Michigan Avenue, popularly referred to as “The Magnificent Mile,” provides breathtaking scenery for an afternoon walk. Take Instagram-worthy snaps from 360 Chicago or brave the edge of “The Ledge” for unparalleled views from more than 1,000 feet up!
Millennium Park stands out as an oasis of whimsical public art, while Shedd Aquarium provides visitors with a captivating aquatic encounter experience. And then there is the Field Museum with its collection of unparalleled objects. And you can always visit so many incredible Chicago churches along the way.
Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield Zoo encourages people to care about wildlife and nature every day. Established in 1934, this zoo provides visitors with a wealth of attractions and events designed to engage all types of visitors.
Tropic World, an exquisite indoor rainforest, allows visitors to come face-to-face with western lowland gorillas and watch spider monkeys swing from their tails above walkways. Furthermore, endangered snow leopards, Amur tigers, and African lions can be seen living freely within its confines.
The zoo offers interactive play areas for children, handcarved wooden carousels, picnic areas and special summer nights programs where visitors can indulge in gourmet dining and drinks while taking in nature’s sights and sounds.
Adler Planetarium
Built in 1930, the Adler Planetarium was one of the earliest planetariums in Western Hemisphere. Established by Max Adler – an early investor of Sears Roebuck – and assembled with civic leaders as part of Chicago’s Museum Campus, today its collections and educational offerings make it one of the city’s premier attractions.
The Adler Gallery houses more than 400 years’ worth of historic artifacts that date back over 400 years, including items as old as Mesopotamian terracotta lions whose symbolism has long been seen as constellations and an astrolabe used to help sailors navigate by using star navigation systems.
Kids can sing along to Sesame Street characters Big Bird and Elmo during a star show, while teens can discover scientific achievements once considered “Moonshots”. Additionally, The Adler partners with community artists and schools for projects like its Moonshot Mural which celebrates accomplishments once considered impossible (like landing on the moon). Furthermore, wheelchair accessibility and ample parking make the Adler an attractive visit.
Field Museum
The Field Museum is one of the world’s premier natural history museums and home to an astonishing collection of 24 million objects, providing visitors with an opportunity to witness Earth’s 4.6 billion year evolution as well as explore cultures across its expanse.
Illinois residents can take advantage of free admission days while the Discovery Pass gives basic admission as well as tickets to 3D films or special exhibitions.
At this museum, children can explore Grainger Science Hub where they can make DNA discoveries on their own or assist scientists with research projects. Or try their luck at taxidermy in Carl Akeley Hall of Wildlife Art or release energy through PlayLab!
Wrigley Field
Chicago baseball fans know that no visit to Chicago would be complete without visiting Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. From watching an exciting game or simply experiencing its timeless magic, Wrigley Field offers something for all visitors. There is plenty to do here!
Start off your visit by admiring the various tributes to legendary players of the team. Ernie Banks stands near Clark Street’s main entrance; Ron Santo’s statue can be found near Waveland Avenue bleachers; while sportscaster Harry Caray’s eyeglasses can be seen near Sheffield and Addison streets.
Winter brings with it Gallagher Way’s annual transformation into a festive holiday village featuring snow-covered carousels, an ice skating rink, Wintertube ice slides and carnival games – plus this year a Christmas market offering German vendors as well as Gluhwein mulled wine!
The Chicago Theater
At one time, The Chicago Theatre was known for both movie watching and jazz performances. On Syncopation Week you could witness jazz bands performing and hear a Wurlitzer organ solo before each featured movie was shown. Through acts like Jack Benny, Ethel Waters, Cab Calloway, Judy Garland and Tommy Dorsey the theater managed to survive talkies and the Great Depression.
Today, the theater stands as a National Historic Landmark with an off-white glazed terra-cotta facade that draws visitors in from the street. Take a tour and learn more about its fascinating history – such as its grand lobby and staircase designed after Versailles and Paris Opera House!