Things to do in Chicago

Chicago has miles of beaches and some of the top rated museums in the country, so there is never a shortage of things to see.

• Millenium Park – This 24 acre park is known for its free music concerts and its famous public art installations. The Cloud Gate sculpture is located here. Also known as the Bean this giant reflective “bean” is the perfect place to take amazing pictures capturing you and the Chicago skyline.
• The Art Institute of Chicago – this museum houses over 300,000 permanent pieces, from ancient greek sculptures to priceless Japanese prints.
• Wrigley Field – take in a Cubs game and a hotdog from the famous Hot Doug’s.
• Garfield Park Conservatory – built in 1908, it features unique architecture and houses over 120,000 plants.
• Chicago Riverwalk – take a walk along the river, passing great restaurants and enjoying the astonishing architecture of downtown Chicago.
• Museum of Contemporary Art – this museum houses a large collection of post World War II visual art.
• The Second City – this improv club is famous for launching the careers of Bill Murray, TIna Fey, Joan Rivers and Chris Farley to name a few.
• Lincoln Park Zoo – the kids will love this stop. Featuring 1,200 animals from around the world. The zoo also host seasonal events and special programming sure to entertain everyone.
• Shedd Aquarium – first opening its doors is 1930 this aquarium host 32,000 animals in five exhibits including Waters of the World, Caribbean Reef, Amazon Rising, Wild Reef and Abbott Oceanarium.
• National Museum of Mexican Art – connect to the diversity of the Mexican culture by immersing yourself in the richness of the Mexican history.
• Adler Planetarium – visit exhibits such as Mission Moon, which captures the history of US space exploration.
• 360 Chicago – standing of the 94th floor on a clear day you can see the majestic view of four states. If you are brave enough step out onto the Tilt attraction. The wall tilts out 30 degrees leaving you looking down from 1000’ up.
• Navy Pier – come for the 200’ high Ferris wheel, take a tour on one of the sightseeing boats, see the shops, visit the beer garden or have lunch in one of the eateries.
• Chicago Cultural Center – opened in 1897 and noted as a Chicago landmark, this is the city’s official reception venue. Take the free afternoon tour and admire the stunning 38-foot-diameter mosaic glass dome.

Did you know…

• The Art Institute of Chicago holds the largest collection of Impressionist paintings outside the Louvre in Paris?
• Chicago has 29 miles of lake front and 15 miles of public beach?
• Chicago is home to the world’s largest population of Polish people outside of Warsaw?
• Chicago’s Western Ave is the world’s longest street?
• The Chicago public library is the world’s largest public library?

Annual Festivals & Events in Chicago

• Taste of Chicago – the world’s largest outdoor food festival, with food and activities for the entire family.
• Chicago Jazz Festival – a popular and well-known four-day celebration of jazz now based in Millennium Park located in the Loop area of downtown Chicago. Admission is free.
• Chicago Blues Festival – featuring Blues Music across 4 stages.
• Ribfest – come and eat some of the best barbecue around, while enjoying 20 great bands. There is even a professional rib-eating competition.
• Ukrainian Village Festival – local singers and dancers will be entertaining in the streets as you browse through the market and taste the Ukrainian cuisine.
• 79th Street Renaissance Festival – a free, neighborhood festival that showcases Chicago’s local talent and authentic south side cuisine.

While in Chicago, stop by the Visitors Information Center for more information on things to do.