Many Windy City travelers look to take shuttles to the Chicago airport of their choice, and there is good reason for this. For starters, the rates are friendly, and you won't have to rent a car and try to navigate the often-congested Chicago city streets. Instead, you'll be able to kick back and let someone else handle the driving. Chicago airport shuttle companies provide an array of vehicles, and many even offer private car service if you want to go in style. You might even secure a limousine transfer if you have room in the budget. For those who are thinking of getting a car rental, both of the main Chicago airports offer shuttle service to the rental car lots, and they also offer service to the main parking lots.
The O'Hare International Airport is the primary airport in Chicago, and as such, most Chicago-bound air travelers will arrive here. To find an O'Hare Airport shuttle, you can simply head to the ground floor of the airport's elevated parking garage. This main bus and shuttle center is easily accessed by way of tunnels from Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. Unless you have arranged a special hotel shuttle or another private Chicago Airport shuttle service, you can definitely depend on the Continental Airport Express shuttles at O'Hare. This O'Hare Airport shuttle service has shuttles that leave every five to ten minutes, so they are very convenient. In addition to offering shuttle service into the city, Continental Airport Express also offers shuttles that travel to some of the northern suburbs.
If for some reason you should need to travel from O'Hare International Airport to Midway International Airport, there is a special shuttle service that offers inter-airport routes. Midway International Airport is the smaller of the two main Chicago airports, and because it's a little closer to the Loop, a Midway Airport shuttle can usually get you into the city faster than an O'Hare Airport shuttle can. For those who are in need of a Midway Airport shuttle, the bus and shuttle center can be found right in front of the main terminal building. The Midway Airport shuttles run 24 hours a day, so you shouldn't have trouble securing one upon arrival. Continental Airport Express also offers Midway Airport shuttle service, and this company's shuttles run between 6 a.m. and 11:30 p.m.
Should you need shuttle service from Midway Airport to O'Hare Airport, the same inter-airport service is available. These inter-airport shuttles operate between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., and travelers are picked up at Midway's door M1. While you can always rely on the more public-oriented Chicago airport shuttle services, you might also look to book your ground transportation through one of the other private companies. Booking a Chicago airport shuttle through one of the outside companies will usually cost more, but you'll enjoy an elevated level of service. More often than not, the Chicago shuttle companies will assess your individual needs and then create a ground transportation package that meets them.
Whether you need a Midway Airport shuttle or an O'Hare Airport shuttle, finding one shouldn't be an issue, and you can always book your airport shuttle service in advance to make it even easier once you arrive in Chicago. In addition to taking a shuttle to or from the Chicago airports, you can also take a taxi, ride the bus, rent a car, or take advantage of the cheap and easy Chicago Transit Authority trains that offer airport routes. The CTA Orange Line trains can get you from Midway to the Loop in about twenty to 30 minutes, while the CTA Blue Line trains that travel between O'Hare and the downtown area take around 40 minutes. Depending on the traffic conditions, taking the train can sometimes be the quickest way to go.
Monday, 25 July 2011
Chicago Midway Airport
The Chicago Midway Airport is only ten miles from the downtown area, or the Loop, as it is commonly known, so getting into the city won't very take long once your flight arrives. Helping to speed things up at the Midway International Airport is the expanded baggage claim area, and other expansions have also been made to the ticket counters and the terminal building. Some 17 million travelers pass through the Chicago Illinois Midway Airport every year, and thanks to the renovations, travelers will find the airport to be more user-friendly than ever.
The Midway International Airport is smaller than the O'Hare International Airport, and while it handles fewer airlines, these airlines are more discount-oriented. This means that those who are looking for deals on flights to Chicago will likely be better off turning to Midway first. The smaller size of the Midway International Airport will appeal to some travelers, as it's also easier to navigate than O'Hare, and since it's closer to the Loop, getting to a downtown hotel won't take as long. That's not to say that you shouldn't also look to O'Hare Airport when booking your Chicago flight; deals are often easy to come by at both, so it's always worth comparing rates to see what you can find.
Should you choose to arrive at the Chicago Illinois Midway Airport, it will be just a twenty-minute cab ride into town. You can also hop on a shuttle or rent a car to get to your next destination, though the train is the best way to go if you want to save some money. A trip on the Orange Line train will get you into the Loop within half an hour. While taking the train to or from the Chicago Illinois Midway Airport can be a great way to go, it is a relatively long walk from the terminal to the train/metro station. This is something that you will want to consider, especially if you have disability issues or are lugging a hefty load of luggage.
Once you arrive at the Chicago Midway Airport, a comprehensive array of services and facilities will be available, which will help pass the time if you have some to spare. Finding something good to eat at one of the airport restaurants shouldn't be hard, and you can always stop by a cafe or browse at one of the gift shops if you're not hungry. In addition to a sufficient number of eateries and shops, the Chicago Midway Airport also boasts a business center, an interfaith chapel, police kiosks, and facilities for disabled travelers. Medical emergency facilities and services are also available.
The Chicago Illinois Midway Airport is located on the city's southwest side, and there are many airport hotels close by if you are looking for a convenient place to stay. Many Chicago visitors will be looking to stay in the Loop, which is understandable, as that neighborhood is home to a number of the top Chicago hotels. Don't forget to keep an eye out for vacation packages when booking your Chicago trip, as some combine your accommodations with your airfare, which adds convenience and can save you money on your trip overall.
The Midway International Airport is smaller than the O'Hare International Airport, and while it handles fewer airlines, these airlines are more discount-oriented. This means that those who are looking for deals on flights to Chicago will likely be better off turning to Midway first. The smaller size of the Midway International Airport will appeal to some travelers, as it's also easier to navigate than O'Hare, and since it's closer to the Loop, getting to a downtown hotel won't take as long. That's not to say that you shouldn't also look to O'Hare Airport when booking your Chicago flight; deals are often easy to come by at both, so it's always worth comparing rates to see what you can find.
Should you choose to arrive at the Chicago Illinois Midway Airport, it will be just a twenty-minute cab ride into town. You can also hop on a shuttle or rent a car to get to your next destination, though the train is the best way to go if you want to save some money. A trip on the Orange Line train will get you into the Loop within half an hour. While taking the train to or from the Chicago Illinois Midway Airport can be a great way to go, it is a relatively long walk from the terminal to the train/metro station. This is something that you will want to consider, especially if you have disability issues or are lugging a hefty load of luggage.
Once you arrive at the Chicago Midway Airport, a comprehensive array of services and facilities will be available, which will help pass the time if you have some to spare. Finding something good to eat at one of the airport restaurants shouldn't be hard, and you can always stop by a cafe or browse at one of the gift shops if you're not hungry. In addition to a sufficient number of eateries and shops, the Chicago Midway Airport also boasts a business center, an interfaith chapel, police kiosks, and facilities for disabled travelers. Medical emergency facilities and services are also available.
The Chicago Illinois Midway Airport is located on the city's southwest side, and there are many airport hotels close by if you are looking for a convenient place to stay. Many Chicago visitors will be looking to stay in the Loop, which is understandable, as that neighborhood is home to a number of the top Chicago hotels. Don't forget to keep an eye out for vacation packages when booking your Chicago trip, as some combine your accommodations with your airfare, which adds convenience and can save you money on your trip overall.
Wrigley Field Stadium, Chicago
Since 1916, Wrigley Field Stadium has been the home of the Chicago Cubs. It was built in 1914 as a home for the Chicago Federal league baseball team, the Chicago Whales. From 1921 to 1970, it was also home to the Chicago Bears football team. Wrigley Field hotels are plentiful, and their location near the ballpark gives Cubs fans and anyone interested in Chicago history the chance to explore a historic landmark.
Wrigely Field Tickets
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History of Wrigley Field: The Early Years
If you read up on the history of Wrigley Field, you will discover that it was the first ballpark on Chicago's North Side. Wrigley Field cost $250,000 when it was built in 1914. Charlie Weeghman built the park as a home for his baseball team, the Chicago Federals. The Federals, also known as the Chicago Whales, were part of the new Federal league that was challenging the established major leagues.
Unfortunately, the Federal league folded after only two years, so Weeghman organized a ten-man syndicate, which included chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr. to purchase the Cubs of the National League. The Chicago Cubs were moved from West Side Grounds to what was then known as Weeghman Park. In 1918, Wrigley took over Weeghman's share of the team and by the time the year 1919 rolled around, he had managed to buy out the shares that belonged to the other members of the syndicate. The name of the stadium was changed to Cubs Park in time for opening day, 1920. It was renamed Wrigley Field in his honor in 1926.
History of Wrigley Field: The Bleachers are Built
The outfield bleachers went up in 1937. In that same year, Bill Veeck constructed the scoreboard. To this day, the scoreboard is still manually operated. Amazingly, it has never been struck with a batted ball. However, Roberto Clemente and Bill Nicholson each hit home runs that came close.
Wrigley Field is also famous for initiating baseball's first permanent concession stand. Additionally, the custom of allowing fans to keep foul balls hit into the stands started at Wrigley Field, as well as the custom of throwing back home runs hit by opposing players.
Cubs Baseball
Like the Boston Red Sox, Cubs baseball games seem to attract people who love to cheer for the underdog. However, no major league team has continuously represented the same city longer than the Chicago Cubs baseball team and their predecessors, who date back to 1870. As such, attending a Cubs baseball game at Wrigley Field is a great way to take in a bit of Chicago culture.
You also might enjoy taking an organized tour of Wrigley Field, which includes;
Cubs Clubhouse
Press Box
Visitors Clubhouse
Bleachers
Dugouts
On deck circles
Mezzanine Suites
Security Headquarters
The $20 fee goes to Cubs Care, a fund of the Robert R. McCormick Tribune Foundation.
Wrigely Field Tickets
Buy Tickets
History of Wrigley Field: The Early Years
If you read up on the history of Wrigley Field, you will discover that it was the first ballpark on Chicago's North Side. Wrigley Field cost $250,000 when it was built in 1914. Charlie Weeghman built the park as a home for his baseball team, the Chicago Federals. The Federals, also known as the Chicago Whales, were part of the new Federal league that was challenging the established major leagues.
Unfortunately, the Federal league folded after only two years, so Weeghman organized a ten-man syndicate, which included chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr. to purchase the Cubs of the National League. The Chicago Cubs were moved from West Side Grounds to what was then known as Weeghman Park. In 1918, Wrigley took over Weeghman's share of the team and by the time the year 1919 rolled around, he had managed to buy out the shares that belonged to the other members of the syndicate. The name of the stadium was changed to Cubs Park in time for opening day, 1920. It was renamed Wrigley Field in his honor in 1926.
History of Wrigley Field: The Bleachers are Built
The outfield bleachers went up in 1937. In that same year, Bill Veeck constructed the scoreboard. To this day, the scoreboard is still manually operated. Amazingly, it has never been struck with a batted ball. However, Roberto Clemente and Bill Nicholson each hit home runs that came close.
Wrigley Field is also famous for initiating baseball's first permanent concession stand. Additionally, the custom of allowing fans to keep foul balls hit into the stands started at Wrigley Field, as well as the custom of throwing back home runs hit by opposing players.
Cubs Baseball
Like the Boston Red Sox, Cubs baseball games seem to attract people who love to cheer for the underdog. However, no major league team has continuously represented the same city longer than the Chicago Cubs baseball team and their predecessors, who date back to 1870. As such, attending a Cubs baseball game at Wrigley Field is a great way to take in a bit of Chicago culture.
You also might enjoy taking an organized tour of Wrigley Field, which includes;
Cubs Clubhouse
Press Box
Visitors Clubhouse
Bleachers
Dugouts
On deck circles
Mezzanine Suites
Security Headquarters
The $20 fee goes to Cubs Care, a fund of the Robert R. McCormick Tribune Foundation.
US Cellular Field, Chicago
U.S. Cellular Field, which is also known as "The Cell" is a baseball stadium in Chicago, Illinois. It is the home of the White Sox baseball team of the American League. The US Cellular Field has an interesting and inspiring history. It begins in 1988, when Jerry Reinsdorf, the chairman of the board of the Chicago White Sox, issued an ultimatum to Chicago: build the White Sox baseball team a new ballpark or the franchise would move to St. Petersburg, Florida. Thus, on May 7, 1989, ground was broken for the new stadium and park. It was the first new baseball-only stadium built in the American League since 1973. US Cellular Field was opened for the 1991 season, after the White Sox baseball team had spent 81 years at Comiskey Park. The new White Sox baseball field was completed at a cost of $167 million. Although it opened with the Comiskey Park name, it became U.S. Cellular Field in 2003 after U.S. Cellular bought the naming rights.
The US Cellular Field Chicago is located in Armour Square, which is a neighborhood of Chicago. Some of the design features from Comiskey Park were retained. These include the "exploding scoreboard", which lights up in color when a White Sox player hits a home run and the Sox Shower where fans can cool off during games. To avoid obstructed viewing of a White Sox baseball game, the upper deck at US Cellular Field Chicago was set back over the lower deck. The lowest row of seats in the upper deck at the new stadium is actually farther from the field than the highest row of seats in the upper deck at the old stadium was.
Instead of playing in one of baseball's oldest parks, the White Sox now had one of the most high-tech stadiums in North America. The 1,300,000-square-foot US Cellular Field Chicago has 12 escalators, 11 elevators, three industrial-strength garbage compactors, a fireworks launching pad beyond center field, and six outdoor pet-check kennels. The retired uniform numbers of eight players are displayed at U.S. Cellular Field:
1. Nellie Fox
2. Harold Baines
3. Luke Appling
4. Minnie Minoso
5. Luis Aparicio
6. Ted Lyons
7. Billy Pierce
8. Carlton Fisk
A White Sox Baseball team Hall of Fame is located on the stadium's main concourse, behind home plate. The US Cellular Field Chicago contains 84 luxury suites located on two levels, along with thousands of club seats on a mezzanine between the lower deck and upper deck. Additionally, there is a fan deck that is located in the bleachers where you can discover your pitching speed and cool off under a fountain.
With Chicago White Sox Charities, you can enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of U.S. Cellular Field. These tours allow fans to visit the dugout, check out the field from a player's perspective, sit in the Press Box and view various ballpark entertainment areas. Proceeds from the Cellular Fields tours benefit Chicago White Sox Charities.
Even if you are not a White Sox baseball fan, the high-tech features of US Cellular Field Chicago make it well worth a visit.
The US Cellular Field Chicago is located in Armour Square, which is a neighborhood of Chicago. Some of the design features from Comiskey Park were retained. These include the "exploding scoreboard", which lights up in color when a White Sox player hits a home run and the Sox Shower where fans can cool off during games. To avoid obstructed viewing of a White Sox baseball game, the upper deck at US Cellular Field Chicago was set back over the lower deck. The lowest row of seats in the upper deck at the new stadium is actually farther from the field than the highest row of seats in the upper deck at the old stadium was.
Instead of playing in one of baseball's oldest parks, the White Sox now had one of the most high-tech stadiums in North America. The 1,300,000-square-foot US Cellular Field Chicago has 12 escalators, 11 elevators, three industrial-strength garbage compactors, a fireworks launching pad beyond center field, and six outdoor pet-check kennels. The retired uniform numbers of eight players are displayed at U.S. Cellular Field:
1. Nellie Fox
2. Harold Baines
3. Luke Appling
4. Minnie Minoso
5. Luis Aparicio
6. Ted Lyons
7. Billy Pierce
8. Carlton Fisk
A White Sox Baseball team Hall of Fame is located on the stadium's main concourse, behind home plate. The US Cellular Field Chicago contains 84 luxury suites located on two levels, along with thousands of club seats on a mezzanine between the lower deck and upper deck. Additionally, there is a fan deck that is located in the bleachers where you can discover your pitching speed and cool off under a fountain.
