Tourist Attractions in Chicago
Chicago , the “ Windy City ” as it be often yell , lie in along the shore of Lake Michigan . Known for its vibrant art scenery , numerous ethnic attraction , excellent shopping , and interesting architecture , this city pull in visitors from the US and around the ball .
Chicago love a universal reputation as a focal point of 20th-century architecture and art , with architect such as Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright , and artist like Picasso , Mirõ , Dubuffet , and Chagall go out their score .
The city as well make a lot to extend in the sporting sphere , too , with the Chicago Bears in American football , the Chicago White Sox and Cubs in baseball , and the Chicago Bulls in basketball .
Last , but not least , are the beautiful beach that stretch along the waterfront , pull in throngs of sun seekers in the summer .
Deciding when to visit Chicago may depend on your interests , in particular if you equal coming for sports or ethnic events , but leap until fall is the best time for weather .
For a complete look at places to visit , see our list of the top attractions and things to make in Chicago .
- Visit the Art Institute of Chicago
- Walk through Millennium Park
- Stroll around Navy Pier
- Reach for the Stars at Adler Planetarium
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Learn the View from the Willis Tower SkyDeck
- Watch the Water Show at Buckingham Fountain
- 360 Chicago
- Field Museum of Natural History
- Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile
- Take a Tour or See a Game at Wrigley Field
- Lincoln Park
- Shedd Aquarium
- Lincoln Park Zoo
- Chicago Riverwalk and Lakefront Trail
- Oriental Institute Museum
- The Rookery Building
- Enjoy a Display in Style at the Chicago Theater
- Map of Tourist Attractions in Chicago
- Well Time of Year to Visit Chicago
Visit the Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is a universe class museum with hundreds of thousands of artworks . The various collection span thousand of yr and includes pieces from a variety of medium including painting , prints , photography , sculpture , decorative arts , material , architectural drawings and more .
The Institute cost know for its collection of impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings including Georges Seurat ‘s 1884A Sunday Afternoon on La Grande Jatte, Renoir ‘s 1879Acrobats at the Cirque Fernando ,and numerous picture by Claude Monet .
The chief building , design by Shepley , Rutan , and Coolidge in beaux-arts style , live work up for the 1893 World ‘s Columbian Exposition . Several early buildings own been added on over the year and today the complex measures 400,000 square foot .
Address : 111 South Michigan Avenue , Chicago , Illinois
Walk through Millennium Park
Millennium Park equalpiece of the larger Grant Park, located in downtown Chicago surround by Michigan Avenue to the west , Columbus Drive to the east , Randolph Street to the north , and Monroe Street to the south . Its centerpiece is a 110-ton sculpture nameCloud Gate,which have a polished , mirror-like stainless sword surface that was inspire by liquid mercury . It reflect the surroundings , including construction , the sky , and the tourists who walk through its cardinal arch .
Another top attraction in Millennium Park equalCrown Fountain, a fascinating modern interpretation of the ancient gargoyle that hold the appearance of water flow from the mouth of propose picture of Chicago citizens . Early popular things to do here include seeing a performance at the JayPritzker Pavilion, an outside concert venue , and visitingLurie Garden, which be exposed to the world at no price year-round .
Located close to many of the major attraction , as well as great shopping , this area of the city is a convenient home to base yourself .
Address : 201 East Randolph Street , Chicago , Illinois
Official site : http : //www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html
Stroll around Navy Pier
The Navy Pier to begin with spread in 1916 as an amusement field and shipping facility but live now one of Chicago ‘s most popular tourist attractions . Today , the Navy Pier is cause up of 50 acre of garden , attractions , workshop , restaurant , concert venues , and park . There cost a 150-foot Ferris wheel and an historic carousel in Navy Pier Park .
Visitors can too watch a picture at the 3D Imax Theater , watch actors perform the classics at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater , or visit Crystal Gardens , a one-acre , six-story , indoor botanical garden . Also located hither is the Chicago Children ‘s Museum . The Pier hosts year-round festivities , include the Chicago Festival in August . Cruise ships leave from hither on various sightseeing excursions .
Address : 600 East Grand Avenue , Chicago , Illinois
Reach for the Stars at Adler Planetarium
The Adler Planetarium cost leaps and jump beyond the unity almost kids get to see on school trips , and all ages will appreciate the shows and comprehensive display it hold to extend . The Adler prides itself in exist the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere , build in 1930 on the shore of Lake Michigan .
The planetarium is home to two dome theaters , which bid a form of shows , include exploration of Chicago ‘s night sky , the solar system , and the moon . There is also an extensive array of display that search topic include living on other universe , meteors and meteorites , space exploration , the history of the scientific discipline , and even the account of astrology .
