Travel: Chicago: Top 10 must see tourist attractions
Welcome back readers!
The Northern Parts
2. Charnley-Persky House
If you find yourself in the nicer part of town, as I'd like to call it, you may want to give this architectural marvel a shot. Chicago is, at heart, an illustration of what giving life to stone looks like. Architects have putting their talents on display for all to see right here. One of the most well known architects is Frank Lloyd who designed this building with his mentor Louis Sullivan.
1. Lincoln Park Zoo
The Lincoln Park Zoo was recommended to me by a fine spirit who traveled much of the world while I was at Chicago. The zoo was established in the 1970s before most of the well known and loved museums of the city came around. The zoo also has a green house. The spring flower show is breath taking. What's really awesome is access to the zoo is free!
Bonus:
I know I know, they re-branded. But to be fair, the building is still being referred to by locals as the John Hancock building. Also, I know somebody, who knows somebody, who flat out said skip the Willis tower, and enjoy the better views from here.
4. Art Institute of Chicago
Remember the fine spirited traveler from before? This is another one of the sights she recommended. Additionally, this museum is the only, as far as I know, museum older than the zoo. I'd show you the map DK has on page 48 of the book, but I don't have their permission. Just trust me, it is massive!
3. Field Museum
This museum is a total must see. They have a number of exhibits mostly fitting the criteria for a natural history museum. They have so many mummified species, as I like to refer to them, including but not limited to zebras, lemurs, and both Egyptian and Incan mummies. The museum hosts a skeletal of Sue the T. Rex, and a real Egyptian mummy (no photos of real artifacts allowed. Light hastens the decay of carbon based artifacts). There are special discounts for residents of Chicago and this attraction can be accessed using a City Pass.
2. Adler Planetarium
This is my personal favorite. And not because Mission Moon is so inspirational. I truly enjoyed my visit to this museum. There is so much to see on the lower floor about the moon, the history of universities, astronomical tools, and models of the universe. I'd say skip the Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium altogether and pay this one a visit! My most beloved part of it? The Atwood Sphere. The actual $5 ride is banal (hint: you can add the sphere to a general admission ticket without having to purchase a show). However, the jokes were totally worth it. If for whatever reason you do not get a member of the staff with humor, I expect the part about Greek mythology will still be covered.
As you all know, I have recently taken a trip to the astonishingly beautiful Chicago. Aided by DK's Eyewitness Travel, below is my personal bucket list of Chicago's top 10.
2. Charnley-Persky House If you find yourself in the nicer part of town, as I'd like to call it, you may want to give this architectural marvel a shot. Chicago is, at heart, an illustration of what giving life to stone looks like. Architects have putting their talents on display for all to see right here. One of the most well known architects is Frank Lloyd who designed this building with his mentor Louis Sullivan.
The Lincoln Park Zoo was recommended to me by a fine spirit who traveled much of the world while I was at Chicago. The zoo was established in the 1970s before most of the well known and loved museums of the city came around. The zoo also has a green house. The spring flower show is breath taking. What's really awesome is access to the zoo is free!
Bonus:
DK recommends the Pier store for hats, shirts, and mugs among other items. Not to mention, the Pier is a nice place to have a whole lot of fun. The Ferris Wheel is visible from miles away. And there is a good forecast for miniature golf.
The magnificent mile Michigan Avenue for shopping
The portion of Michigan Avenue which runs from Wrigley Building to John Hancock Center is your glamour day celebration must do. Also if you are an architecture fanatic, this run exhibits a number of tall buildings stacked next to each other like its nobody's business!
The magnificent mile Michigan Avenue for shopping
The portion of Michigan Avenue which runs from Wrigley Building to John Hancock Center is your glamour day celebration must do. Also if you are an architecture fanatic, this run exhibits a number of tall buildings stacked next to each other like its nobody's business!
Downtown
6. Buckingham Fountain - Grant Park
"Throughout the summer one of the showiest and most impressive sights in Chicago is the water shooting 133 jets... hundreds of spotlights hidden within the fountain... create a dazzling show. The... shows... are held from dusk to 10 pm every hour on the hour, from April to October" (DK, p.87). Enough said!