With Chicago White Sox Charities, you can enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of U.S. Cellular Field. These tours allow fans to visit the dugout, check out the field from a player's perspective, sit in the Press Box and view various ballpark entertainment areas. Proceeds from the Cellular Fields tours benefit Chicago White Sox Charities.
Even if you are not a White Sox baseball fan, the high-tech features of US Cellular Field Chicago make it well worth a visit.
United Center, Chicago
The United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks, is a 900,000-square-foot indoor sports arena and entertainment facility. Located one mile west of Kennedy Expressway and the Loop in Chicago, the stadium is well-known for hosting entertainment such as World Wrestling Entertainment events and concerts, in addition to NBA and NHL games, and the Michael Jordan statue outside the facility is an attraction in its own right. U2, Bruce Springsteen, and the Rolling Stones have all performed here, and the United Center is a great venue for enjoying these concerts and other events of all kind. If an event here is the main reason for their trip to Chicago, visitors can book hotels near United Center to ensure they have no trouble reaching their seats on time.
Chicago is a great city for sports, and the United Center promises the same kind of fun and entertaining experience fans would find at famous venues such as Wrigley Field and Soldier Field. The construction of this privately-owned state-of-the-art indoor stadium began in April 1992, the facility was inaugurated on August 18, 1994. The aim was to build an indoor sports complex that would take entertainment and sports into the 21st century; the idea for a newly sophisticated indoor arena was first initiated by William Wirtz and Jerry Reinsdorf, the owners of Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls, respectively. Since its opening in 1994, United Center has hosted more than 200 sports and entertainment events each year, including more than 80 Bulls and Blackhawks games and events such as the men's NCAA basketball tournament, in addition to shows by music legends including Paul McCartney, Aerosmith, and Eric Clapton.
One of the most impressive features of the state-of-the-art United Center is its recently renovated concourse, which more than 140 flat-screen televisions. The United Center seating arrangement is equally impressive, with three different seating levels for spectators (lower, club, and upper) and areas close to the concession stands for easy access to food and beverages during events. For instance, the new concession stand and seating area in section 326 provides a wonderful backstage ambience for tourists and fans. In addition, Individuals who have purchased United Center tickets on the 100 level can also get a membership to the Ketel One Club for a more private viewing experience. The club is located in section 119 and offers a wide range of services, including dining options offering filet mignon. Fans of the Blackhawks and Bulls can also purchase exclusive team and player merchandise at the Fandemonium, the United Center's souvenir and gift shop.
Although the arena is large in overall area, the seating capacity is not the largest when compared to other venues. It seats around 20,000 for basketball, 23,000 for concerts, and 20,500 for the NHL tournaments. However, the quality of the views and new concession stands nearby mean that there isn't really a bad seat in the house. Fans can purchase United Center tickets in person at the Gate 4 box office at game time or ahead of time if you're concerned about the event selling out. There is no need to buy United Center tickets for kids who are less than 3 feet tall, and the arena can be easily accessible by the disabled. Guests with disabilities are also allowed to bring certified service animals into the United Center if they need to.
If you are looking for hotels near United Center, there are plenty of options. For instance, the Chicago Marriott Hotel in Harrison Street is less than a mile away from the facility. There are also budget hotels within a few miles, including the TraveLodge, which was built in 1928 and is one of the city's older hotels. The hotel is strategically located to give easy access to McCormick Place, Millennium Park, Grant Park, and Navy Pier in addition to the United Center, making it easy to see the city's major attractions in addition to attending your sporting event or concert. The array of hotels near United Center also means that whether you're seeking budget or luxury accommodations, you should have no trouble finding options to suit you.
Chicago is a great city for sports, and the United Center promises the same kind of fun and entertaining experience fans would find at famous venues such as Wrigley Field and Soldier Field. The construction of this privately-owned state-of-the-art indoor stadium began in April 1992, the facility was inaugurated on August 18, 1994. The aim was to build an indoor sports complex that would take entertainment and sports into the 21st century; the idea for a newly sophisticated indoor arena was first initiated by William Wirtz and Jerry Reinsdorf, the owners of Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls, respectively. Since its opening in 1994, United Center has hosted more than 200 sports and entertainment events each year, including more than 80 Bulls and Blackhawks games and events such as the men's NCAA basketball tournament, in addition to shows by music legends including Paul McCartney, Aerosmith, and Eric Clapton.
One of the most impressive features of the state-of-the-art United Center is its recently renovated concourse, which more than 140 flat-screen televisions. The United Center seating arrangement is equally impressive, with three different seating levels for spectators (lower, club, and upper) and areas close to the concession stands for easy access to food and beverages during events. For instance, the new concession stand and seating area in section 326 provides a wonderful backstage ambience for tourists and fans. In addition, Individuals who have purchased United Center tickets on the 100 level can also get a membership to the Ketel One Club for a more private viewing experience. The club is located in section 119 and offers a wide range of services, including dining options offering filet mignon. Fans of the Blackhawks and Bulls can also purchase exclusive team and player merchandise at the Fandemonium, the United Center's souvenir and gift shop.
Although the arena is large in overall area, the seating capacity is not the largest when compared to other venues. It seats around 20,000 for basketball, 23,000 for concerts, and 20,500 for the NHL tournaments. However, the quality of the views and new concession stands nearby mean that there isn't really a bad seat in the house. Fans can purchase United Center tickets in person at the Gate 4 box office at game time or ahead of time if you're concerned about the event selling out. There is no need to buy United Center tickets for kids who are less than 3 feet tall, and the arena can be easily accessible by the disabled. Guests with disabilities are also allowed to bring certified service animals into the United Center if they need to.
If you are looking for hotels near United Center, there are plenty of options. For instance, the Chicago Marriott Hotel in Harrison Street is less than a mile away from the facility. There are also budget hotels within a few miles, including the TraveLodge, which was built in 1928 and is one of the city's older hotels. The hotel is strategically located to give easy access to McCormick Place, Millennium Park, Grant Park, and Navy Pier in addition to the United Center, making it easy to see the city's major attractions in addition to attending your sporting event or concert. The array of hotels near United Center also means that whether you're seeking budget or luxury accommodations, you should have no trouble finding options to suit you.
Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago
The Steppenwolf Theatre Company is one of the most highly regarded companies in the country, and it has come a long way since its founding in 1974. Founders Gary Sinise, Terry Kinney, and Jeff Perry hatched the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in the basement of a Highland Park, Illinois, church, taking the name from the Herman Hesse novel. By 1980, the founders had taken their company to Chicago's Broadway Avenue, where they set up shop in the Jane Addams Hull House Center. Only two years later, they moved their operation from Little Italy to Lincoln Park, taking up residence in a 211-seat venue at 2851 N. Halsted Street. In 1991, the Chicago Steppenwolf theater finally relocated to its current location at 1650 N. Halsted Street. The current theater is state-of-the-art, and thanks to a relatively large budget, the productions that are held here are of high quality.
The Chicago Steppenwolf theater has earned numerous accolades for its work over the years, and it's safe to say that it has also launched a fair amount of careers. In addition to founder Gary Sinise, such personalities as John Malkovich, John Mahoney, Joan Allen, and Laurie Metcalf got their starts at Steppenwolf in Chicago. It's impressive to note that the Steppenwolf Theatre has been in business for more than 30 years, and one can imagine that more rising stars will appear on its stage in the years to come. Getting tickets to see a show at the Steppenwolf in Chicago is a great idea for any Windy City visitor who enjoys the performing arts, and there are plenty of other great Chicago theaters that you'll also do well to consider.
Some might argue that the Chicago Steppenwolf theater has lost some of its indie appeal in recent years, due in part to its big time status, but that's hardly the case. From time to time, some of the more notable actors who have passed through the Steppenwolf in Chicago come back to perform, which is a real treat if you happen to catch one of them. These special performances are relatively rare, but you might still keep an eye on them when planning your Chicago vacation. Stage plays are the most common type of performances you'll see at the Steppenwolf Theatre, and you might also check out the schedules at Chicago theaters like the Oriental Theater and the Chicago Theatre if you are interested in seeing similar performances.
The Chicago Steppenwolf theater has earned numerous accolades for its work over the years, and it's safe to say that it has also launched a fair amount of careers. In addition to founder Gary Sinise, such personalities as John Malkovich, John Mahoney, Joan Allen, and Laurie Metcalf got their starts at Steppenwolf in Chicago. It's impressive to note that the Steppenwolf Theatre has been in business for more than 30 years, and one can imagine that more rising stars will appear on its stage in the years to come. Getting tickets to see a show at the Steppenwolf in Chicago is a great idea for any Windy City visitor who enjoys the performing arts, and there are plenty of other great Chicago theaters that you'll also do well to consider.
Some might argue that the Chicago Steppenwolf theater has lost some of its indie appeal in recent years, due in part to its big time status, but that's hardly the case. From time to time, some of the more notable actors who have passed through the Steppenwolf in Chicago come back to perform, which is a real treat if you happen to catch one of them. These special performances are relatively rare, but you might still keep an eye on them when planning your Chicago vacation. Stage plays are the most common type of performances you'll see at the Steppenwolf Theatre, and you might also check out the schedules at Chicago theaters like the Oriental Theater and the Chicago Theatre if you are interested in seeing similar performances.
Chicago Oriental Theater
The Loop is a good place to look if you are trying to find some good Chicago theaters, thanks in large part to the revitalized Loop Theatre District. Among the renowned downtown Chicago theaters here is the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, also known as the Chicago Oriental Theater. You might also hear this theater referred to simply as the Ford Center. The Oriental Theater in Chicago mostly offers Broadway-style productions, so if you're a fan of such performances, you'll want to check the schedule out on your next Chicago vacation. You can find the Ford Center Chicago theater at 4 West Randolph Street. Its marquee sign, which reads "Oriental," is hard to miss, and like the building's interior, the sign's design was inspired by the architecture of India.
The Oriental Theater in Chicago opened in 1926, and its early days saw it serving as both a movie palace and a host for vaudeville acts. Various concerts and other live performances were known to take place here as well in the early days; for instance, Duke Ellington and his orchestra often played here. Other famous stars who performed at the Ford Center Chicago theater in its earlier days include Al Jolson, The Three Stooges, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, and George Burns, among others. In other words, this place has a lot of history to it, as does the city of Chicago itself. There are 3,250 seats at the Chicago Oriental Theater, and you can bet they go fast when big name acts are in town. From 2005 to 2009, for example, the production of Wicked was a huge hit and became the city's most popular stage production of all time.
Today, the Ford Center Chicago Theater is owned by the Nederlander Organization, which is one of the country's largest and most highly experienced live music and theater operators. The Nederlander Organization runs the theater with the help of Broadway in Chicago, which is an organization that has a lot to do with the revitalized Loop Theatre District. In addition to putting on shows at the Oriental Theater in Chicago, both the Nederlander Organization and Broadway in Chicago also present shows at the Bank of America Theatre and the Cadillac Palace Theatre, both of which can also be found in the Loop. It's an exciting time for the performing arts in Chicago, and places like the Ford Center/Oriental Theater have a lot to do with that. So grab some show tickets in Chicago the next time you're in town, whether you're on your own or looking for things to do with kids, and treat yourself to a performance that should prove to be among the highlights of your trip.
The Oriental Theater in Chicago opened in 1926, and its early days saw it serving as both a movie palace and a host for vaudeville acts. Various concerts and other live performances were known to take place here as well in the early days; for instance, Duke Ellington and his orchestra often played here. Other famous stars who performed at the Ford Center Chicago theater in its earlier days include Al Jolson, The Three Stooges, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, and George Burns, among others. In other words, this place has a lot of history to it, as does the city of Chicago itself. There are 3,250 seats at the Chicago Oriental Theater, and you can bet they go fast when big name acts are in town. From 2005 to 2009, for example, the production of Wicked was a huge hit and became the city's most popular stage production of all time.
Today, the Ford Center Chicago Theater is owned by the Nederlander Organization, which is one of the country's largest and most highly experienced live music and theater operators. The Nederlander Organization runs the theater with the help of Broadway in Chicago, which is an organization that has a lot to do with the revitalized Loop Theatre District. In addition to putting on shows at the Oriental Theater in Chicago, both the Nederlander Organization and Broadway in Chicago also present shows at the Bank of America Theatre and the Cadillac Palace Theatre, both of which can also be found in the Loop. It's an exciting time for the performing arts in Chicago, and places like the Ford Center/Oriental Theater have a lot to do with that. So grab some show tickets in Chicago the next time you're in town, whether you're on your own or looking for things to do with kids, and treat yourself to a performance that should prove to be among the highlights of your trip.
The Chicago Theatre
The Chicago Theatre, located at 175 N. State Street, is an all-purpose venue, so you never know what might be on the nightly schedule, as its shows run the gamut. Situated in the heart of the Loop neighborhood, the landmark Chicago Theatre is hard to miss, especially since its marquee sign, which reads "Chicago," can easily be seen from numerous downtown vantage points. Founded in 1921 and known as the Balaban and Katz Chicago Theatre, the Chicago Theatre has served various roles throughout its history. For example, it spent many years as the city's main movie theater. These days, anything from comedy acts, magic shows, Broadway-style stage plays, and concerts are held at the Chicago Theatre, and you'll do well to check the schedule out when in town.
Those who plan on seeing shows at the Chicago Theatre will not only be treated to a quality onstage performance, but also they will relish in the beautiful architecture. The theater is seven stories tall, and it covers nearly half a city block. Baroque touches can be found both inside and out, and the grand lobby was inspired by the Royal Chapel at the Palace of Versailles. Renovations to the theater that started in 1984 aimed to restore the 1930s appearance, and upon re-opening in 1986, the featured act was none other than Frank Sinatra. The Chicago Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Place in 1979, and in 1983, it was named an official Chicago Landmark. While the Chicago Theatre shows effectively steal the show once the lights go down, the impressive decor and history of the building itself is not to be overlooked.
In addition to concerts, magic acts, plays, and comedy acts, the Chicago Theatre shows also include a Cirque du Soleil production centered around vaudeville and the special Speaker Series, which highlights discussions among prominent personalities. The Speaker Series shows at the Chicago Theatre are most often politically based, and at times, they feature a moderator to help keep the conversation flowing.
Regardless of which Chicago Theatre shows interest you most, you can look to get your tickets in advance or once you arrive at the door. As one might imagine, buying your tickets for shows at the Chicago Theatre in advance is typically the best way to go, especially if you have your heart set on attending a special performance. There are some great downtown hotels within walking distance, so finding a nearby place to stay won't be hard. There are also a lot of fun things to do and see in the Loop when you're not enjoying one of the shows at the Chicago Theatre. As for getting something to eat before the show, the Loop is home to quite an array of restaurants, so you won't be at a loss for things to eat.
Those who plan on seeing shows at the Chicago Theatre will not only be treated to a quality onstage performance, but also they will relish in the beautiful architecture. The theater is seven stories tall, and it covers nearly half a city block. Baroque touches can be found both inside and out, and the grand lobby was inspired by the Royal Chapel at the Palace of Versailles. Renovations to the theater that started in 1984 aimed to restore the 1930s appearance, and upon re-opening in 1986, the featured act was none other than Frank Sinatra. The Chicago Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Place in 1979, and in 1983, it was named an official Chicago Landmark. While the Chicago Theatre shows effectively steal the show once the lights go down, the impressive decor and history of the building itself is not to be overlooked.
In addition to concerts, magic acts, plays, and comedy acts, the Chicago Theatre shows also include a Cirque du Soleil production centered around vaudeville and the special Speaker Series, which highlights discussions among prominent personalities. The Speaker Series shows at the Chicago Theatre are most often politically based, and at times, they feature a moderator to help keep the conversation flowing.
