions. Aside from the gardens and recreational amenities, Grant Park is also the site of many events, such as music and culinary festivals, throughout the year.
Art Institute Of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is a world-class museum with hundreds of thousands of pieces of art on display throughout the building. There are items in the collection that date back thousands of years and are created in a range of mediums such as painting and printmaking as well as photography and sculpture. There are also pieces in the collection that include ornamental arts and textiles as well as architectural drawings.
Paintings by Georges Seurat and Paul Renoir, as well as works by Claude Monet, are among the highlights of the Institute’s collection of impressionist and post-Impressionist works. Among the works on display is A Sunday Afternoon on La Grande Jatte (1884), Acrobats at the Cirque Fernando (1879), and A Sunday Afternoon on La Grande Jatte (1884).
The main structure, designed by Shepley, Rutan, and Coolidge in the beaux-arts style for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, was completed in time for the event. Over the years, many more buildings have been constructed, and the complex now has 400,000 square feet of space. It is located at 111 South Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. Close to North Michigan Avenue and the Mesopotamian gallery which is an open space and has a ton of interactive displays. Also, another honorable mention is Chicago children’s museum and the Jay Pritzker pavilion with the glass box.
Lakefront Trail
While the Chicago River flows through the center of the city, along to Lake Michigan’s shoreline, it is most known for the enormous number of moveable bridges that cross it. In less than two miles, there are 18 bridges, each of which has the capability of allowing big boats to pass through safely.
The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum provides visitors with an up-close look at the mechanics of one of the city’s most iconic bridges, allowing them to actually see the gears turn as the bridge glides across the city.
In addition to several eating choices and special events held throughout the year, the Riverwalk is the starting point for multiple river excursions and cruises that leave from various locations across town.
The completely paved Lakefront Trail, which stretches 18 miles from 71st Street on the South Side to Ardmore Street on the North Side, provides stunning views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan.
In addition to being accessible to walkers and people-powered wheels, the path is bordered by parks and gardens, recreational places, and beaches. Many of the city’s most popular attractions, like as Navy Pier, Lincoln Park, and Soldier Field, are situated along the path. Honorable mentions here include the Chicago Water Tower and the various river tours offered.
Shedd Aquarium
If you’re curious about what kind of aquatic life may be found just offshore from downtown Chicago’s Lake Michigan, stop visit the Shedd Aquarium for a look. On the inside, you’ll find displays that span aquatic locations all around the globe, from Alaska to the Caribbean.
If you’re traveling with little children, the Polar Play Zone is a must-see stop on your itinerary. Children may dress up in their favorite animal costumes, go on a pretend submarine adventure, and even get up and personal with sea stars. The Stingray touch tank is another popular attraction for youngsters of all ages. There are hundreds of interested stingrays in this large tank, and they like being rubbed and handled.
Lincoln Park Zoo
A visit to the Lincoln Park Zoo is yet another entertaining activity for families in Chicago to enjoy. The zoo is home to more than 200 different animals from all over the globe. Throughout the museum, sixteen distinct exhibitions highlight the magnificent species with whom we share our planet. Penguins, otters, and seals are just a few of the species that are very fascinating. Visit the Regenstein Center for African Apes if you want to have a very intriguing experience.
However, the zoo is more than simply a location to observe animals; it is also one of the greatest spots in Chicago to witness spectacular flower displays. Every year, the gardening staff takes care of more than 2,000 distinct plants representing 1,200 different varieties.
The Rookery Building
The Rookery Building was constructed by architects Daniel Burnham and John Root in 1888, but it was modified by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1907, resulting in the interior lobby and patio that we see today. The façade of this 12-story structure is a mix of Roman Revival and Queen Anne styles, but it is the central light court and the ornate ironwork of the exquisite staircases that are the actual highlights of the building’s architectural design.
The Rookery, so-called because of the high number of pigeons that visited the structure, is a National Historic Landmark that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Frank Lloyd Wright Trust offers guided tours of the building as well as other Wright-designed structures, such as the Robie House in Hyde Park and the Bach House in New York City.
Chicago Theater
It’s difficult to miss this gorgeous Chicago landmark, thanks to the theater’s recognizable sign and its stunning façade. The Arc de Triomphe in Paris inspired the design of the front of the building, which has stained glass and an extravagant neon sign. The structure was completed in 1921.
The interior is designed in the style of French Baroque architecture, which was influenced by the Palace of Versailles. Guests will be greeted by a palatial lobby with intricate decorations and a sweeping staircase before entering the massive theater, which stands seven floors tall. Even if you don’t have time to attend a performance, you should stop by or organize a tour to have a closer look at the venue. Honorable mention includes the Chicago Shakespeare Theater and the 103rd floor Lurie garden on the observation deck in Marina city.
The theater today showcases a range of stage performances by prominent artists, ranging from comedians to musicians, in a comfortable and intimate setting. If you want a more private setting, try out The Second City on North Wells Street, which hosts regular live comedy performances.
This stage has hosted many notable comedy performances, including those by Tina Fey, Bill Murray, Steve Carrell, and many more, during their early careers. One hundred seventy-five North State Street in Chicago, Illinois. Honorable mention here includes visiting the Chicago riverwalk or the Skydeck Chicago for astonishing views. One of the best places to visit, and the best time to visit and embark on a historic carousel is always!
Maggie Daley Park
Also worth seeing is the lovely Maggie Daley Park, which is located inside the Loop and connects to Millennium Park by a pedestrian bridge.
A family-friendly destination with playgrounds, picnic spots, and beautiful green spaces, it even has climbing walls and a mini-golf course to keep the whole family entertained while they’re there. The Maggie Daley Park, was re-imagined, re-designed, and re-opened in 2015 in honor of the former first lady of the city, was re-opened in 2015.
With the addition of the animal-themed Watering Hole, which sits between the boats of the Harbor and the winding paths of the Enchanted Forest, there are now six-play spaces for children to explore. Honorable mentions include also the Willis Tower Skydeck, the Tribune Tower, and the museum of science and industry. All are worth visiting. Alternatively, you can visit the Wrigley building or enjoy hot dogs on a clear day near the Crown fountain. All count as awesome activities.
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