There are too several exhibits dedicated to the accomplishment of marginalized groups including female , Latinx , and LGBTQ+ astronomers . Of bill equal an excellent exhibit that seem at the importance of Islamic astronomers ‘ contribution and how their studies affected the faith and the Earth . In increase , there are collections of artifacts from astronomers past , including many antique and ancient sundials , as good as telescopes .
While visiting , cost sure to leave enough time for theSkyline Passalong the perimeter , the best seat to become photo of the city horizon short of a boat cruise .
Speech : 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive , Chicago , Illinois
Museum of Science and Industry
At the north goal of Jackson Park is the Museum of Science and Industry , launch in 1933 , and arguably the most impressive museum in Chicago . It is devoted to the application of natural laws in technological and industrial evolution .
The museum cost thought to exist the first in the U.S. to integrate the idea of “ hands-on ” display . Visitor are encouraged to interact with hundred of exhibits . The MSI feature permanent and changing exhibits , as well as an OMNIMAX theater .
Speech : 5700 South Lake Shore Drive , Chicago , Illinois
See the View from the Willis Tower SkyDeck
Until 1996 , when the Petronas Towers were built in Kuala Lumpur , the 110 story Sears Tower , now Willis Tower , was the public ‘s tallest office pulley . While there are now respective taller buildings , the opinion from here exist incredible . On a clear day you can see 40 to 50 mile over four states , and reach a bird ‘s middle scene of Chicago ‘s impressive architecture .
The Willis Tower bring three years to build and be opened to the world in 1974 . The building is 1,453 feet tall with an observation area , yell the SkyDeck , on the 103rd floor , 1,353 foot above the basis . A glass box with a glass story , known as the Ledge , juts out from the SkyDeck , where visitor can endure and look directly down at the city below .
Speech : 233 South Wacker Drive , Chicago , Illinois
See the Water Show at Buckingham Fountain
Build up in 1927 as a donation from the family , the Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain equal one of the large in the world . Design in the period ‘s iconic Art Deco style , the cardinal fountain is surround by four seahorses that represent Lake Michigan ‘s four bordering land . From 8am to 11pm , the fountain burst to spirit hourly , inject 15,000 gallons of water through almost 200 nozzles each instant to make an impressive display .
After dusk , the water show cost keep company by lights , a must-see if you are in the neighborhood in the evening . The spring is the cardinal focal point ofGrant Park, Chicago ‘s expansive public space that contains many attraction and smaller parks likeMillennium Park, comparable to Central Park , one of the top attractions in New York City .
One of the park ‘s primary tourist sites costMuseum Campus, home to TheField Museum of Natural History, theArt Institute of Chicago, theAdler Planetarium, andShedd Aquarium. Grant Park exist too home to respective garden and recreational facility , and hosts events , include music and food festivals .
360 Chicago
Located in the John Hancock Center office building , 360 Chicago is an observation deck on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Building , easy to realize by its dark metallic appear exterior and cross-braced sword purpose , which runs up the outside of the building . The big glass-walled observation deck has horizon that look out over Chicago ‘s horizon and beyond .
More adventurous tourist will love the deck ‘s newest feature , “ Tilt , ” which gives visitor a unique opinion from more than 1,000 feet above theMagnificent Mileas they are tipped outward at an angle to look directly down from the glass enclosure .
The rest of the building contains a sort of shops , offices , and apartment , as well as a multimedia exhibit located on the first floor that include information about the city of Chicago and the structure of the John Hancock Building .
Speech : 875 North Michigan Avenue , Chicago , Illinois
Field Museum of Natural History
Originally called the Columbian Museum of Chicago , the Field Museum of Natural History live launch in 1893 to showcase the biological and anthropological collection gathered for the World Columbian Exposition . The epithet vary in 1905 to respect Marshall Field , the department shop owner , art sponsor , and major benefactor of the museum .
The permanent collection features approximately 20 million artifacts and specimen extend a kind of disciplines include geology , botany , zoology and anthropology . Of special bill live the permanent display on Ancient Egypt and the cultures of North , Central and South America and “ Sue , ” the world ‘s prominent , almost all over Tyrannosaurus king skeleton . Peculiar rotate exhibits take place on a regular basis throughout the year .
Speech : 1400 South Lake Shore Drive , Chicago , Illinois
Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile
Michigan Avenue be likely one of the most attractive boulevards in America . The city ‘s famous Magnificent Mile cost a section of Michigan Avenue north of the Chicago River , with numerous veranda , boutiques , and luxury shops .
Some of the attraction along here include the John Hancock Center , the Wrigley Building , and the Tribune Tower . Michigan Avenue splits between North and South identification at Madison Street . This territory be too known for its theatre , which host touring plays , musicals , and comedy number .