Regardless of which Chicago Theatre shows interest you most, you can look to get your tickets in advance or once you arrive at the door. As one might imagine, buying your tickets for shows at the Chicago Theatre in advance is typically the best way to go, especially if you have your heart set on attending a special performance. There are some great downtown hotels within walking distance, so finding a nearby place to stay won't be hard. There are also a lot of fun things to do and see in the Loop when you're not enjoying one of the shows at the Chicago Theatre. As for getting something to eat before the show, the Loop is home to quite an array of restaurants, so you won't be at a loss for things to eat.
Theaters in Chicago
The Chicago theaters are experiencing a rebirth of sorts, and more and more visitors to the Midwest's largest city are choosing to take in a show on their visits. Several downtown theaters in Chicago have undergone renovations and are better than ever, and the revitalized downtown theater district is alive and well. In addition to looking for a theater in Chicago in the downtown area, you can also turn to some of the neighborhoods, where smaller venues can be found in relatively good number. In Lincoln Park, for example, the Steppenwolf Theatre Company puts on quality productions that most fans of the performing arts are bound to enjoy. Pick up some show tickets for the theaters in Chicago the next time you're in town, and see for yourself what all the buzz is about.
The Loop, which is a general term used to describe the central downtown area, is the best place to look for Chicago theaters. Among the theaters that can be found in the Loop are the Ford Center for the Performing Arts Oriental Theater, the Cadillac Palace Theatre, the Bank of America Theatre, the Chicago Theatre, and the Goodman Theatre. While the bulk of these downtown Chicago theaters specialize in theater productions, the Chicago Theatre takes things a little further, also offering magic shows, concerts, comedic performances, and special speeches and debates. All of these downtown theaters are historic, which adds to their appeal, and admiring the period architecture and decor is part of the experience. The building in which the Bank of America Theatre is housed, for example, dates back to 1906. Rumors have it that for some time, it was the tallest building in the city.
Broadway in Chicago, which is the city's primary theater organization, has been credited with playing a key role in the rebirth of theater in Chicago. In addition to putting on shows at the Ford Center, the Cadillac Palace Theatre, and the Bank of America Theatre, the organization also puts on shows at the Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place and the Auditorium Theatre. Thanks to Broadway in Chicago, these theaters have helped to make Chicago the home of many pre-Broadway productions. Among the more notable ones that have graced the stages at the theaters in Chicago include The Producers, Mamma Mia!, and Spamalot, to name a few.
Catching a Chicago live theater production during your visit shouldn't be hard, thanks to the number of theaters that can be found in the city. Unfortunately, you can no longer catch the production of Wicked, but that doesn't mean that there aren't plenty of great performances that you can add to your list of must-sees. Wicked, which ran here from June 2005 to January 2009, became the most popular stage production in the city's history, and many credit this production with helping to put theater in Chicago back on the map.
Whether you are thinking of exploring the options in the downtown Chicago Theater District or you want to escape to a neighborhood to see a more intimate production, the Chicago theater scene will keep you more than satisfied. Fans of Shakespeare can even find a theater that is ideal for them. The Chicago Shakespeare Theater, which is found on Navy Pier, has won many awards over the course of its life, so you can be sure that the experience will be a good one. There's never been a better time to see a theater show in Chicago, and adding one or more to your list of things to do on your vacation to the Windy City is sure to please.
The Loop, which is a general term used to describe the central downtown area, is the best place to look for Chicago theaters. Among the theaters that can be found in the Loop are the Ford Center for the Performing Arts Oriental Theater, the Cadillac Palace Theatre, the Bank of America Theatre, the Chicago Theatre, and the Goodman Theatre. While the bulk of these downtown Chicago theaters specialize in theater productions, the Chicago Theatre takes things a little further, also offering magic shows, concerts, comedic performances, and special speeches and debates. All of these downtown theaters are historic, which adds to their appeal, and admiring the period architecture and decor is part of the experience. The building in which the Bank of America Theatre is housed, for example, dates back to 1906. Rumors have it that for some time, it was the tallest building in the city.
Broadway in Chicago, which is the city's primary theater organization, has been credited with playing a key role in the rebirth of theater in Chicago. In addition to putting on shows at the Ford Center, the Cadillac Palace Theatre, and the Bank of America Theatre, the organization also puts on shows at the Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place and the Auditorium Theatre. Thanks to Broadway in Chicago, these theaters have helped to make Chicago the home of many pre-Broadway productions. Among the more notable ones that have graced the stages at the theaters in Chicago include The Producers, Mamma Mia!, and Spamalot, to name a few.
Catching a Chicago live theater production during your visit shouldn't be hard, thanks to the number of theaters that can be found in the city. Unfortunately, you can no longer catch the production of Wicked, but that doesn't mean that there aren't plenty of great performances that you can add to your list of must-sees. Wicked, which ran here from June 2005 to January 2009, became the most popular stage production in the city's history, and many credit this production with helping to put theater in Chicago back on the map.
Whether you are thinking of exploring the options in the downtown Chicago Theater District or you want to escape to a neighborhood to see a more intimate production, the Chicago theater scene will keep you more than satisfied. Fans of Shakespeare can even find a theater that is ideal for them. The Chicago Shakespeare Theater, which is found on Navy Pier, has won many awards over the course of its life, so you can be sure that the experience will be a good one. There's never been a better time to see a theater show in Chicago, and adding one or more to your list of things to do on your vacation to the Windy City is sure to please.
Taste Of Chicago
The Taste of Chicago, which is the world's largest food festival, is one of the most popular events in Illinois. It usually takes place in late June and early July. Each day at the taste of Chicago Festival features more than 60 local restaurateurs. They offer a delicious combination of ethnic items, family favorites, exotic and Chicago specialties. Over three million people attend the Taste of Chicago, which takes place in Grant Park, in downtown Chicago.
Some of the highlights of the Taste of Chicago festival include a Gourmet Dining Pavilion, a variety of musical entertainment on three stages, cooking demonstrations led by the city and country's top chefs, an amazing Fourth of July fireworks display on the shores of lake Michigan (which actually takes place on July 3rd) and an exiting entertainment area just for kids. Although the entertainment usually features local musicians, past entertainers have included celebrity musicians, such as Carlos Santana and Moby.
Along with some of Chicago's staple dishes, including ribs, cheesecake, Italian beef, Chicago-style hotdogs and Chicago-style pizza, participants at a Taste of Chicago can sample dishes from some of the city's top gourmet restaurants. All of the restaurants at a Taste of Chicago offer a "Taste" portion, which is sold for 2-3 tickets. These tickets offer visitors a real "taste" of Chicago cuisine.
History of the Taste of Chicago Festival
The first Taste of Chicago Festival was held in the summer of 1980. It was the brainchild of Jane Byrne, who was the presiding Mayor of Chicago at that time. At first, the Taste of Chicago was a one-day event held on the Fourth of July. It took place along downtown Chicago's North Michigan Avenue. Due to its popularity, it was moved to Grant Park, and expanded to a ten-day festival.
Hotels Near Taste of Chicago
There are a number of hotels near Taste of Chicago. If you want to work off the good food you will no doubt be eating at the Taste of Chicago Festival, consider booking a room at the Buckingham Athletic Club Hotel. Overlooking Lake Michigan, the Buckingham Athletic Club Hotel is located on the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange building. This 21-room boutique hotel is considered downtown Chicago's best kept secret. As the hotel name implies, the Buckingham Athletic Club hotel has a well-equipped, private fitness facility, which is located on the third floor of the building. It features a four-lane lap pool, eucalyptus steam room and sauna, basketball courts, massage therapy, and fitness classes that include yoga and Pilates.
Other hotels near taste of Chicago include Le Meridian, Sutton Place, Ramada Inn and the majestic Hotel. Given their proximity to Grant's Park, these hotels will probably charge the highest rate, especially during the time of the Taste of Chicago Festival. However, keep in mind that Chicago has an excellent public transportation system. If you cannot find a hotel near Taste of Chicago that fits your price range, check out our other page on Chicago hotels.
Some of the highlights of the Taste of Chicago festival include a Gourmet Dining Pavilion, a variety of musical entertainment on three stages, cooking demonstrations led by the city and country's top chefs, an amazing Fourth of July fireworks display on the shores of lake Michigan (which actually takes place on July 3rd) and an exiting entertainment area just for kids. Although the entertainment usually features local musicians, past entertainers have included celebrity musicians, such as Carlos Santana and Moby.
Along with some of Chicago's staple dishes, including ribs, cheesecake, Italian beef, Chicago-style hotdogs and Chicago-style pizza, participants at a Taste of Chicago can sample dishes from some of the city's top gourmet restaurants. All of the restaurants at a Taste of Chicago offer a "Taste" portion, which is sold for 2-3 tickets. These tickets offer visitors a real "taste" of Chicago cuisine.
History of the Taste of Chicago Festival
The first Taste of Chicago Festival was held in the summer of 1980. It was the brainchild of Jane Byrne, who was the presiding Mayor of Chicago at that time. At first, the Taste of Chicago was a one-day event held on the Fourth of July. It took place along downtown Chicago's North Michigan Avenue. Due to its popularity, it was moved to Grant Park, and expanded to a ten-day festival.
Hotels Near Taste of Chicago
There are a number of hotels near Taste of Chicago. If you want to work off the good food you will no doubt be eating at the Taste of Chicago Festival, consider booking a room at the Buckingham Athletic Club Hotel. Overlooking Lake Michigan, the Buckingham Athletic Club Hotel is located on the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange building. This 21-room boutique hotel is considered downtown Chicago's best kept secret. As the hotel name implies, the Buckingham Athletic Club hotel has a well-equipped, private fitness facility, which is located on the third floor of the building. It features a four-lane lap pool, eucalyptus steam room and sauna, basketball courts, massage therapy, and fitness classes that include yoga and Pilates.
Other hotels near taste of Chicago include Le Meridian, Sutton Place, Ramada Inn and the majestic Hotel. Given their proximity to Grant's Park, these hotels will probably charge the highest rate, especially during the time of the Taste of Chicago Festival. However, keep in mind that Chicago has an excellent public transportation system. If you cannot find a hotel near Taste of Chicago that fits your price range, check out our other page on Chicago hotels.
Soldier Field, Chicago
The history of Soldier Field Chicago and of the Chicago Bears stadium began in 1920 when George Halas first managed the Decatur Staleys owned by the A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company. Halas met with club owners of other football teams during this time, and together the group formed the framework of the American Professional Football Association. In 1924, the name was changed to the National Football League. The Chicago Bears and Chicago Fire games draw huge crowds, and with the stadium's central location, there are many downtown Chicago hotels near Soldier Field.
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In 1921, Staley sold the team to Halas with the stipulation that the team retain the name Staley for another year. The team changed its name to the Chicago Staleys and moved from Staley Field to Wrigley Field, where they played and won ten of thirteen games during their first year. In 1922, after the agreed-to year, the team changed its name again, this time choosing the Chicago Bears.
The team continued to play at Wrigley Field, which remained the home Chicago Bears until 1970. Their final game at Wrigley was on December 13 of that year against the Green Bay Packers. The Bears finished with a win of 35-17 and left Wrigley after having played a total of 332 games at their home field. In 1971, after moving to Soldier Field and making it the new Chicago Bears Stadium, the team played its opening home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, winning 17-15.
Soldier Field Chicago initially started out as the Municipal Grant Park Stadium and opened in 1924. A year later, on November 11, 1925, the name was changed to Solider Field as a memorial to American soldiers killed while serving their country. It has remained the home stadium for the Bears since 1971, with the exception of one year spent at Memorial Stadium while major renovations took place at Soldier Field in 2003.
The original Soldier Field seating layout could accommodate approximately 66,000 fans, but after extensive renovations that including expanding certain areas of the stadium and adding additional facilities, the Soldier Field Chicago accommodates 61,500, as a significant number of seats were removed.
However, the new seating arrangements provide wider, more comfortable contoured seating with convenient cup holders. With the bowl design of the stadium and the seating moved closer to the field, all seats provide a good view of the field, regardless of where the seat is located. Additionally, there are 133 suites and 8,600 climate-controlled club seats available. The renovated Soldier Field also has many more concessions and restrooms, as well as an underground garage and parking deck, televisions throughout the stadium, and an information board to display game stats.
The name of the stadium remains Soldier Field, and as an additional tribute to the men and women in the US military, the six-foot statue depicting the Spirit of the American Doughboy stands in the courtyard. At the northwest end of the stadium the Memorial Waterfall honors prisoners of war and soldiers from all branches of service who are missing in action, and the sculpture Chicago's Tribute to Freedom, depicting men and women of the military and their families, is located in the northern section.
Soldier Field is located at 1410 South Museum Campus Drive, close to other major Chicago attractions including the Field Museum, the Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium.
Soldier Field Tickets
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In 1921, Staley sold the team to Halas with the stipulation that the team retain the name Staley for another year. The team changed its name to the Chicago Staleys and moved from Staley Field to Wrigley Field, where they played and won ten of thirteen games during their first year. In 1922, after the agreed-to year, the team changed its name again, this time choosing the Chicago Bears.
The team continued to play at Wrigley Field, which remained the home Chicago Bears until 1970. Their final game at Wrigley was on December 13 of that year against the Green Bay Packers. The Bears finished with a win of 35-17 and left Wrigley after having played a total of 332 games at their home field. In 1971, after moving to Soldier Field and making it the new Chicago Bears Stadium, the team played its opening home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, winning 17-15.
Soldier Field Chicago initially started out as the Municipal Grant Park Stadium and opened in 1924. A year later, on November 11, 1925, the name was changed to Solider Field as a memorial to American soldiers killed while serving their country. It has remained the home stadium for the Bears since 1971, with the exception of one year spent at Memorial Stadium while major renovations took place at Soldier Field in 2003.
The original Soldier Field seating layout could accommodate approximately 66,000 fans, but after extensive renovations that including expanding certain areas of the stadium and adding additional facilities, the Soldier Field Chicago accommodates 61,500, as a significant number of seats were removed.
However, the new seating arrangements provide wider, more comfortable contoured seating with convenient cup holders. With the bowl design of the stadium and the seating moved closer to the field, all seats provide a good view of the field, regardless of where the seat is located. Additionally, there are 133 suites and 8,600 climate-controlled club seats available. The renovated Soldier Field also has many more concessions and restrooms, as well as an underground garage and parking deck, televisions throughout the stadium, and an information board to display game stats.
The name of the stadium remains Soldier Field, and as an additional tribute to the men and women in the US military, the six-foot statue depicting the Spirit of the American Doughboy stands in the courtyard. At the northwest end of the stadium the Memorial Waterfall honors prisoners of war and soldiers from all branches of service who are missing in action, and the sculpture Chicago's Tribute to Freedom, depicting men and women of the military and their families, is located in the northern section.
Soldier Field is located at 1410 South Museum Campus Drive, close to other major Chicago attractions including the Field Museum, the Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium.
The Sears Tower Chicago
The Sears Tower Chicago is located on Wacker Drive in the heart of the West Loop. It is home to Chicago's largest corporations and commuter rail stations. Upon its completion in early 1973, the Sears Tower Chicago became famous for its attractive and contemporary 110-story trophy office tower consisting of steel columns and beams. The Chicago Sears Tower also has 16,100 bronze-tinted windows.
