Nearby Attractions

There is plenty to see and do in Chicago. Here are just a few suggestions (for more information visit Explore Chicago):

Lakefront and Navy Pier

Twenty-nine miles of lakefront parks and beaches provide the perfect setting for outdoor activities such as swimming, beach volleyball, cycling, rollerblading, sunbathing, picnicking, golfing and jogging. The free-admission Lincoln Park Zoo, Buckingham Fountain and magnificent outdoor sculptures are among the attractions located in Chicago’s parks.

Navy Pier is Chicago’s playground on the lakefront. Take a ride on the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel or board a Lake Michigan boat cruise for a spectacular view of Chicago’s world-famous skyline. Don’t miss Navy Pier’s Crystal Gardens, large-screen IMAX theater and Skyline Stage.

Tours and Sightseeing

As the birthplace of the modern building and home to three of the world’s tallest skyscrapers, Chicago is a living museum of architecture. Explore the buildings designed by architectural geniuses including Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Helmut Jahn on an architectural or sightseeing tour of the city. Tours of Chicago are available by foot, by bus and by boat. The Chicago Architecture Foundation offers more than 50 tours of the city’s architectural landmarks.

Performing Arts

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago are among the world-class performing arts organizations offering a wide range of entertainment options to Chicagoans and visitors alike. Chicago’s theater community presents diverse and innovative performances at dozens of venues. Visit the Hot Tix Ticket Centers located at 78 W. Randolph Street and inside the Water Tower at 163 E. Pearson Avenue, for half-price day-of-performance theater tickets.

Museums

Chicago is world renowned for its amazing collection of museums. Most are open everyday, some offer free admission and many have weekly free days. Visitors to Chicago should plan to spend a day at the Museum Campus. The family friendly park-like atmosphere conveniently joins the Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, and The Field Museum at Roosevelt Road and the Lake.

The Outdoors Indoors

For a year-round burst of greenery and flowers in bloom, visit one of Chicago’s nature conservatories such as the Lincoln Park Conservatory or the Garfield Park Conservatory. Conservatories serve as showplaces for exotic plants as well as research and education centers for botanists, ecologists, conservationists and anyone interested in the natural world. Travel green to your leafy destination. All of these locations are accessible by public transportation.