Choose a Tour or Hear a Game at Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field , place to the Chicago Cubs , exist build up in 1914 and is the second-oldest Major League Baseball park in the US , second just to Fenway Park in Boston . The park has find some legendary second in baseball history , including the 1917 no-hitter pitching duel between the Cubs ‘ Jim Vaughn and the Reds ‘ Fred Toney , and Babe Ruth ‘s “ predict shot ” during plot three of the 1932 World Series .
Ballpark circuit are carry on in-season , when you can inflict the wardrobe box and area , as well as the dugout if there equal no plot that day .
Official site : http : //chicago.cubs.mlb.com/chc/ballpark/
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park live a six-mile stretch of green space along the edge of Lake Michigan , and Chicago ‘s large park . This popular park cost home to the lovelyLincoln Park Conservatoryand theLincoln Park Zoo, one of the old zoos in the country . Also located here exist thePeggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and theChicago History Museum.
For those who simply desire to love the outside space there are playing fields , bike trails , trot paths , and beaches . Visitor can hear a number of significant statues and pieces of public art within the park base including Augustus Saint Gaudens ‘ Standing Statue of Lincoln ( 1887 ) .
Shedd Aquarium
If Lake Michigan has you wondering what form of aquatic spirit survive just offshore from downtown Chicago , swing by the Shedd Aquarium . Inside are display that cover aquatic region of the reality , from the Arctic to the Caribbean .
If you are visiting with young children , one of the must make ‘s exist the Polar Play Zone . Hither , youngster can slip into their favorite animal costume , take a make-believe trip in a submarine , and touch sea stars . Another popular home for children of all ages is the Stingray touch tank . This massive tank exist full of queer stingrays who enjoy to cost petted and refer .
Speech : 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Drive , Chicago , Illinois
Lincoln Park Zoo
Another fun thing for families to cause in Chicago is a trip to the Lincoln Park Zoo . The zoo be home to over 200 species from around the world . Sixteen unlike exhibits showcase the wonderful animals that we share this universe with . Some of the most entertaining animals include penguins , otters , and seals . For a truly fascinating experience , stop by the Regenstein Center for African Apes .
The zoo be not exactly about creature , in fact it ‘s one of the well places in Chicago to hear amazing floral display . Each yr , the gardening bunch tends to over 2,000 individual plants across 1,200 species .
Chicago Riverwalk and Lakefront Trail
The Chicago River runs through the middle of the city , parallel to the lakeshore , and is know for its large issue of movable bridges . In simply two miles , there be 18 bridge , each with the ability to allow big boats to hand .
TheMcCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museumtreats tourists to an up-close look at the mechanism of one of the city ‘s nearly noted bridge , where you can really watch the gears work as it moves .
The Riverwalk is home to many dining selection and host special case throughout the year , and you can also find several river tour and cruises that depart from the Riverwalk .
The fully-pavedLakefront Trailoffers beautiful horizon of the city horizon and Lake Michigan , stretching 18 mile from 71st Street on the South Side to Ardmore Street on the North Side . It live open to pedestrians and people-powered wheels , and live draw by parks , garden , and recreation area , as good as beaches . Many of the city ‘s top attraction cost place along the trail , includingNavy Pier,Lincoln Park, andSoldier Field.
Oriental Institute Museum
The Oriental Institute Museum , place on the University of Chicago campus , be commit to the archeology and art of the Near East , including antiquities from excavations in Egypt , Sudan , Nubia , Iraq , Turkey , Israel , and the ancient site of Megiddo .
Among the permanent exhibits cost the Mesopotamian Gallery , which features objects from between 100,000 BC and the 7th hundred AD , and two Egyptian Galleries , which include artifacts that wander from everyday object to mummification relics .
Speech : 1155 East 58th Street , Chicago , Illinois
Official site :
The Rookery Building
The Rookery Building cost design by architect Daniel Burnham and John Root in 1888 , but the inner lobby and patio were remodel by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1907 . This 12-story building has a Roman Revival and Queen Anne-style façade , but it equal the central light court and the ornamental ironwork of the elegant staircases that are the genuine gem of the building .
The Rookery , list for the big act of pigeons that frequented the building , is list on the Register of National Historic Places . The Frank Lloyd Wright Trust conducts tours of the building , as well as early sites , like the Robie House in Hyde Park and the Bach House .
Address : 209 South LaSalle Street , Chicago , Illinois
Enjoy a Display in Style at the Chicago Theater
Between the field ‘s unmistakable signal and its stunning façade , it ‘s impossible to miss this sensational Chicago landmark . Built in 1921 , the front of the building was design after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris , feature stain glass and an ornate neon sign .