The Sears Tower Chicago stands at 1,450 feet. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Chicago skyline. Until the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia were built in 1998, the Sears Tower in Chicago held the record for the world's tallest building. The Skydeck at the Sears Tower in Chicago on the 103rd floor stands at 1,353 feet above ground. It is a famous one of the most famous Chicago tourist attractions. From the top of the Skydeck, visitors can experience how the building sways on a windy day. On a clear day, you will be able to see the Great Plains of Illinois as well as the area across from Lake Michigan. You can also see Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. The ride to the top of the Skydeck at the Sears Tower in Chicago takes only 45 seconds. If you are taking a family vacation, your kids will love knee-high kids window. High-powered telescopes allow you to see every detail. A bit of Chicago trivia: The Sears Tower Skydeck was featured in the movie, Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
In addition to the great views from the Skydeck at the Chicago Sears Tower, you can enjoy a variety of interactive, museum-quality exhibits. Every turn gives you a chance to explore Chicago's history and historic characters. In fact, the Sears Tower history is quite interesting in itself.
Sears Tower History
In 1969 Sears, Roebuck & Co. was the largest retailer in the world. Sears executives decided to consolidate the thousands of Chicago employees into one building on the Chicago Loop. They knew that initially, they would require about three million square feet of space. However, the company had ambitious plans for expansion. Thus, they realized that they would eventually need even more space. As a solution, they decided to lease office space to smaller, while planning to retake these offices once the company expanded. Unfortunately, the dreams of extensive expansion turned out to be pipe dreams. Other retailing giants offered formidable competition. Eventually, Sears moved their offices to Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Rumor has it that the owners who purchased the building in March of 2004 have plans to rename the building.
The Chicago Architecture Foundation conducts tours of the Sears Tower Lobby. After the tour, you can visit the Sky Tower at a reduced rate, as well as a reduced waiting time.
The Sears Tower Chicago stands at 1,450 feet. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Chicago skyline. Until the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia were built in 1998, the Sears Tower in Chicago held the record for the world's tallest building. The Skydeck at the Sears Tower in Chicago on the 103rd floor stands at 1,353 feet above ground. It is a famous one of the most famous Chicago tourist attractions. From the top of the Skydeck, visitors can experience how the building sways on a windy day. On a clear day, you will be able to see the Great Plains of Illinois as well as the area across from Lake Michigan. You can also see Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. The ride to the top of the Skydeck at the Sears Tower in Chicago takes only 45 seconds. If you are taking a family vacation, your kids will love knee-high kids window. High-powered telescopes allow you to see every detail. A bit of Chicago trivia: The Sears Tower Skydeck was featured in the movie, Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
In addition to the great views from the Skydeck at the Chicago Sears Tower, you can enjoy a variety of interactive, museum-quality exhibits. Every turn gives you a chance to explore Chicago's history and historic characters. In fact, the Sears Tower history is quite interesting in itself.
Sears Tower History
In 1969 Sears, Roebuck & Co. was the largest retailer in the world. Sears executives decided to consolidate the thousands of Chicago employees into one building on the Chicago Loop. They knew that initially, they would require about three million square feet of space. However, the company had ambitious plans for expansion. Thus, they realized that they would eventually need even more space. As a solution, they decided to lease office space to smaller, while planning to retake these offices once the company expanded. Unfortunately, the dreams of extensive expansion turned out to be pipe dreams. Other retailing giants offered formidable competition. Eventually, Sears moved their offices to Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Rumor has it that the owners who purchased the building in March of 2004 have plans to rename the building.
The Chicago Architecture Foundation conducts tours of the Sears Tower Lobby. After the tour, you can visit the Sky Tower at a reduced rate, as well as a reduced waiting time.
The Riverwalk in Chicago
The Riverwalk in Chicago is the perfect location for visitors to enjoy the views of Chicago's Loop district with its towering skyscrapers, magnificent structures, and architectural designs. It encompasses the shoreline of the Chicago River running from Lake Shore Drive all the way to Franklin Street. The Chicago Riverwalk is a public walkway with free admission and is open daily.
With comfort in mind while taking a leisurely stroll on the walkway, seating is available along the Chicago Riverwalk, giving visitors the opportunity to rest, relax, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the riverwalk from one end to the other. While enjoying the promenade, visitors have access to museums, monuments and the Riverwalk Gateway along the way.
At the Wabash Plaza, visitors can stop at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial housed at the plaza. Also along the walkway are the five-story McCormick Tribune Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum. The Bridgehouse museum is inside the southwest tower located on the bridge at Michigan Avenue and is accessible from the riverwalk. The museum provides historical information about the river and allows visitors to see the inner workings of the gears that raise and lower the bridge.
The Riverwalk Gateway is a visual history lesson of the beginnings and accomplishments of the city and its connection to the river. It is currently the largest piece of public art on display in Chicago. Painted by Ellen Lanyon on 28 individual panels—twelve exquisite decorative panels and sixteen meticulously detailed narrative panels—the individual murals depict each stage of the city and the river's joint history. The murals of the Riverwalk Gateway take up 336 feet of wall space in a well-lit passageway beneath Lake Shore Drive. The passage allows visitors a clear and unhindered look at the panels regardless of weather conditions, and it links the Chicago Riverwalk to the path on the other side so visitors can continue their journey along the walkway.
Cafes dot the way along the Riverwalk in Chicago with a variety of choices in food selections. In addition, bicycles are available for rent through Bike Chicago, and biking tours of the Riverwalk in Chicago area are available for those who want a more in-depth look at the city. Several companies also provide water taxis, narrated boat tours, and scheduled cruises for a closer look at the city and its skyline, waterways, and the downtown area.
On Saturday and Sunday, hand-crafted arts and crafts, souvenirs, and gourmet baskets are available for sale on the Chicago Riverwalk. All of the items are created by local women in business and available through Women-Eye Inc. Most areas of the riverwalk are accessible to people with disabilities, though there are areas of the walkway along with cafes that are only accessible by using the stairs. Parking is available for people with disabilities at select locations nearby.
With comfort in mind while taking a leisurely stroll on the walkway, seating is available along the Chicago Riverwalk, giving visitors the opportunity to rest, relax, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the riverwalk from one end to the other. While enjoying the promenade, visitors have access to museums, monuments and the Riverwalk Gateway along the way.
At the Wabash Plaza, visitors can stop at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial housed at the plaza. Also along the walkway are the five-story McCormick Tribune Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum. The Bridgehouse museum is inside the southwest tower located on the bridge at Michigan Avenue and is accessible from the riverwalk. The museum provides historical information about the river and allows visitors to see the inner workings of the gears that raise and lower the bridge.
The Riverwalk Gateway is a visual history lesson of the beginnings and accomplishments of the city and its connection to the river. It is currently the largest piece of public art on display in Chicago. Painted by Ellen Lanyon on 28 individual panels—twelve exquisite decorative panels and sixteen meticulously detailed narrative panels—the individual murals depict each stage of the city and the river's joint history. The murals of the Riverwalk Gateway take up 336 feet of wall space in a well-lit passageway beneath Lake Shore Drive. The passage allows visitors a clear and unhindered look at the panels regardless of weather conditions, and it links the Chicago Riverwalk to the path on the other side so visitors can continue their journey along the walkway.
Cafes dot the way along the Riverwalk in Chicago with a variety of choices in food selections. In addition, bicycles are available for rent through Bike Chicago, and biking tours of the Riverwalk in Chicago area are available for those who want a more in-depth look at the city. Several companies also provide water taxis, narrated boat tours, and scheduled cruises for a closer look at the city and its skyline, waterways, and the downtown area.
On Saturday and Sunday, hand-crafted arts and crafts, souvenirs, and gourmet baskets are available for sale on the Chicago Riverwalk. All of the items are created by local women in business and available through Women-Eye Inc. Most areas of the riverwalk are accessible to people with disabilities, though there are areas of the walkway along with cafes that are only accessible by using the stairs. Parking is available for people with disabilities at select locations nearby.
Navy Pier in Chicago
The history of Navy Pier begins in 1909 when the 1.5-mile pier was commissioned to service both freight and passenger docking facilities. Construction began in 1914 and was completed in 1916. Two years later, the Municipal Pier opened to the public. The pier's history took a turn during World War I when its focus as an entertainment venue changed to being a home for soldiers, Red Cross personnel, and new recruits from 1917 to 1918.
In 1927, the name of the Municipal Pier was officially changed to Navy Pier in honor of the military personnel who had served during the war. The interesting history of Navy Pier also relates to World War II, as it served as a training post for military personnel; approximately 60,000 people were trained here by 1946.
By 1965, Navy Pier Chicago had changed hands as the Navy moved out in 1946 and the University of Illinois moved in and stayed until 1965 when a new campus was built for the students. Navy Pier served as a convention center for several years and then fell into disuse and disrepair until 1976, when the city set about renovating the Grand Ballroom for the Bicentennial. Another important date in the history of Navy Pier came in 1977, when it was designated as a Chicago Landmark.
Years went by, and Navy Pier Chicago hosted numerous events and recreational activities until 1994, when a redevelopment project was put into action to renovate the site. In 1995, Navy Pier reopened as an entertainment venue featuring restaurants, attractions, and exhibits.
Navy Pier Chicago, situated on 50 acres beside Lake Michigan, also includes gardens, shops, and rides, along with dining cruises and boat tours. It is one of the premier all-in-one fun location for visitors, including those looking for things to do with kids in Chicago.
One of the main attractions for tourists is the 150-foot-high Navy Pier Ferris Wheel, which is located on the upper deck of the pier. The seven-minute ride provides spectacular views of the skyscrapers that make up the Chicago skyline and clear views of Chicago's lakefront. The original Ferris wheel was built specifically for the World's Columbian Exposition that took place in 1893. The current Navy Pier Ferris wheel, was fashioned after the original.
The Ferris wheel is a thrilling ride anytime for visitors of all ages. At night, the wheel is brightly illuminated by thousands of lights placed on each of the 40 spokes and can be easily seen from across Lake Michigan. The Navy Pier Ferris Wheel can comfortably seat up to six passengers at a time in each of the 40 gondolas.
The pier also features an 18-hole miniature golf course, remote-controlled boats, the Children's Museum, IMAX theater, dancers, acrobats, and a lovely work of art in the musical carousel with 36 hand-painted animals. There are also rides, such as the Wave Swinger, which lifts guests fourteen feet into the air before swinging around, and the Light Tower Ride, which bounces riders thirteen feet to the top of the tower and then back down.
The food court, located in the Family Pavilion, contains numerous restaurants along with retail and souvenir shops. Navy Pier is open year-round except for Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day. Different tickets can be purchased, including a single ticket good for one ride, a single ride combo tickets good for two to five rides, and family combo packages that are good for ten rides.
In 1927, the name of the Municipal Pier was officially changed to Navy Pier in honor of the military personnel who had served during the war. The interesting history of Navy Pier also relates to World War II, as it served as a training post for military personnel; approximately 60,000 people were trained here by 1946.
By 1965, Navy Pier Chicago had changed hands as the Navy moved out in 1946 and the University of Illinois moved in and stayed until 1965 when a new campus was built for the students. Navy Pier served as a convention center for several years and then fell into disuse and disrepair until 1976, when the city set about renovating the Grand Ballroom for the Bicentennial. Another important date in the history of Navy Pier came in 1977, when it was designated as a Chicago Landmark.
Years went by, and Navy Pier Chicago hosted numerous events and recreational activities until 1994, when a redevelopment project was put into action to renovate the site. In 1995, Navy Pier reopened as an entertainment venue featuring restaurants, attractions, and exhibits.
Navy Pier Chicago, situated on 50 acres beside Lake Michigan, also includes gardens, shops, and rides, along with dining cruises and boat tours. It is one of the premier all-in-one fun location for visitors, including those looking for things to do with kids in Chicago.
One of the main attractions for tourists is the 150-foot-high Navy Pier Ferris Wheel, which is located on the upper deck of the pier. The seven-minute ride provides spectacular views of the skyscrapers that make up the Chicago skyline and clear views of Chicago's lakefront. The original Ferris wheel was built specifically for the World's Columbian Exposition that took place in 1893. The current Navy Pier Ferris wheel, was fashioned after the original.
The Ferris wheel is a thrilling ride anytime for visitors of all ages. At night, the wheel is brightly illuminated by thousands of lights placed on each of the 40 spokes and can be easily seen from across Lake Michigan. The Navy Pier Ferris Wheel can comfortably seat up to six passengers at a time in each of the 40 gondolas.
The pier also features an 18-hole miniature golf course, remote-controlled boats, the Children's Museum, IMAX theater, dancers, acrobats, and a lovely work of art in the musical carousel with 36 hand-painted animals. There are also rides, such as the Wave Swinger, which lifts guests fourteen feet into the air before swinging around, and the Light Tower Ride, which bounces riders thirteen feet to the top of the tower and then back down.
The food court, located in the Family Pavilion, contains numerous restaurants along with retail and souvenir shops. Navy Pier is open year-round except for Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day. Different tickets can be purchased, including a single ticket good for one ride, a single ride combo tickets good for two to five rides, and family combo packages that are good for ten rides.
Museum of Science and Industry
If you plan to visit the Hyde Park neighborhood, be sure to check out the Museum of Science and Industry. The museum edifice was the former Fine Arts Building, whose significance lies in the fact that it is the only existing building from the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Architectual experts believe that survival of the building can be attributed to the durable building materials from which the Museum of Science and Industry was constructed. These materials lasted longer than the materials that were used for other Exposition buildings.
The Museum of Science and Industry building was once the home of the Field Museum of Natural History. However, when a new Field Museum building opened closer to the downtown in 1921, the former site was left unoccupied. A few years later, the building was selected as the site for a new science museum, and the exterior of what would become the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry building was re-cast in stone. This served to retain its 1893 Beaux Arts appearance. However, the interior was completely redesigned in Art Deco style.
Sears, Roebuck & Company chairman Julius Rosenwald, who pledged $3 million to the institution, established the Museum of Science and Industry in 1926. He eventually donated over $5 million to the project. Although he insisted that his name not appear on the building, for the first few years of the museum's existence, it was still referred to as the Rosenwald Industrial Museum. Rosenwald's primary goal was to create an interactive museum in the style of the Deutsches Museum.
In their quest to find their first director, the museum staff conducted a nationwide search. Eventually, the board of directors had the good fortune of recruiting Waldemar Kaempffert, who was the science editor for the New York Times. Kaempffert proved to be a great benefit to the museum. He developed close ties with the science departments of the University of Chicago, who were more than happy to supply significant funds for the various exhibits. The Museum of Science and Industry Chicago opened to the public in 1933 during the Century of Progress Exposition. The theme of the fair was technical innovation.
Today, visitors to the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry can explore a variety of exhibits. Take Flight recreates a San Francisco to Chicago flight using a real Boeing 727 jet plane that was donated by United Airlines. The Coal Mine re-creates a working mine inside the museum. Recently, the Museum of Science and Industry opened a new exhibit space for the U-505 Submarine, which is the only German submarine that was captured by the US in World War II. The Great Train Story is a 3,500 square foot model railroad that tells the story of transportation from Seattle to Chicago.
Today, the Museum of Science and Industry has remained faithful to Rosenwald's vision of an interactive museum. For example, Genetics: Decoding Life looks at how genetics have an impact on human and animal development. ToyMaker 3000 is a working assembly line that lets visitors order a toy top and watch as it is made. As such, the Museum of Science and Industry combines a learning experience in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.
The Museum of Science and Industry building was once the home of the Field Museum of Natural History. However, when a new Field Museum building opened closer to the downtown in 1921, the former site was left unoccupied. A few years later, the building was selected as the site for a new science museum, and the exterior of what would become the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry building was re-cast in stone. This served to retain its 1893 Beaux Arts appearance. However, the interior was completely redesigned in Art Deco style.
Sears, Roebuck & Company chairman Julius Rosenwald, who pledged $3 million to the institution, established the Museum of Science and Industry in 1926. He eventually donated over $5 million to the project. Although he insisted that his name not appear on the building, for the first few years of the museum's existence, it was still referred to as the Rosenwald Industrial Museum. Rosenwald's primary goal was to create an interactive museum in the style of the Deutsches Museum.
