Chicago, IL Attractions

 Area Attractions:   http://www.choosechicago.com

Millenium Park

Millennium Park boasts one of the most impressive collections of public art in the world. When you're strolling through this green space, make sure to have your camera ready.

Renowned British artist Anish Kappo's first public, outdoor work installed in the United States is Cloud Gate (a.k.a. "The Bean").  Shaped like a seamless oval and made from highly polished stainless steel plates, the structure provides a distorted reflection of the city skyline and mirrors gawking visitors. The 12-foot-high arch at the structures base provides a "gate" for park lovers to walk and take pictures under.

Measuring 66 feet long and standing more than 30 feet high, Cloud Gate is one of the largest sculptures of its kind in the world.

Navy Pier

You can't truly experience Chicago without a trip to Navy Pier. This 50-acre playground of entertainment, museums, activities, restaurants, and shops is the perfect place for some family fun time.

First on the list is a trip to Pier Park for a ride on the 150-foot Ferris wheel, which offers great city and Lake Michigan views and is open year-round. Also check out the whimsical musical carousel, Wave Swinger lift-and-twirl ride, miniature golf course, remote control boats, and more.

During the warmer months, it's prime time for the Pier's boating season. Get off the shores and board one of the many sightseeing and dining boat cruises. Take your pick of vessel, all lined up along the waterfront, from Seadog and Shoreline to The Odyssey. The views of Navy Pier and the Chicago skyline can't be beat.               

Chicago River Walk

Eat, drink and play along Chicago's new Riverwalk. The six-block expansion project should be complete by the end of 2016.   The pedestrian-friendly stretch is perfect for a mid-day waterside break or a romantic date night stroll.

Hit the Island Party Hut Tiki Bar for live island music, grilled eats and refreshing Riverwalk Ramblers and Margaritas. Book a charter on an Island Party Boat and chill on the upper deck or whoosh down the water slide for a swim in the lake.

Head to the Fishing Pier and cast a line. That's right - downtown fishing (with a proper fishing license) is encouraged!

Bird watcher? The amount of urban feathered flocking that happens here is astounding. Spot mallards, ring-billed and herring gulls, rock pigeons, American robins and European starlings swooping among skyscrapers. The people watching isn't bad either.

Shedd Aquarium

Like no other aquarium in the world - Shedd combines the best of early 20th-century “age of aquariums” characteristics—a diverse, global animal collection surrounded by eye-popping architecture—with 21st-century advances in animal care, environments and interpretation. Excellence and innovation are Shedd traditions, and they began with the founder.

Mr. Shedd’s gift - John G. Shedd wanted to give back to the city in which he had risen from stock boy to president of department store giant Marshall Field & Company. Because every great city in the United States and Europe had a fine aquarium, he decided that Chicago must have the biggest and best.           

Field Museum

From dinosaurs and mummies to exclusive special exhibitions, you'll never run out of things to explore at The Field Museum.  Just a few of the exhibits include…..

SUE the T.rex – An up-close encounter with the largest, most complete T.rex ever discovered!

Inside Ancient Egypt – Decend into an ancient Egyptian tomb and marvel at the Midwest’s largest collections of mummies.

Grainger Hall of Gems – Admire the beauty of exquisite rare jewels and gold objects from around the world.

The Tsavo Lions – Witness the amazing story behind Africa’s notorious man-eating lions of Tsavo.

Grant Park

Proudly referred to as Chicago's "front yard," Grant Park is a public park, 319 acres located in Chicago’s central business district in the Loop Community area.  Grant Park’s most notable features include Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum Campus. Named for United States President and Civil War General, Ulysses S. Grant, Grant Park was developed as one of Chicago's first parks and expanded through land reclamation. The park was the focus of several disputes in the late 1800s and early 1900s over open space use. It is bordered on the north by Randolph Street, on the south by Roosevelt Road, on the west by Michigan Avenue and on the east by Lake Michigan. The park contains performance venues, gardens, art work, sporting, and harbor facilities. It hosts public gatherings, and several large annual events.       

Magnificent Mile

Any shopping adventure in Chicago should begin with the granddaddy of all Chicago retail: The Magnificent Mile. This cosmopolitan, history-packed section of Michigan Avenue teems with shopping, dining, and entertainment treasures that make any vacation unforgettable.

The Mag Mile's history dates back to 1871 when the Great Chicago Fire sent the city up in smoke. Miraculously, the flames spared the Water Tower and Pumping Station, which still stand as reminders of the structures that once lined this now famous street. Michigan Avenue is also punctuated by the neogothic Wrigley Building and Chicago Tribune Tower, as well as the John Hancock Center, Chicago's fourth tallest building with postcard-worthy views from its 94th floor observatory.

Of course, shopping is no fun on an empty stomach. Get your fill without having to go far at Magnificent Mile restaurants. Water Tower Place takes mall food to the next level, with M Burger, the 14 kitchens at foodlife and the Foodease market. On and near Michigan Avenue, you can keep it casual with Bar Toma, go farm fresh at Harvest, dig in at Shaw's Crab House or visit a Chicago classic, The Cape Cod Room at The Drake Hotel. NoMI Kitchen and The Signature Room at the 95th both offer stellar views overlooking Michigan Avenue's grand expanse, while The Purple Pig is just steps from the hustle and bustle. And if it's fine dining that you desire, Spiaggia is the only four-star Italian restaurant in Chicago.

Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise

Experience the “top tour in Chicago and one of the top ten tours in the U.S.” according to TripAdvisor users. The Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise is a must for out-of-towners and Chicagoans alike. CAF-certified volunteer tour guides—called docents—interpret more than 50 buildings along the Chicago River. You’ll find out how Chicago grew from a small settlement into one of the world’s largest cities in less than 100 years. In 90 minutes, get the real story on Chicago architecture and its history.

Art Institute of Chicago

Home to renowned masterpieces — in addition to the third largest collection of art in the country and new groundbreaking exhibits each year — you'll find yourself steeped in art history and education with an event calendar filled with hundreds of insightful gallery talks, films, lectures and performances.

The Art Institute of Chicago boasts such an immersive experience, the cultural attraction was recognized as one of TripAdvisor's top three museums in the world in 2013, 2014 & 2015. 

Navigate your way through approximately 300,000 works spanning the globe and ranging from ancient to modern. With so much to see and do for families and arts enthusiasts of all ages, use the online and downloadable maps, guides and apps to help navigate, plan your visit and even narrate your own tour.