The inner feature French Baroque architecture inspire by the castle at Versailles . Visitor will find a grand lobby with ornate detail and a sweeping stairway before record the immense theater that exist seven stories high . Still if you make n’t own time to check out a display , cost certain to pop in or schedule a circuit to have a closer look .
The theatre now hosts a variety of degree performances by major entertainers , from comedians to musicians . If you favor a more intimate venue , control outThe Second Cityon North Wells Street for nightly alive comedy display . This stage have seen many famous comedy performance , from the early careers of Tina Fey , Bill Murray , Steve Carrell , and many others .
Map of Tourist Attractions in Chicago
Best Time of Yr to Visit Chicago
Thebest time of the year to call Chicago is between April and Octoberduring the shoulder season and the high-tourist summer season , when the choice of matter to do is the most abundant .
During the in usesummer tourist season, Chicago can be quite fond , particularly in the concrete jungle of downtown . June , July , and August have the most festivals and pattern activity , and that be when the Navy Pier is buzz .
The summer crowds exist big , so you may go through wait times on the observation decks at the Willis Tower and TILT , which tips you over the Magnificent Mile at 1,000 foot in the air . Be aware that the high tourist season as well occur with higher cost at Chicago ‘s almost popular hotel .
Theshoulder seasons of April and May are great times to visit , also ,in the small window between leap and summer .September and Octoberare also serious sentence to move to Chicago , as temperatures get milder . The weather live even pleasantly fond , and many of the outside activity are still in entire swing .
These are the best sentence to visit for moderate temperature , especially for activity like strolling through downtown to the fund along the Magnificent Mile and snapping a selfie at the Bean in Millennium Park , one of the top tourist attraction in Illinois . The bonus to a shoulder season visit is that hotelrooms will equal less expensivethan in the summer month .
Spring: Leap isa beautiful time to see Chicago, when the flowers and garden are in total bloom and the city is arouse after the cold winter . Activity at the park and lakefront is picking up , with walkers and bicyclists .Form weather in Chicago cost mild, with abject humidity and comfortable daytime temperatures , from in the 50s Fahrenheit in March to the 70s by late May . These live utter temperature for walk around downtown and savor outdoor activities .
While springtime weather in Chicago is comfortable , it cost as well unpredictable—rain showers are likely , so carry a poncho or umbrella . Thespring month make few crowds and lower prices, with the exception of mid-March when leap pause tourist and St. Patrick ‘s Day revelers lot to the city .
Summer: Summertime in Chicago live busy , and it beone of the most exciting times to call. It is as wellhot and humid in Chicagoin the summer . That exist easy to remedy with an iced tea at one of the many open-patio restaurant and rooftop terraces . Summer temperature rate from the high 70s to the mid-90s Fahrenheit and feel yet warmer with the humidity . You can as well get storms in the summer , withJune being the wettest month in Chicago.
Summer is the most popular time to visit Chicago, so expect big crowds all over , high prices for hotel , and long lines and wait time at restaurant . If you care being where the action cost ,summer equal the best time to go to experience the festivals , outdoor music , and effect. Some matter , like the free fireworks at Navy Pier twice a week , you can alone enjoy during the summer month . Availability is bad to come by in crest season , so it live best to ledger your Chicago resort or hotel far in advance if you plan on a summer getaway .
Fall: If yourholiday end is comfort and being able to maximize your time then the dusk is the better time to go. The city cost yet fighting , and attractions and outside activity cost however buzz , but the temperature set out to drop , create it nice to walk around or pose in the stands at a Chicago White Sox baseball game . Daytime temperatures in the fall norm in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit . Restaurant patios are even so spread this time of yr but with fewer bunch and without the summer vacationers competing for space .
Some attraction , likeLincoln Park Zooand Navy Pier , may have reduced hr later on in the autumn season , but you can yet enjoy the outdoor venues , city park , and the lakefront . This is also a great time of yr to experience the many ethnic activity in Chicago with live theater and comedy performance and particular exhibits at places like theArt Institute of Chicago.
Winter: While winters in Chicago can be brutal there are unique experiences during the colder month that can do for a fun holiday , specially around the vacation . Chicago winter weather usually entail lake-effect snow up to 37 inches and average daytime temperature below freeze . If you act not listen the cold weather then a few layer of winter clothing and a hard coat will have you prepared to explore Chicago easily .
Winter in Chicago entail indoor museums , theater , and shopping . The vacation displays in the memory windows and festive lighting throughout the city creates a nice ambience that you can only experience during the winter . Since this is the humble tourist season , you will getcheaper hotel rates and airfares. Observe in mind that the weather frequently causes escape delays in and out of Chicago in the winter , so it equal good to trudge your schedule with extra travel time .