In their quest to find their first director, the museum staff conducted a nationwide search. Eventually, the board of directors had the good fortune of recruiting Waldemar Kaempffert, who was the science editor for the New York Times. Kaempffert proved to be a great benefit to the museum. He developed close ties with the science departments of the University of Chicago, who were more than happy to supply significant funds for the various exhibits. The Museum of Science and Industry Chicago opened to the public in 1933 during the Century of Progress Exposition. The theme of the fair was technical innovation.
Today, visitors to the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry can explore a variety of exhibits. Take Flight recreates a San Francisco to Chicago flight using a real Boeing 727 jet plane that was donated by United Airlines. The Coal Mine re-creates a working mine inside the museum. Recently, the Museum of Science and Industry opened a new exhibit space for the U-505 Submarine, which is the only German submarine that was captured by the US in World War II. The Great Train Story is a 3,500 square foot model railroad that tells the story of transportation from Seattle to Chicago.
Today, the Museum of Science and Industry has remained faithful to Rosenwald's vision of an interactive museum. For example, Genetics: Decoding Life looks at how genetics have an impact on human and animal development. ToyMaker 3000 is a working assembly line that lets visitors order a toy top and watch as it is made. As such, the Museum of Science and Industry combines a learning experience in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago houses a collection of more than 2,000 artistic pieces spanning the decades from 1945 to today, and visitors who are interested in art would do well to add it to the itinerary for their Chicago vacation.
The visual artwork on display in the Chicago Contemporary Art Museum collection primarily consists of examples of the minimalist and surrealist style created by the individual artist through sculpture, photography, and painting. The collection is diverse and provides visitors with a fine selection of interesting and unique pieces of art to appreciate.
Throughout the year, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago schedules dance ensembles and interpretive music performances at the museum along with special events including jazz concerts, a farmers market, and hands-on art activities.
Dining at the Chicago Contemporary Art Museum is available at Puck's full-service restaurant for lunch and Sunday brunch, and on Tuesday evenings, Puck's serves an international buffet.
Education plays an important role at the Contemporary Art Museum in Chicago, and through teacher, school, and family programs, along with workshops and discussions, the museum provides plenty of opportunities to learn, similar to the interactive programs at the Children's Museum at Navy Pier.
The Contemporary Art Museum in Chicago is located on the Magnificent Mile and is open Tuesday through Sunday. At the museum, self-guided tours as well as curator-led and group tours are available. Admission to the museum is free.
The visual artwork on display in the Chicago Contemporary Art Museum collection primarily consists of examples of the minimalist and surrealist style created by the individual artist through sculpture, photography, and painting. The collection is diverse and provides visitors with a fine selection of interesting and unique pieces of art to appreciate.
Throughout the year, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago schedules dance ensembles and interpretive music performances at the museum along with special events including jazz concerts, a farmers market, and hands-on art activities.
Dining at the Chicago Contemporary Art Museum is available at Puck's full-service restaurant for lunch and Sunday brunch, and on Tuesday evenings, Puck's serves an international buffet.
Education plays an important role at the Contemporary Art Museum in Chicago, and through teacher, school, and family programs, along with workshops and discussions, the museum provides plenty of opportunities to learn, similar to the interactive programs at the Children's Museum at Navy Pier.
The Contemporary Art Museum in Chicago is located on the Magnificent Mile and is open Tuesday through Sunday. At the museum, self-guided tours as well as curator-led and group tours are available. Admission to the museum is free.
Chicago Children's Museum
For travelers looking for things to do with kids during a Chicago vacation, a visit to Navy Pier might be in order. The Children's Museum in Chicago is a cultural institution that serves as a base for children and teens to participate in a variety of educational programs. The focus at the Children's Museum at Navy Pier is to encourage children to learn by playing using numerous exhibits, interactive activities, and programs that prompt them to ask questions, be creative, and to develop their motor skills.
Advanced programs at the Chicago Children's Museum involving lab experiments, physics, or engineering concepts are available for older children, and in addition, the museum in Chicago offers programs for adults who are participating in a child's life. Providing fun-filled activities, interesting programs, and useful tools in a safe environment for children to learn and play is the primary goal of the Chicago Children's Museum.
Many permanent interactive exhibits are found in the Children's Museum in Chicago, including Kids Town and Treehouse Trails for children under the age of five; WaterWays, which is all about water and how it works; Kovler Family Climbing Schooner for children over five; and the Play it Safe program, which was developed by the Chicago Fire Department for children and adults to learn about fire safety.
The Children's Museum at Navy Pier is open daily except Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day and has ample indoor parking. On Thursday evenings, admission to the museum is free, and on the first Sunday of each month, admission is free for children ages 15 and under. The museum is also located near numerous attractions in Chicago, including Grant Park.
Advanced programs at the Chicago Children's Museum involving lab experiments, physics, or engineering concepts are available for older children, and in addition, the museum in Chicago offers programs for adults who are participating in a child's life. Providing fun-filled activities, interesting programs, and useful tools in a safe environment for children to learn and play is the primary goal of the Chicago Children's Museum.
Many permanent interactive exhibits are found in the Children's Museum in Chicago, including Kids Town and Treehouse Trails for children under the age of five; WaterWays, which is all about water and how it works; Kovler Family Climbing Schooner for children over five; and the Play it Safe program, which was developed by the Chicago Fire Department for children and adults to learn about fire safety.
The Children's Museum at Navy Pier is open daily except Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day and has ample indoor parking. On Thursday evenings, admission to the museum is free, and on the first Sunday of each month, admission is free for children ages 15 and under. The museum is also located near numerous attractions in Chicago, including Grant Park.
Chicago History Museum
Travelers on Chicago vacations who are interested in discovering the city's rich and diversified history will not be disappointed when visiting the Chicago Museum of History, which uses film, video, books, artifacts, photographs, and art to bring the past to life. The museum's Great Chicago Stories history program is an award winner, having received the 2008 Gold MUSE Award for Teaching and Outreach, the 2008 Award for Excellence in Published Resources for Students and Teachers, and the 2008 Best of Web (Education) Award.
In the eight main sections that make up the museum of Chicago history, collections containing 22 million documents, materials, and other artifacts showcase specific items relating to city history. The Chicago History Museum has an extensive archive of records from business groups, organizations, and citizens relating stories regarding their involvement in developing the city of Chicago.
Chicago has a distinctive skyline with buildings and bridges displaying a diverse variety of architectural styles. In the Chicago Museum of History, visitors can peruse the extensive collection of materials about local architecture, such as drawings, models, photographs and manuscripts.
Overall, this museum of Chicago history maintains nearly 100,000 published materials in multiple forms, including books, pamphlets, periodicals, newspaper, sheet music, maps, and atlases. Programs from sporting event, restaurant menus, entertainment announcements, and telephone directories are also part of the materials that make up a valuable research archive.
A particularly interesting section of the Chicago History Museum is the area dedicated to costumes and clothing. The pieces range from clothing made for working people to exquisite gowns by Worth. Historical pieces in the collection include items worn by Abraham Lincoln, John Adams, and George Washington.
The decorative and industrial arts section of the Chicago Museum of History includes pieces from the Civil War and the Revolutionary War along with items from the Great Chicago Fire and both of the world's fairs held in the city. Modern pieces of work in the collection include furniture and stained-glass items created by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Film and television are part of Chicago's history as well, and the Chicago History Museum has a significant collection covering the early part of the century through today in the form of oral documentaries and recordings.
The museum's painting and sculpture collection contains oil-on-canvas portraits of people of the period and the changing Chicago landscape, along with intricate sculptures using plaster, bronze, wood, and marble. Additionally, original sketches using ink, pencil, chalk, and other media are part of the extensive collection.
The photos and prints collection at the Chicago Museum of Art is the largest accumulation of information in picture form about Chicago's history. The collection contains engravings, prints, photos, etchings, and lithographs relating to historical figures, the Civil War, news film, buildings, city views, and organizations.
The museum of Chicago history is located at 1601 N. Clark St. and is open daily. Both public transportation and rental cars are options for getting to the museum, as parking is available for visitors at the corner of Stockton and LaSalle streets. The North & Clark Café, overlooking Lincoln Park, is conveniently open to museum patrons daily for breakfast, lunch, light snacks, and coffee.
In the eight main sections that make up the museum of Chicago history, collections containing 22 million documents, materials, and other artifacts showcase specific items relating to city history. The Chicago History Museum has an extensive archive of records from business groups, organizations, and citizens relating stories regarding their involvement in developing the city of Chicago.
Chicago has a distinctive skyline with buildings and bridges displaying a diverse variety of architectural styles. In the Chicago Museum of History, visitors can peruse the extensive collection of materials about local architecture, such as drawings, models, photographs and manuscripts.
Overall, this museum of Chicago history maintains nearly 100,000 published materials in multiple forms, including books, pamphlets, periodicals, newspaper, sheet music, maps, and atlases. Programs from sporting event, restaurant menus, entertainment announcements, and telephone directories are also part of the materials that make up a valuable research archive.
A particularly interesting section of the Chicago History Museum is the area dedicated to costumes and clothing. The pieces range from clothing made for working people to exquisite gowns by Worth. Historical pieces in the collection include items worn by Abraham Lincoln, John Adams, and George Washington.
The decorative and industrial arts section of the Chicago Museum of History includes pieces from the Civil War and the Revolutionary War along with items from the Great Chicago Fire and both of the world's fairs held in the city. Modern pieces of work in the collection include furniture and stained-glass items created by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Film and television are part of Chicago's history as well, and the Chicago History Museum has a significant collection covering the early part of the century through today in the form of oral documentaries and recordings.
The museum's painting and sculpture collection contains oil-on-canvas portraits of people of the period and the changing Chicago landscape, along with intricate sculptures using plaster, bronze, wood, and marble. Additionally, original sketches using ink, pencil, chalk, and other media are part of the extensive collection.
The photos and prints collection at the Chicago Museum of Art is the largest accumulation of information in picture form about Chicago's history. The collection contains engravings, prints, photos, etchings, and lithographs relating to historical figures, the Civil War, news film, buildings, city views, and organizations.
The museum of Chicago history is located at 1601 N. Clark St. and is open daily. Both public transportation and rental cars are options for getting to the museum, as parking is available for visitors at the corner of Stockton and LaSalle streets. The North & Clark Café, overlooking Lincoln Park, is conveniently open to museum patrons daily for breakfast, lunch, light snacks, and coffee.
Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is both a working school and a museum. In its role as an educational facility, the Chicago Art Institute provides admission to undergraduates, graduates, and international students. It also offers adult and children's courses ,as well as courses for high school students and teachers, and summer courses. In addition, the institute provides lectures, performances, film screenings, and exhibits to the public.
At the Art Institute of Chicago, the Gene Siskel film center, established in 1972, provides patrons with a look at independent and international films. The Poetry Center at the Chicago Art Institute focuses on literary awareness and creativity. Ongoing exhibits at the museum are held both on and off campus and feature work in ceramics, photography and sculpture, painting, drawing, and interior architecture.
An important facet of the Art Institute of Chicago is its visiting artists program, which hosts lectures, artistic presentations, and film screenings utilizing the artist's choice of media. The museum also houses both visiting and permanent exhibits that include Impressionist paintings, tapestries, Islamic ceramics, watercolors, silks, and photography.
Gifts and souvenirs are available at the Museum Shop at the Chicago Institute of Art with selections for home furnishings, apparel, art, jewelry, books, and stationery. Orders also can be conveniently placed online.
The Modern Wing, which was in the making for ten years, made the Chicago Institute of Art one of the largest US art museums upon opening. The wing houses the museum's collection of contemporary art, painting and sculpture, photography, and architectural designs. If you're shopping at the Modern Wing Shop, you'll find interesting gifts, reproductions, jewelry, and books relating to contemporary art. The Kids Shop has books, games, and art supplies available to encourage a child's interest in art.
While visiting the Modern Wing, a visit to the Balcony Café provides a place to relax, refresh, and enjoy the selections at the coffee bar. The Art Institute museum in Chicago is open daily and offers self-guided tours and audio guides for each exhibition. There is an admission fee, and the museum has specific guidelines of what is permitted regarding cameras, backpacks, cell phones, sketchpads, and baby strollers within the museum. Dining facilities also are available at the Garden Café and Terzo Piano for lunch when visiting the Chicago Art Institute.
For travelers who are interested in seeing more of the city and its lovely skyline during their Chicago vacation, full-day bus tours arranged through the Chicago Institute of Art Institute are available to visit interesting areas displaying different architectural styles, glass works, statuary, and monuments displayed throughout the city. The institute's location near many city attractions means that travelers can also visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, Grant Park, and other sites easily.
At the Art Institute of Chicago, the Gene Siskel film center, established in 1972, provides patrons with a look at independent and international films. The Poetry Center at the Chicago Art Institute focuses on literary awareness and creativity. Ongoing exhibits at the museum are held both on and off campus and feature work in ceramics, photography and sculpture, painting, drawing, and interior architecture.
An important facet of the Art Institute of Chicago is its visiting artists program, which hosts lectures, artistic presentations, and film screenings utilizing the artist's choice of media. The museum also houses both visiting and permanent exhibits that include Impressionist paintings, tapestries, Islamic ceramics, watercolors, silks, and photography.
Gifts and souvenirs are available at the Museum Shop at the Chicago Institute of Art with selections for home furnishings, apparel, art, jewelry, books, and stationery. Orders also can be conveniently placed online.
The Modern Wing, which was in the making for ten years, made the Chicago Institute of Art one of the largest US art museums upon opening. The wing houses the museum's collection of contemporary art, painting and sculpture, photography, and architectural designs. If you're shopping at the Modern Wing Shop, you'll find interesting gifts, reproductions, jewelry, and books relating to contemporary art. The Kids Shop has books, games, and art supplies available to encourage a child's interest in art.
While visiting the Modern Wing, a visit to the Balcony Café provides a place to relax, refresh, and enjoy the selections at the coffee bar. The Art Institute museum in Chicago is open daily and offers self-guided tours and audio guides for each exhibition. There is an admission fee, and the museum has specific guidelines of what is permitted regarding cameras, backpacks, cell phones, sketchpads, and baby strollers within the museum. Dining facilities also are available at the Garden Café and Terzo Piano for lunch when visiting the Chicago Art Institute.
For travelers who are interested in seeing more of the city and its lovely skyline during their Chicago vacation, full-day bus tours arranged through the Chicago Institute of Art Institute are available to visit interesting areas displaying different architectural styles, glass works, statuary, and monuments displayed throughout the city. The institute's location near many city attractions means that travelers can also visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, Grant Park, and other sites easily.
The Adler Planetarium in Chicago
The Adler Planetarium in Chicago, founded in 1930 by Max Adler, today serves as a beacon to promote education and astronomy research while providing visitors to the Chicago planetarium with a chance to look to the stars. The planetarium was the first to open in the Western Hemisphere.
Exhibits at the Chicago astronomy museum encompass more than 35,000 square feet of space used to display scale models, instruments, and rare books along with the original scientific collection of math, navigation, and astronomy instruments purchased by Adler. The collection features approximately 2,000 artifacts dating from the twelfth century to the present day. The exhibits and collections, both temporary and permanent, at the Adler Planetarium are excellent sources of information that are used by visitors, students, and scholars at the museum. While visiting the Chicago planetarium, guided tours are available discussing the exhibits and their history.
The Adler Planetarium has two distinct theaters for visitor observation. The StarRider Theater provides visitors the experience of outer space in a total virtual and digital environment, while visitors to the Sky Theater will see a projection of the night sky on the theater's dome. One of the especially interesting attractions at the planetarium is the Atwood Sphere. Constructed in 1913, the sphere allows visitors to see the position of the stars as they were at that time through a series of 692 drilled holes. The holes allow light to enter showing the stars positions. An audio guide accompanies the presentation.
