Attractions
Pier into a Day of Fun
Ranked as the #1 tourist and leisure destination in the Midwest, Chicago’s Navy Pier attracts more than eight million visitors each year. Complete with its famed 150-foot Ferris wheel, boardwalk, boat tours, shopping, and a multitude of dining options, this destination embodies “fun” at every turn. Special attractions include the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Chicago Children’s Museum, Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows, an IMAX Theater, and Skyline Stage. And not to be missed, during the summer, fireworks illuminate the sky each Wednesday and Saturday nights.
Park Yourself Here
Located in downtown Chicago, Millennium Park is an extraordinary showplace for world-class art, music, architecture, and landscape design. Encompassing 24.5 acres, the Park offers a potpourri of sights and sounds and offers a diverse range of activities from ice skating in the winter to fountains to splash in during the summer. Not to be overlooked, Millennium Park is also an architects/art-lovers delight with several highlights including the dazzling Jay Pritzker Pavilion designed by Frank Gehry, the Cloud Gate, the mammoth-sized stainless steel sculpture by British artist, Anish Kapoor; and the Crown Fountain designed by Spanish artist, Jaume Plensa.
Tower over the City
Get a bird’s eye view of Chicago’s scenic beauty from a location unlike any other. Head 103 floors above ground to the Sears Tower Skydeck. Once the world’s tallest building, the Sears Tower now ranks as the third tallest but still towers at 1,454 feet high, and is still the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. On a clear day, you can see Chicago area landmarks, as well as Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.
Observe the Sights
Get another panoramic view of the City from the Hancock Observatory. To reach the observatory on the 94th floor, visitors will enjoy a 39-second ride on the fastest elevator in North America 1,000 feet above the Magnificent Mile. Housed in Chicago’s third-tallest building, the Observatory not only features a spectacular view but also Soundscope 3-D “talking” telescopes that “speak” four languages, and the city’s only open-air Skywalk -- a patio-like enclosure with industrial-strength screens.
It’s All Happening at the Zoo
Home to more than 1,000 mammals, reptiles and birds, the Lincoln Park Zoo – offering free admission – is situated in scenic space along Chicago's lakefront and is a “must see” for all Chicago visitors.
Live Your Nine Lives
Chicago sports a host of 9-hole, community courses that are challenging and enjoyable for everyone from the novice to the pro. Enjoy the Sidney Maravitz Course; and South Shore Golf Course as well as the Diversy Driving Range.
Observe the Beauty Botanical
Considered by many to be the nation’s most stunning botanical gardens, the Garfield Park Conservatory is often referred to as “landscape art under glass.” While simply lovely to “observe,” the Conservatory stands as a living, historical depiction of how nature, urban design, and horticulture helped to shape one of Chicago’s most interesting neighborhoods.
No Lie, This is Also One Beautiful Garden
Another of Chicago’s complimentary attractions, the Lincoln Park Conservatory, is located in the heart of Lincoln Park, adjacent to the Lincoln Park Zoo and is also a beautiful display of flora and fauna.
Seek Out the Cultural Side of Life
To cover your bases, visit the Chicago Cultural Center, the official visitor center of the Windy City and make sure that you don’t miss a thing during your stay. Not only does the Center provide information on everything the city has to offer, but it also showcases a plethora of admission-free exhibits.
Greet and Be Greeted
If a guided tour is something that appeals to you, make a reservation for a docent to provide you with a friendly tour around. The Chicago Greeter Service provides volunteer guides that speak 13 different languages and match greeters with visitors based on their interest and language needs. Best of all, this service is entirely FREE!
Lakefront and Personal
If a leisurely stroll is your favorite tourist attraction, don’t overlook Chicago’s Lakefront Walkways and Parks. With more than 29 miles of walking, jogging and cycling paths along with 13 miles of beaches, the views and the exercise combine for a perfect day.
