Attractions
Of all America's large cities, Chicago just might rank as the
friendliest. And what it lacks in New York bravado and LA style,
Chicago makes up for in the astonishing variety of its
architecture, vibrant culture and thriving art scene, highlighted
by the Art Institute of Chicago. It is also a true family-friendly
destination with world-class attractions such as the Field Museum
and Shedd Aquarium.
With so much to see, its worth getting a sense of perspective
from the start. Visit the John Hancock Observatory for a view of
the city from 1000ft (600m) in the air. Then check out Navy Pier
for a 3-D motion simulation of Chicago's fascinating history and
exciting future. Afterwards, hop on a boat tour departing from the
adjoining pier.
A good option for visitors is the Go Chicago Card which gives
you admission to all the city's key attractions, shopping and
dining discounts, various free tours and a guide book. The card is
available from the Segway Experience (224 South Michigan Ave. Tel:
(1)312 663 0600 or (1)800 887 9103) and costs start from US$49.
Art Institute of Chicago
An impressive pair of bronze lions guards the entrance to the
Art Institute of Chicago in South Michigan Avenue, housing one of
the greatest art collections in the world. Works date from 3,000 BC
through to the present, including a renowned collection of
Impressionist...
see full detailsField Museum
Chicago's awesome Field Museum of Natural History in Lake Shore
Drive is home to 'Sue', the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus
Rex fossil ever found. The dinosaur came to rest here after being
unearthed in South Dakota when the Museum bought her remains...
see full detailsFrank Lloyd Wright’s Home
America's most renowned architect lived and worked in the
complex, which served as private residence, studio and
architectural laboratory for the first twenty years of his career,
between 1889 (when he was 22) and 1909. Wright's haven started out
as a simple cottage and...
see full detailsLincoln Park
Lincoln Park, beginning at North Avenue and following the shore
of Lake Michigan northwards for several miles, is Chicago's largest
park. It contains several attractions, bathing beaches, a botanical
conservatory, golf course, grassy meadows, formal gardens and
sports fields. Pride of place is held...
see full detailsShedd Aquarium
One of Chicago's best known attractions the Shedd, which opened
in 1930, remains the world's largest indoor aquarium. The octagonal
marble building houses more than 8,000 river, lake and sea
creatures. The main attraction is the Caribbean Coral Reef exhibit
and other marine habitat...
see full detailsNavy Pier
Situated on the lakefront, Navy Pier has developed into one of
the city's main tourist destinations, offering year-round
attractions, events and entertainment for the whole family. Navy
Pier encompasses acres of parks and gardens, shops, restaurants,
and numerous attractions and rides, as well as...
see full detailsSears Tower (Willis Tower)
'You haven't seen Chicago until you've seen it from the Skydeck'
is what many visitors will hear from locals and other tourists in
the city. The iconic Sears Tower was renamed on 16 July 2009 to the
'Willis Tower' and located on its...
see full detailsMillennium Park
Millennium Park is one of Chicago's most popular destinations
and is seen by Chicagoans as the crowning glory of their city. The
award-winning park is famous for its innovative architecture and
landscape design, featuring the work of several prominent artists,
architects and designers. The...
see full detailsAdler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum
Located on Lake Michigan, the Adler is America's first
planetarium and is the only museum in the world with two full-size
planetarium theaters. The night sky has been visible from the
historic Sky Theatre since 1930, while the all-digital StarRider
Theatre is the first...
see full detailsHancock Observatory
The John Hancock building is Chicago's third highest skyscraper
with a distinctive x-bracing exterior skin, and its Observatory
competes with the facilities of the Sear's Tower Skydeck across
town in the Financial District. Located on the 94th floor 1,000
feet (305m) above street level,...
see full details