The Chicago astronomy museum offers entertaining and educational shows in a virtual reality atmosphere in the Definiti Space Theater and in the Sky Theater. Tickets for these shows cannot be purchased in advance. Another significant part of the museum is the Doane Observatory, which houses the aperture telescope that allows visitors to see objects in space that cannot be seen by the human eye.
Visitors to the Adler Planetarium in Chicago can see both the America's Courtyard sculpture and the Sundial sculpture, and upon entering the Rainbow Lobby, they will see sunlight filtered through beveled glass creating rainbows against the walls. Another interesting location for visitors to the Chicago planetarium to enjoy is the terraces where permanently mounted telescopes are available for use in viewing the city's architecture and skyline, as well as the stars in the night sky. Planetarium staff are on-hand to assist visitors with the use of the telescopes.
After a day of observation and stargazing, Galileo's Café provides visitors to the Adler Planetarium a variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches to choose from while relaxing and enjoying the view of Chicago. The café is open for continental breakfast and lunch daily. To complete the visit to the planetarium, the Infinity Shop has celestial gift items and souvenirs that are perfect for both children and adults, including telescopes, artifact reproductions, jewelry, clothing, astronomy CDs, and books.
Adler Planetarium in Chicago is open daily except Christmas and Thanksgiving Day and has a regular, holiday, and summer schedule for hours of operation. Parking is available at the designated parking lot or at Soldier Field, except during special events. The planetarium is also close to an array of Chicago attractions, including the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium, as well as Navy Pier.
Exhibits at the Chicago astronomy museum encompass more than 35,000 square feet of space used to display scale models, instruments, and rare books along with the original scientific collection of math, navigation, and astronomy instruments purchased by Adler. The collection features approximately 2,000 artifacts dating from the twelfth century to the present day. The exhibits and collections, both temporary and permanent, at the Adler Planetarium are excellent sources of information that are used by visitors, students, and scholars at the museum. While visiting the Chicago planetarium, guided tours are available discussing the exhibits and their history.
The Adler Planetarium has two distinct theaters for visitor observation. The StarRider Theater provides visitors the experience of outer space in a total virtual and digital environment, while visitors to the Sky Theater will see a projection of the night sky on the theater's dome. One of the especially interesting attractions at the planetarium is the Atwood Sphere. Constructed in 1913, the sphere allows visitors to see the position of the stars as they were at that time through a series of 692 drilled holes. The holes allow light to enter showing the stars positions. An audio guide accompanies the presentation.
The Chicago astronomy museum offers entertaining and educational shows in a virtual reality atmosphere in the Definiti Space Theater and in the Sky Theater. Tickets for these shows cannot be purchased in advance. Another significant part of the museum is the Doane Observatory, which houses the aperture telescope that allows visitors to see objects in space that cannot be seen by the human eye.
Visitors to the Adler Planetarium in Chicago can see both the America's Courtyard sculpture and the Sundial sculpture, and upon entering the Rainbow Lobby, they will see sunlight filtered through beveled glass creating rainbows against the walls. Another interesting location for visitors to the Chicago planetarium to enjoy is the terraces where permanently mounted telescopes are available for use in viewing the city's architecture and skyline, as well as the stars in the night sky. Planetarium staff are on-hand to assist visitors with the use of the telescopes.
After a day of observation and stargazing, Galileo's Café provides visitors to the Adler Planetarium a variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches to choose from while relaxing and enjoying the view of Chicago. The café is open for continental breakfast and lunch daily. To complete the visit to the planetarium, the Infinity Shop has celestial gift items and souvenirs that are perfect for both children and adults, including telescopes, artifact reproductions, jewelry, clothing, astronomy CDs, and books.
Adler Planetarium in Chicago is open daily except Christmas and Thanksgiving Day and has a regular, holiday, and summer schedule for hours of operation. Parking is available at the designated parking lot or at Soldier Field, except during special events. The planetarium is also close to an array of Chicago attractions, including the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium, as well as Navy Pier.
Chicago Field Museum
Did you see the 1997 film, The Relic? That movie was filmed at the Chicago Field Museum, which boasts a great location on Lake Shore Drive next to Lake Michigan. The Chicago Field Museum is also a part of the complex known as Museum Campus Chicago. Its location, as well as its unique and exciting exhibits, make it a perfect venue for an Illinois family vacation. While you are there, you can visit the other museums in the complex, which include the John Shedd Aquarium and the Museum of Science and Industry.
Aside from the great exhibits at the Field Museum, the architecture is also noteworthy. It is reminiscent of the style that was popular during the World's Columbian Exposition in the 1890s. Students of architecture often visit to simply observe the building's structure. The Chicago Field Museum has also had a nuber of different names and "identities."
At first, the Chicago Field Museum was called the Columbian Museum of Chicago. However, in 1905, it was renamed in honor of Marshall Field, who was a major donor. At one time, The Field Museum was housed in the building that is now occupied by the Museum of Science and Industry, but the Field Museum's present location is in a building that opened in 1921.
The Field Museum in Chicago is organized into four major departments: Anthropology, Zoology, Botany and Geology. Some of the most popular exhibits at the Chicago Field Museum include:
* Sue, who is the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossil skeleton in the world. Sue's size is her distinctive quality. She is 45 feet long and 13 feet high. At 67 million years old, she is a rather old gal. Sue was named after Sue Hendrickson, who was the paleontologist who discovered it. . She is a permanent feature of the Field Museum in Chicago. While's Sue's enormous body is located on the main floor in the Stanley Field Hall, her big head was too heavy to be mounted on the rest of the body, It is therefore located on a second floor balcony.
* The Field Museum also has a complete set of human cultural anthropology exhibits, which include artifacts from ancient Egypt, the Pacific Northwest and Tibet.
* There is a diverse taxidermy collection. Highlights of this fascinating exhibit include two African elephants, as well as the Lions of Tsavo that were featured in the 1996 movie The Ghost and the Darkness.
Although the above-mentioned exhibits are the most popular, there are many other exciting displays at the Field Museum in Chicago. For example, at the Inside Ancient Egypt, you can transport you back in time to ancient Egyptian life. This Field Museum exhibit has 23 human mummies are on display, as well as a bizarre collection of animal mummies. If you are feeling adventurous, there is also a tomb that you can enter, complete with 5,000 year old hieroglyphs.
The newest permanent exhibit at the Chicago Field Museum is called "Evolving Planet". It makes use of the museum's extensive fossil collection to explain the history and the evolution of life on earth. The Field Museum also has a Native American exhibit, complete with totem poles and traditional Native American costumes.
Aside from the great exhibits at the Field Museum, the architecture is also noteworthy. It is reminiscent of the style that was popular during the World's Columbian Exposition in the 1890s. Students of architecture often visit to simply observe the building's structure. The Chicago Field Museum has also had a nuber of different names and "identities."
At first, the Chicago Field Museum was called the Columbian Museum of Chicago. However, in 1905, it was renamed in honor of Marshall Field, who was a major donor. At one time, The Field Museum was housed in the building that is now occupied by the Museum of Science and Industry, but the Field Museum's present location is in a building that opened in 1921.
The Field Museum in Chicago is organized into four major departments: Anthropology, Zoology, Botany and Geology. Some of the most popular exhibits at the Chicago Field Museum include:
* Sue, who is the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossil skeleton in the world. Sue's size is her distinctive quality. She is 45 feet long and 13 feet high. At 67 million years old, she is a rather old gal. Sue was named after Sue Hendrickson, who was the paleontologist who discovered it. . She is a permanent feature of the Field Museum in Chicago. While's Sue's enormous body is located on the main floor in the Stanley Field Hall, her big head was too heavy to be mounted on the rest of the body, It is therefore located on a second floor balcony.
* The Field Museum also has a complete set of human cultural anthropology exhibits, which include artifacts from ancient Egypt, the Pacific Northwest and Tibet.
* There is a diverse taxidermy collection. Highlights of this fascinating exhibit include two African elephants, as well as the Lions of Tsavo that were featured in the 1996 movie The Ghost and the Darkness.
Although the above-mentioned exhibits are the most popular, there are many other exciting displays at the Field Museum in Chicago. For example, at the Inside Ancient Egypt, you can transport you back in time to ancient Egyptian life. This Field Museum exhibit has 23 human mummies are on display, as well as a bizarre collection of animal mummies. If you are feeling adventurous, there is also a tomb that you can enter, complete with 5,000 year old hieroglyphs.
The newest permanent exhibit at the Chicago Field Museum is called "Evolving Planet". It makes use of the museum's extensive fossil collection to explain the history and the evolution of life on earth. The Field Museum also has a Native American exhibit, complete with totem poles and traditional Native American costumes.
Museums in Chicago
If you go to Chicago and don't visit some of the great Chicago museums, then you're missing out on a big part of the full experience. There is a museum in Chicago for every interest, and for those who plan on doing the rounds, investing in a CityPass is arguably the way to go. The CityPass includes admission to some of the best Chicago museums, and it also allows you to enjoy the scintillating city views from the Hancock Observatory, which is a welcome bonus. You'll save some 50 percent on ticket prices at some of the top museums in Chicago when you buy the CityPass, so it's a must-have for many visitors.
The Chicago museums featured on the CityPass tickets include the three gems that make up the renowned Museum Campus: the Field Museum of Natural History, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum. All of these attractions will figure well on the itinerary whether you're among adults or looking for things for kids to do in Chicago. At the Field Museum, visitors can admire the world's most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil, get insight into ancient Egypt at the Inside Ancient Egypt exhibit, and take a look at life as far away as the South Pacific, among other things.
Over at the Shedd Aquarium, watching marine mammals splash around and checking out a host of other fascinating creatures, including birds and insects, are the top things to do. The aquarium might not technically be a museum, but it is found on Museum Campus and certainly deserves some of your time. In recent years, it has earned distinction as the top cultural attraction in Chicago, which is an honor that was previously bestowed upon the Field Museum. In other words, these two attractions should make any Chicago vacation itineraries.
The Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum also deserves inclusion on your list of Chicago museums to visit, especially if you enjoy space and science. The StarRider Theater Show is reason enough to visit the Adler Planetarium. This show will take you on a virtual tour of the Milky Way before heading beyond to explore the depths of space. The 3-D graphics and the massive dome screen help to make this show truly unforgettable.
Art enthusiasts who are looking for a good museum in Chicago will want to start their search on the eastern side of the Loop, where the famous Art Institute of Chicago is located on Michigan Avenue. Monet, Matisse, Dali, Pollock, and Warhol are among the names that you'll find on the impressive collection of paintings here, and you could easily spend hours on end admiring their works. Other exhibits feature works such as Greek vases, Japanese prints, nineteenth-century glass paperweights, and European armor and weaponry that dates back to the fifteenth century. The Art Institute of Chicago is really a fantastic place, and you're bound to be amazed by the comprehensive collection here.
Other art museums in Chicago that you might consider adding to your agenda include the Museum of Contemporary Art, which can be found on the Near North Side at 220 E. Chicago Avenue; the National Museum of Mexican Art, which is located in the neighborhood of Pilsen; and the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum, which can be found south of the Loop at 1801 S. Indiana Avenue. For those who are interested in Chicago history, the Chicago History Museum is bound to please. Found in Lincoln Park at the corner of Clark Street and North Avenue, the Chicago History Museum offers fantastic exhibits, including the 1893 CTA 1 passenger car, which once traveled between the Loop and Hyde Park. Hyde Park is also where you will find the DuSable Museum of African-American History, which offers insight into the African-American experience in the United States.
There are many more museums in Chicago that beg a visit, so you'll want to keep an eye out when it comes to the possibilities. For travelers on a budget, it's not uncommon for a museum in Chicago to offer free days or free hours where visitors don't have to pay admission. On Tuesdays, you won't have to pay to get into the Art Institute, while Thursdays can see you getting into the Chicago Children's Museum for free between the hours of 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Other Chicago museums are free all the time, including the Smart Museum of Art, the Jane Addams Hull House Museum, and the National Museum of Mexican Art.
In addition to visiting a free Chicago museum, you can also look to visit the free Lincoln Park Zoo. Walks through parks like Lincoln Park and Grant Park also won't cost anything, nor will have to pay to enjoy the Chicago Air & Water Show. There are lots of fun, free things to do in Chicago, which only helps make the Windy City such a great place to visit.
The Chicago museums featured on the CityPass tickets include the three gems that make up the renowned Museum Campus: the Field Museum of Natural History, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum. All of these attractions will figure well on the itinerary whether you're among adults or looking for things for kids to do in Chicago. At the Field Museum, visitors can admire the world's most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil, get insight into ancient Egypt at the Inside Ancient Egypt exhibit, and take a look at life as far away as the South Pacific, among other things.
Over at the Shedd Aquarium, watching marine mammals splash around and checking out a host of other fascinating creatures, including birds and insects, are the top things to do. The aquarium might not technically be a museum, but it is found on Museum Campus and certainly deserves some of your time. In recent years, it has earned distinction as the top cultural attraction in Chicago, which is an honor that was previously bestowed upon the Field Museum. In other words, these two attractions should make any Chicago vacation itineraries.
The Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum also deserves inclusion on your list of Chicago museums to visit, especially if you enjoy space and science. The StarRider Theater Show is reason enough to visit the Adler Planetarium. This show will take you on a virtual tour of the Milky Way before heading beyond to explore the depths of space. The 3-D graphics and the massive dome screen help to make this show truly unforgettable.
Art enthusiasts who are looking for a good museum in Chicago will want to start their search on the eastern side of the Loop, where the famous Art Institute of Chicago is located on Michigan Avenue. Monet, Matisse, Dali, Pollock, and Warhol are among the names that you'll find on the impressive collection of paintings here, and you could easily spend hours on end admiring their works. Other exhibits feature works such as Greek vases, Japanese prints, nineteenth-century glass paperweights, and European armor and weaponry that dates back to the fifteenth century. The Art Institute of Chicago is really a fantastic place, and you're bound to be amazed by the comprehensive collection here.
Other art museums in Chicago that you might consider adding to your agenda include the Museum of Contemporary Art, which can be found on the Near North Side at 220 E. Chicago Avenue; the National Museum of Mexican Art, which is located in the neighborhood of Pilsen; and the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum, which can be found south of the Loop at 1801 S. Indiana Avenue. For those who are interested in Chicago history, the Chicago History Museum is bound to please. Found in Lincoln Park at the corner of Clark Street and North Avenue, the Chicago History Museum offers fantastic exhibits, including the 1893 CTA 1 passenger car, which once traveled between the Loop and Hyde Park. Hyde Park is also where you will find the DuSable Museum of African-American History, which offers insight into the African-American experience in the United States.
There are many more museums in Chicago that beg a visit, so you'll want to keep an eye out when it comes to the possibilities. For travelers on a budget, it's not uncommon for a museum in Chicago to offer free days or free hours where visitors don't have to pay admission. On Tuesdays, you won't have to pay to get into the Art Institute, while Thursdays can see you getting into the Chicago Children's Museum for free between the hours of 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Other Chicago museums are free all the time, including the Smart Museum of Art, the Jane Addams Hull House Museum, and the National Museum of Mexican Art.
In addition to visiting a free Chicago museum, you can also look to visit the free Lincoln Park Zoo. Walks through parks like Lincoln Park and Grant Park also won't cost anything, nor will have to pay to enjoy the Chicago Air & Water Show. There are lots of fun, free things to do in Chicago, which only helps make the Windy City such a great place to visit.
Millennium Park Chicago
No visit to Chicago would be complete without a visit to Millennium Park. Chicago's popular new civic center has already received landmark status. Additionally, its location on Chicago's lakefront adds to its popularity. Millennium Park is actually a redeveloped section of Grant Park.