5. 360 Chicago - John Hancock Observatory"Throughout the summer one of the showiest and most impressive sights in Chicago is the water shooting 133 jets... hundreds of spotlights hidden within the fountain... create a dazzling show. The... shows... are held from dusk to 10 pm every hour on the hour, from April to October" (DK, p.87). Enough said!
I know I know, they re-branded. But to be fair, the building is still being referred to by locals as the John Hancock building. Also, I know somebody, who knows somebody, who flat out said skip the Willis tower, and enjoy the better views from here.
4. Art Institute of ChicagoRemember the fine spirited traveler from before? This is another one of the sights she recommended. Additionally, this museum is the only, as far as I know, museum older than the zoo. I'd show you the map DK has on page 48 of the book, but I don't have their permission. Just trust me, it is massive!
This museum is a total must see. They have a number of exhibits mostly fitting the criteria for a natural history museum. They have so many mummified species, as I like to refer to them, including but not limited to zebras, lemurs, and both Egyptian and Incan mummies. The museum hosts a skeletal of Sue the T. Rex, and a real Egyptian mummy (no photos of real artifacts allowed. Light hastens the decay of carbon based artifacts). There are special discounts for residents of Chicago and this attraction can be accessed using a City Pass.
2. Adler Planetarium
This is my personal favorite. And not because Mission Moon is so inspirational. I truly enjoyed my visit to this museum. There is so much to see on the lower floor about the moon, the history of universities, astronomical tools, and models of the universe. I'd say skip the Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium altogether and pay this one a visit! My most beloved part of it? The Atwood Sphere. The actual $5 ride is banal (hint: you can add the sphere to a general admission ticket without having to purchase a show). However, the jokes were totally worth it. If for whatever reason you do not get a member of the staff with humor, I expect the part about Greek mythology will still be covered.
If you've been to Chicago and have not visited the "Cloud Gate", you basically have zero proof of your trip. Total must see.
Bonus:
Native Foods Cafe
This is a vegetarian friendly shop with a good number of vegan options. Google reviews suggest the world is madly in love with this stop. Bummer I didn't get a chance to try it out.
This is a vegetarian friendly shop with a good number of vegan options. Google reviews suggest the world is madly in love with this stop. Bummer I didn't get a chance to try it out.
Chicago Architecture Center for Souvenirs
Conveniently located in the center of all the fun! Easy access to tour buses and water taxis. This center features a collection of miniatures of world renowned architectural masterpieces and a guided tour of Chicago's landscape through time. I bought all of my souvenirs from here during my visit. Yes, tourist prices all the way!
Conveniently located in the center of all the fun! Easy access to tour buses and water taxis. This center features a collection of miniatures of world renowned architectural masterpieces and a guided tour of Chicago's landscape through time. I bought all of my souvenirs from here during my visit. Yes, tourist prices all the way!
The Southern End
While I did not find myself in the southern part of the city during my visit, mainly because it is far, if I do, I'd definitely give 1. Frank Lloyd's Robie House a go. I did attempt to buy tickets while I'm in Chicago, big mistake! Tickets are are sold quick. Plan accordingly.
While I'm at it, I'd probably go for a stroll in the neighborhood (2. Hyde Park). This area is considered one of the better neighborhoods of the city. Some attribute it to the presence of University of Chicago. That said, there are a number of attractions in this neighborhood including the Museum of Science and Industry.
While I'm at it, I'd probably go for a stroll in the neighborhood (2. Hyde Park). This area is considered one of the better neighborhoods of the city. Some attribute it to the presence of University of Chicago. That said, there are a number of attractions in this neighborhood including the Museum of Science and Industry.
If I'm to give you a single piece of advice about visiting this city what would it be? Look into the City Pass. The Chicago pass offers massive savings on a select number of attractions including major ones like the Field Museum. If you are planning to see three or more attractions, the Chicago City Pass can accrue you some serious discounts.
Want to visit Chicago Yourself? Want to learn more? Check out these links below. And if you got any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Until next time...