From the 1850s through the late 20th century, the Illinois Central Railroad controlled the site that is currently occupied by Millennium Park. In Daniel Burnham's 1909 Plan of Chicago, the railroad property was considered off limits. As a result, much to the dismay of Chicago's residents, the Grant Park portion of the plan was developed around it.
Construction on Grant Park was initiated in 1917. Years later, in 1977 four Chicago civic groups proposed the "Lakefront Gardens for the Performing Arts." The proposed park would include a performing arts pavilion. Unfortunately, the plan lacked two important requirements: a funding strategy and significant government support. However, the groups were somewhat successful, in that the Petrillo Music Shell was built as a compromise between the civic groups and the Chicago Park District.
What is now called Millennium Park was first conceived in 1998, with the goal of creating new parkland in Grant Park that would distract from the view of the unattractive railroad tracks and parking lots along the lakefront. In 1997 Mayor Richard M. Daley directed his staff to create a plan for a new music venue. Daley's dream was to have the area to be built over the active tracks and surface parking lot, thus hiding what many people considered to be eyesores in the otherwise beautiful city of Chiciago. His dream came true. The Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus opened Millennium Park in a ceremony on July 16, 2004 as part of a three-day celebration that included an inaugural concert. 300,000 people attended the grand opening festivities. This surpassed the 50,000 people that were expected.
Today, Millennium Park Chicago bears the distinction of being the city's award-winning center for art, music, architecture and landscape design. As a result of a partnership between the City of Chicago and the philanthropic community, the 24.5-acre Millennium Park proudly displays the work of world-famous architects, planners, artists and designers. The most popular feature of Millennium Park in Chicago is the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, which is a band shell designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. This extraordinary concert venue has 4,000 fixed seats, as well as an additional lawn seating for 7,000.
The Pritzker Pavilion is the home of the Grant Park Music Festival, which is one of the most popular events in Illinois.
Even if you are not attending a festival or concert in Millennium Park Chicago, there are still a number of attractions worth seeing. For example, the AT&T Plaza in Millennium Park is home to Cloud Gate, which is a 3-story, 110-ton steel sculpture that is known as "The Bean". The sculpture is the work of the artist Anish Kapoor. Cloud Gate is a polished reflective steel sculpture that was designed to resemble a drop of mercury hovering at the point of landing on a plaza of Millennium Park. The curved, mirror-like surface of Cloud Gate provides amazing reflections of visitors, the city, and the sky. It is one of the most popular attractions in Millennium Park and the city of Chicago.
From the 1850s through the late 20th century, the Illinois Central Railroad controlled the site that is currently occupied by Millennium Park. In Daniel Burnham's 1909 Plan of Chicago, the railroad property was considered off limits. As a result, much to the dismay of Chicago's residents, the Grant Park portion of the plan was developed around it.
Construction on Grant Park was initiated in 1917. Years later, in 1977 four Chicago civic groups proposed the "Lakefront Gardens for the Performing Arts." The proposed park would include a performing arts pavilion. Unfortunately, the plan lacked two important requirements: a funding strategy and significant government support. However, the groups were somewhat successful, in that the Petrillo Music Shell was built as a compromise between the civic groups and the Chicago Park District.
What is now called Millennium Park was first conceived in 1998, with the goal of creating new parkland in Grant Park that would distract from the view of the unattractive railroad tracks and parking lots along the lakefront. In 1997 Mayor Richard M. Daley directed his staff to create a plan for a new music venue. Daley's dream was to have the area to be built over the active tracks and surface parking lot, thus hiding what many people considered to be eyesores in the otherwise beautiful city of Chiciago. His dream came true. The Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus opened Millennium Park in a ceremony on July 16, 2004 as part of a three-day celebration that included an inaugural concert. 300,000 people attended the grand opening festivities. This surpassed the 50,000 people that were expected.
Today, Millennium Park Chicago bears the distinction of being the city's award-winning center for art, music, architecture and landscape design. As a result of a partnership between the City of Chicago and the philanthropic community, the 24.5-acre Millennium Park proudly displays the work of world-famous architects, planners, artists and designers. The most popular feature of Millennium Park in Chicago is the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, which is a band shell designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. This extraordinary concert venue has 4,000 fixed seats, as well as an additional lawn seating for 7,000.
The Pritzker Pavilion is the home of the Grant Park Music Festival, which is one of the most popular events in Illinois.
Even if you are not attending a festival or concert in Millennium Park Chicago, there are still a number of attractions worth seeing. For example, the AT&T Plaza in Millennium Park is home to Cloud Gate, which is a 3-story, 110-ton steel sculpture that is known as "The Bean". The sculpture is the work of the artist Anish Kapoor. Cloud Gate is a polished reflective steel sculpture that was designed to resemble a drop of mercury hovering at the point of landing on a plaza of Millennium Park. The curved, mirror-like surface of Cloud Gate provides amazing reflections of visitors, the city, and the sky. It is one of the most popular attractions in Millennium Park and the city of Chicago.
The Magnificent Mile in Chicago
When visiting the Windy City, exploring the eight blocks that make up the Magnificent Mile in downtown Chicago should be on every visitor's vacation itinerary. There are both casual and fine-dining restaurants, luxury hotels, architectural wonders, and plenty of attractions to experience. Traveling around the Magnificent Mile is easy, whether you are on foot, in a rental car, or taking the Chicago Trolley to see all the sights in the area.
The Magnificent Mile Chicago has an array of activities, attractions, and festivals throughout the year, and there are seasonal events as well. During the spring, tulips line the streets along with art to celebrate City Beautiful. In the summer, visitors can enjoy self-guided tours of the gardens resplendent with colorful blooms along the Magnificent Mile.
Fall brings the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, which illuminates the city as it officially launches the city's holiday season. More than a million festive lights cast a warm glow along Michigan Avenue, and to end the event, fireworks fill the sky over the river. There is always something fun to do on the agenda on the Magnificent Mile in Chicago whether it is for someone traveling alone, couples, or the whole family.
Shopping along the Magnificent Mile in Chicago is a dream come true for those who enjoy a selection of retail shops. Department stores include Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus. Designer jewelers found on the Magnificent Mile Chicago include Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and Harry Winston. Numerous specialty shops, boutiques, home furnishings, men's clothing and women's apparel stores provide ample retail opportunities for fine shopping.
Restaurants abound along the Magnificent Mile in Chicago, and the choices of cuisine range from American to Vietnamese and from casual to fine dining. Atop the John Hancock Center, diners can enjoy the magnificent views from the Signature Room at the 95th floor, and there are fine restaurants available at city hotels including the Drake and the Omni Hotel.
Opportunities for live entertainment are just as varied, with performances at Drury Lane Theater, improv at the Lookingglass Theater, and continuous live music at the House of Blues.
Culture is a large part of the city's landscape, and parks, museums, monuments, and statues are easily accessible from the Magnificent Mile Chicago. The McCormick Tribune Bridgehouse Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Architectural Foundation, and Loyola University Museum of Art each has plenty of interesting exhibits to choose from.
Hotel accommodations available in the Magnificent Mile in downtown Chicago area range from comfortable rooms to world-class establishments. Visitors can choose from established hotels including the Ambassador East, Hilton Suites Chicago, Comfort Inn & Suites, Courtyard by Marriott, Doubletree Hotel in Chicago, Sheraton Chicago, Hyatt Regency, Wyndham Chicago, Trump International Hotel and Plaza, Ritz-Carlton Chicago, and the Drake Hotel.
Other fun things to do in and around the Magnificent Mile in downtown Chicago include visiting the Hershey's Store, where visitors can create their own chocolate gift, or strolling through Grant Park and riding the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier.
The Magnificent Mile Chicago has an array of activities, attractions, and festivals throughout the year, and there are seasonal events as well. During the spring, tulips line the streets along with art to celebrate City Beautiful. In the summer, visitors can enjoy self-guided tours of the gardens resplendent with colorful blooms along the Magnificent Mile.
Fall brings the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, which illuminates the city as it officially launches the city's holiday season. More than a million festive lights cast a warm glow along Michigan Avenue, and to end the event, fireworks fill the sky over the river. There is always something fun to do on the agenda on the Magnificent Mile in Chicago whether it is for someone traveling alone, couples, or the whole family.
Shopping along the Magnificent Mile in Chicago is a dream come true for those who enjoy a selection of retail shops. Department stores include Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus. Designer jewelers found on the Magnificent Mile Chicago include Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and Harry Winston. Numerous specialty shops, boutiques, home furnishings, men's clothing and women's apparel stores provide ample retail opportunities for fine shopping.
Restaurants abound along the Magnificent Mile in Chicago, and the choices of cuisine range from American to Vietnamese and from casual to fine dining. Atop the John Hancock Center, diners can enjoy the magnificent views from the Signature Room at the 95th floor, and there are fine restaurants available at city hotels including the Drake and the Omni Hotel.
Opportunities for live entertainment are just as varied, with performances at Drury Lane Theater, improv at the Lookingglass Theater, and continuous live music at the House of Blues.
Culture is a large part of the city's landscape, and parks, museums, monuments, and statues are easily accessible from the Magnificent Mile Chicago. The McCormick Tribune Bridgehouse Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Architectural Foundation, and Loyola University Museum of Art each has plenty of interesting exhibits to choose from.
Hotel accommodations available in the Magnificent Mile in downtown Chicago area range from comfortable rooms to world-class establishments. Visitors can choose from established hotels including the Ambassador East, Hilton Suites Chicago, Comfort Inn & Suites, Courtyard by Marriott, Doubletree Hotel in Chicago, Sheraton Chicago, Hyatt Regency, Wyndham Chicago, Trump International Hotel and Plaza, Ritz-Carlton Chicago, and the Drake Hotel.
Other fun things to do in and around the Magnificent Mile in downtown Chicago include visiting the Hershey's Store, where visitors can create their own chocolate gift, or strolling through Grant Park and riding the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier.
The Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago
The Chicago Lincoln Park Zoo is located in Lincoln Park. This multi-faceted 1,200-acre park faces Lake Michigan, and has a variety of recreational facilities, which include baseball areas, basketball courts, softball courts, tennis courts, 163 volleyball courts, field houses, a golf course, and a fitness center. The Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago also has a number of harbors with boating facilities, as well as public beaches.
The Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago was founded in 1868. During that year, the Lincoln Park Commissioners were given a gift of a pair of swans who bore the distinction of being the first occupants of the zoo. In 1874, a bear cub, which was the first animal that was purchased for the Chicago Lincoln Park Zoo, joined them. Additionally, the first bison that was ever born in captivity was born in the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. Marlin Perkins, who eventually became the host of the television program Wild Kingdom, was director of the zoo from 1944 until 1962. The Lincoln Park Zoo is great for families on a budget, who will be pleased to discover that this free zoo is open year-round.
Since the arrival of the two swans, the animal population at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago has grown significantly. Today, the Chicago Lincoln Park Zoo is home to a variety of polar bears, penguins, gorillas, reptiles, monkeys, and other species. In fact, there are approximately 1,250 animals that call the Chicago Lincoln Park Zoo their home. Additionally, there is a burr oak tree in the Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago that dates to 1830, three years before the City of Chicago was founded.
There are two children's areas at the Chicago Lincoln Park Zoo. The Pritzker Family Children's Zoo contains an indoor structure for children to play in. John Deere developed the other children's area, known as the Farm-in-the-Zoo. This small farm contains pigs, cows, horses as well as a variety of other farm animals. Children are allowed to feed and pet the animals at the farm in the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.
Whether you are traveling with kids, or if you are just a kid at heart, your visit to Chicago should definitely include a day at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.
The Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago was founded in 1868. During that year, the Lincoln Park Commissioners were given a gift of a pair of swans who bore the distinction of being the first occupants of the zoo. In 1874, a bear cub, which was the first animal that was purchased for the Chicago Lincoln Park Zoo, joined them. Additionally, the first bison that was ever born in captivity was born in the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. Marlin Perkins, who eventually became the host of the television program Wild Kingdom, was director of the zoo from 1944 until 1962. The Lincoln Park Zoo is great for families on a budget, who will be pleased to discover that this free zoo is open year-round.
Since the arrival of the two swans, the animal population at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago has grown significantly. Today, the Chicago Lincoln Park Zoo is home to a variety of polar bears, penguins, gorillas, reptiles, monkeys, and other species. In fact, there are approximately 1,250 animals that call the Chicago Lincoln Park Zoo their home. Additionally, there is a burr oak tree in the Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago that dates to 1830, three years before the City of Chicago was founded.
There are two children's areas at the Chicago Lincoln Park Zoo. The Pritzker Family Children's Zoo contains an indoor structure for children to play in. John Deere developed the other children's area, known as the Farm-in-the-Zoo. This small farm contains pigs, cows, horses as well as a variety of other farm animals. Children are allowed to feed and pet the animals at the farm in the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.
Whether you are traveling with kids, or if you are just a kid at heart, your visit to Chicago should definitely include a day at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.
Shedd Aquarium in Chicago
Question: What has five million gallons of water and 20,000 fish? Answer: The John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. The John Shedd Aquarium is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world. Because of this, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chicago. The John G Shedd Aquarium and Oceanarium is on the grounds of what is known as the Museum Campus in Chicago. It shares these grounds with the Adler Planetarium and the Field Museum of Natural History. Every year, the John G. Shedd Aquarium gets about two million visitors. It is the home of approximately 8,000 animals of 650 species. These include fish, marine mammals, birds, snakes, amphibians and insects. If it swims, flies or crawls, there's a chance you will find it at the John G. Shedd Aquarium.
With the abundance of animals at the John G. Shedd Aquarium, one may wonder where the funds for this museum were obtained. It was actually the generous gift of retail magnate John G. Shedd, who was a protÉgÉ of Marshall Field. Although construction of the John G. Shedd Aquarium was completed on December 19, 1929, the first exhibits did not open to the public until 1930. Since it was one of the first inland aquariums in the world, the staff at the John G. Shedd Aquarium had to make use of a custom-made railroad car, known as the Nautilus, for the transport of fish and seawater.
In 1933, the John G. Shedd Aquarium gained exposure with an international crowd, due to its proximity to the Chicago World's Fair, otherwise known as the Century of Progress. At the time, visitors were mesmerized by the new addition to the aquarium, which was a Queensland Lungfish known as "Grandpa." Believe it or not, Grandpa is still alive and kicking, or perhaps swimming, at the John G. Shedd Aquarium. This senior citizen bears the distinction of being the oldest fish in a public aquarium.
As if that were not enough of a drawing point, in 1971, the John Shedd Aquarium added a huge 90,000-gallon tank that reproduced a Caribbean coral reef. In that same year, the aquarium acquired its first research vessel, which was a 75-foot boat that was built to explore the Caribbean. A diving crew, who were trained to collect unique specimens, manned the ship.
In 1991, the John G. Shedd Aquarium opened its "Oceanarium. This new addition to the aquarium features a variety of marine mammals, which include Pacific white-sided dolphins and belugas. The charismatic Beluga whale Kayavak was born in the John G. Shedd Aquarium and Oceanarium on August 3, 1999. The John G. Shedd Aquarium and Oceanarium is also home to a number of adorable sea otters, many of which were rescued from the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989.
The latest permanent exhibit at the John G. Shedd Aquarium and Oceanarium is "Wild Reef." The exciting exhibit recreates a Philippine coral reef and features a 400,000-gallon shark tank with twelve-foot high curved windows. This allows visitors to get a "divers-eye view" of the activity in the tank.
The John G. Shedd Aquarium and Oceanarium, along with the Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum and the Adler Planetarium provide an educational yet enjoyable experience in Chicago.
With the abundance of animals at the John G. Shedd Aquarium, one may wonder where the funds for this museum were obtained. It was actually the generous gift of retail magnate John G. Shedd, who was a protÉgÉ of Marshall Field. Although construction of the John G. Shedd Aquarium was completed on December 19, 1929, the first exhibits did not open to the public until 1930. Since it was one of the first inland aquariums in the world, the staff at the John G. Shedd Aquarium had to make use of a custom-made railroad car, known as the Nautilus, for the transport of fish and seawater.
In 1933, the John G. Shedd Aquarium gained exposure with an international crowd, due to its proximity to the Chicago World's Fair, otherwise known as the Century of Progress. At the time, visitors were mesmerized by the new addition to the aquarium, which was a Queensland Lungfish known as "Grandpa." Believe it or not, Grandpa is still alive and kicking, or perhaps swimming, at the John G. Shedd Aquarium. This senior citizen bears the distinction of being the oldest fish in a public aquarium.
As if that were not enough of a drawing point, in 1971, the John Shedd Aquarium added a huge 90,000-gallon tank that reproduced a Caribbean coral reef. In that same year, the aquarium acquired its first research vessel, which was a 75-foot boat that was built to explore the Caribbean. A diving crew, who were trained to collect unique specimens, manned the ship.
In 1991, the John G. Shedd Aquarium opened its "Oceanarium. This new addition to the aquarium features a variety of marine mammals, which include Pacific white-sided dolphins and belugas. The charismatic Beluga whale Kayavak was born in the John G. Shedd Aquarium and Oceanarium on August 3, 1999. The John G. Shedd Aquarium and Oceanarium is also home to a number of adorable sea otters, many of which were rescued from the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989.
The latest permanent exhibit at the John G. Shedd Aquarium and Oceanarium is "Wild Reef." The exciting exhibit recreates a Philippine coral reef and features a 400,000-gallon shark tank with twelve-foot high curved windows. This allows visitors to get a "divers-eye view" of the activity in the tank.
The John G. Shedd Aquarium and Oceanarium, along with the Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum and the Adler Planetarium provide an educational yet enjoyable experience in Chicago.
Hancock Observatory in Chicago
The Hancock Observatory is located on level 94 of the Hancock Tower in Chicago, and it boasts of the best 360-degree view in town. Not only can visitors get a bird's eye view of the skyline and of Illinois, but they can also see neighboring Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana.
The views from the Hancock Observatory Chicago are spectacular during the daytime, and in the evening when the sun is setting and the colors streaking the sky, it is a breathtaking sight. At night, when the stars are twinkling, they seem so close it feels like you can reach out and touch them. Although there is no glass partition enclosing the Skywalk at the Hancock Observatory, there is a durable stainless-steel screen in place as a safety measure.
The John Hancock Observatory has Chicago's only open-air skywalk and the only observation deck of its kind in the city. It is 1,000 feet off the ground, and visitors can look down and see the bustle of the Magnificent Mile below. Once visitors have arrived at the Hancock Observatory level, adults and children can take a narrated sky tour using a hand-held device with headphones that provides interesting information about sixteen stops around the observation area. Also at the John Hancock Observatory, talking Soundscope telescopes give a narrative of the views in multiple languages.
The Hancock Observatory Chicago also houses the History Wall with a pictorial history of the city, as well as Windows on Chicago, which provides a video tour of local attractions.
The observatory, open from 9 am to 11 pm, is located at 875 North Michigan Avenue. There are 750 covered parking spaces, in case you choose to take your rental car rather than public transportation, and disabled access is available. To avoid crowds at the Hancock Observatory, the best times to visit are before 11 am and after 9 pm.
Group tours are available for the John Hancock Observatory multimedia sky tour that come packaged with options for breakfast and lunch or an authentic trolley ride. Admission to the Hancock Observatory requires a general admission ticket, a Fast Pass ticket with express entry, or the Sun & Stars ticket that provides two visits for the price of one, for use during the day or evening. Sun and Stars tickets are valid for 48 hours.
For a break from sightseeing, relax with a fresh cup of espresso and delicious cuisine at Lavazza, also located on the 94th floor and open from 8 am until 11 pm. At the top of the Hancock Tower in Chicago, have lunch or dinner at the Signature Room on the 95th floor, where stunning views, American food, fine wine, and smooth jazz on the weekends create a perfect way to end the day.
The Hancock Tower in Chicago is within walking distance of many of Chicago's popular attractions, restaurants, and shopping venues. A roughly five-minute stroll will have visitors arriving at the Magnificent Mile where many stores, the Drury Lane Theatre, Museum of Contemporary Art, and Chicago Trolley are located. Restaurants and cafes line the way including the luxurious Cape Cod Room at the Drake Hotel and Gibson's Steakhouse, which opened in 1989.
The views from the Hancock Observatory Chicago are spectacular during the daytime, and in the evening when the sun is setting and the colors streaking the sky, it is a breathtaking sight. At night, when the stars are twinkling, they seem so close it feels like you can reach out and touch them. Although there is no glass partition enclosing the Skywalk at the Hancock Observatory, there is a durable stainless-steel screen in place as a safety measure.
The John Hancock Observatory has Chicago's only open-air skywalk and the only observation deck of its kind in the city. It is 1,000 feet off the ground, and visitors can look down and see the bustle of the Magnificent Mile below. Once visitors have arrived at the Hancock Observatory level, adults and children can take a narrated sky tour using a hand-held device with headphones that provides interesting information about sixteen stops around the observation area. Also at the John Hancock Observatory, talking Soundscope telescopes give a narrative of the views in multiple languages.
The Hancock Observatory Chicago also houses the History Wall with a pictorial history of the city, as well as Windows on Chicago, which provides a video tour of local attractions.
The observatory, open from 9 am to 11 pm, is located at 875 North Michigan Avenue. There are 750 covered parking spaces, in case you choose to take your rental car rather than public transportation, and disabled access is available. To avoid crowds at the Hancock Observatory, the best times to visit are before 11 am and after 9 pm.
Group tours are available for the John Hancock Observatory multimedia sky tour that come packaged with options for breakfast and lunch or an authentic trolley ride. Admission to the Hancock Observatory requires a general admission ticket, a Fast Pass ticket with express entry, or the Sun & Stars ticket that provides two visits for the price of one, for use during the day or evening. Sun and Stars tickets are valid for 48 hours.
For a break from sightseeing, relax with a fresh cup of espresso and delicious cuisine at Lavazza, also located on the 94th floor and open from 8 am until 11 pm. At the top of the Hancock Tower in Chicago, have lunch or dinner at the Signature Room on the 95th floor, where stunning views, American food, fine wine, and smooth jazz on the weekends create a perfect way to end the day.
The Hancock Tower in Chicago is within walking distance of many of Chicago's popular attractions, restaurants, and shopping venues. A roughly five-minute stroll will have visitors arriving at the Magnificent Mile where many stores, the Drury Lane Theatre, Museum of Contemporary Art, and Chicago Trolley are located. Restaurants and cafes line the way including the luxurious Cape Cod Room at the Drake Hotel and Gibson's Steakhouse, which opened in 1989.
The Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago
The Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago is a popular attraction for anyone interested in flowers, trees, and horticulture. The conservatory is free to the public and provides self-guided tours, so visitors can stroll through the many rooms and displays at their leisure, learn about the gardens, and participate in various activities.
The outstanding domed Garfield Park Chicago comprises six greenhouses filled with an array of exotic flowers and plants, as well as two large halls used for exhibitions. Like its counterpart, the conservatory in Lincoln Park, Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago is open every day.
Situated on 4.5 acres within Garfield Park, it opened in 1908 and remains one of the largest conservatories in the United States. Throughout its history, the Garfield Park Conservatory has continued to grow and maintain thousands of flowers and plants, including tropical varieties, and to provide ongoing educational opportunities to children. The flowers grown at the conservatory are used in parks throughout the city.
At the Demonstration Garden at Garfield Park Chicago, master gardeners are busy at work, planting and weeding, and are available to answer visitors' gardening questions. The conservatory offers classes during the year covering an array of gardening techniques.
In addition, teens have the opportunity to participate in the ten-week Green Teens Program at the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago. The program, specifically designed for high school students, focuses on hands-on experience that encourages and promotes leadership, personal development, and preparing individual goals for after graduation from high school.
Some programs at Garfield Park Conservatory are year-round, while others are scheduled for specific times of the year. The year-round programs include Family Exploration Stations: Discover the Power of Plants, which has gardening activities; the Family Make-&-Take Activity, providing family-friendly activities and projects; Morning Glories for Families, which includes projects created for preschoolers; and the Origami Open House for children and adults interested in the fun art of creating decorative origami items. The classes are offered on the second Saturday of the month and are free.
Inside and outside Garfield Park Chicago, visitors will find seven areas used for exhibits and displays of different plants and flowers. The Elizabeth Morse Genius Children's Garden contains adventure activities for suited for young children and toddlers, making visiting the conservatory among the best things to do with kids. The Aroid House displays a variety of popular houseplants, and the room also contains the Persian Pool, which is surrounded by yellow lily pads. The Desert House is specifically for both large and small varieties of succulents and cacti.
The Fern Room's design shows what the Chicago area might have looked like during prehistoric times with ferns and a lagoon depicting the landscape. In the Palm House, a tropical atmosphere is created with multiple palms and tropical plants filling the room. One of the largest palms in the world, the Double Coconut Palm, can be found at the house.
To complete the tour, the Sweet House has multiple varieties of plants for anyone with a sweet tooth including sugar cane, vanilla, coconuts, mangoes, cinnamon, and chocolate. Additional areas of the Garfield Park Conservatory to explore include the Sensory Garden, Monet Garden, and the gift shop. If you love spending time outside or are just interested in the local parks, the conservatory is well worth adding to your list of things to do during a vacation to Chicago.
The outstanding domed Garfield Park Chicago comprises six greenhouses filled with an array of exotic flowers and plants, as well as two large halls used for exhibitions. Like its counterpart, the conservatory in Lincoln Park, Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago is open every day.
Situated on 4.5 acres within Garfield Park, it opened in 1908 and remains one of the largest conservatories in the United States. Throughout its history, the Garfield Park Conservatory has continued to grow and maintain thousands of flowers and plants, including tropical varieties, and to provide ongoing educational opportunities to children. The flowers grown at the conservatory are used in parks throughout the city.
At the Demonstration Garden at Garfield Park Chicago, master gardeners are busy at work, planting and weeding, and are available to answer visitors' gardening questions. The conservatory offers classes during the year covering an array of gardening techniques.
In addition, teens have the opportunity to participate in the ten-week Green Teens Program at the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago. The program, specifically designed for high school students, focuses on hands-on experience that encourages and promotes leadership, personal development, and preparing individual goals for after graduation from high school.
Some programs at Garfield Park Conservatory are year-round, while others are scheduled for specific times of the year. The year-round programs include Family Exploration Stations: Discover the Power of Plants, which has gardening activities; the Family Make-&-Take Activity, providing family-friendly activities and projects; Morning Glories for Families, which includes projects created for preschoolers; and the Origami Open House for children and adults interested in the fun art of creating decorative origami items. The classes are offered on the second Saturday of the month and are free.
Inside and outside Garfield Park Chicago, visitors will find seven areas used for exhibits and displays of different plants and flowers. The Elizabeth Morse Genius Children's Garden contains adventure activities for suited for young children and toddlers, making visiting the conservatory among the best things to do with kids. The Aroid House displays a variety of popular houseplants, and the room also contains the Persian Pool, which is surrounded by yellow lily pads. The Desert House is specifically for both large and small varieties of succulents and cacti.
The Fern Room's design shows what the Chicago area might have looked like during prehistoric times with ferns and a lagoon depicting the landscape. In the Palm House, a tropical atmosphere is created with multiple palms and tropical plants filling the room. One of the largest palms in the world, the Double Coconut Palm, can be found at the house.
To complete the tour, the Sweet House has multiple varieties of plants for anyone with a sweet tooth including sugar cane, vanilla, coconuts, mangoes, cinnamon, and chocolate. Additional areas of the Garfield Park Conservatory to explore include the Sensory Garden, Monet Garden, and the gift shop. If you love spending time outside or are just interested in the local parks, the conservatory is well worth adding to your list of things to do during a vacation to Chicago.
Chicago Cultural Center
If you are interested in beaux-arts architecture, be sure to put the Chicago Cultural Center on your Illinois vacation itinerary. The Boston firm Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge, designed this stunning building. Upon its completion in 1897, it was dedicated as the city's first public library. The Cultural Center Chicago was built at a cost of nearly two million dollars. It took its inspiration from the neo-classical style of the World's Columbian Exposition that was held in Chicago in 1893.
The structure of the Chicago Cultural Center is unique in its own right. It was built with three-foot thick masonry walls that are faced with Bedford limestone, which in turn are set 104 feet above a granite base. Some of the interesting mix of materials used in the interior design of the Cultural Center Chicago includes rare imported marbles, fine hardwood, stained glass, and polished brass. Additionally, you will enjoy seeing the fascinating mosaics, which are composed of Favrile glass, colored stone and mother-of-pearl. However, the most eye-catching features of the Cultural Center in Chicago are the magnificent stained-glass domes. Be sure to check out the 38-foot dome that is located in Preston Bradley Hall. This must-see attraction boasts the distinction of being the world's largest Tiffany stained-glass dome. The dome has an estimated value valued is $35 million. You should also look at the stained-glass dome in the G.A.R. Rotunda, which was executed in an intricate Renaissance pattern.
In 1977, the architectural firm of Holabird and Root renovated the Cultural Center in Chicago. Following the renovation, it was once again dedicated as the Chicago Public Library Cultural Center, and designated as a Chicago Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Then, in 1991, the building was reborn as the Chicago Cultural Center. That year, the Library relocated to the new state-of-the-art Harold Washington Library Center. Today, the Cultural Center in Chicago is the home of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and one of the city's Visitor Information Centers.
The forms of the different halls in the Cultural Center Chicago were designed for different functions. For example, Preston Bradley Hall is the Chicago Cultural Center's major concert hall and civic reception area. It provides a marvelous setting for regular public programs, private parties, meetings, and receptions. The G.A. R Rotunda and Memorial Hall are elegant gathering places that can be made available for public exhibitions, performances and private events. Additionally, these areas sometimes serve as alternatives to Marriage Court for Saturday morning civil wedding ceremonies. At the Sidney R. Yates Gallery and Exhibit Hall, you can view major art exhibitions, whereas the Michigan Avenue Galleries provide a more intimate showcase for smaller art shows. The Chicago Rooms are usually engaged for special, temporary exhibitions of the Chicago Cultural Center.
The Landmark Chicago Gallery at the Cultural Center Chicago displays the fascinating historical photographs that have been gathered from the permanent collection of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks. The Dance Studio serves as a rehearsal space, and occasionally presents performances and workshops. At the 294-seat Claudia Cassidy Theater, you can enjoy a variety of literary and theatrical performances. If you enjoy jazz or folk music, be sure to stop in for a cup of coffee at the Randolph cafÉ, and enjoy the sounds of local artists.
The structure of the Chicago Cultural Center is unique in its own right. It was built with three-foot thick masonry walls that are faced with Bedford limestone, which in turn are set 104 feet above a granite base. Some of the interesting mix of materials used in the interior design of the Cultural Center Chicago includes rare imported marbles, fine hardwood, stained glass, and polished brass. Additionally, you will enjoy seeing the fascinating mosaics, which are composed of Favrile glass, colored stone and mother-of-pearl. However, the most eye-catching features of the Cultural Center in Chicago are the magnificent stained-glass domes. Be sure to check out the 38-foot dome that is located in Preston Bradley Hall. This must-see attraction boasts the distinction of being the world's largest Tiffany stained-glass dome. The dome has an estimated value valued is $35 million. You should also look at the stained-glass dome in the G.A.R. Rotunda, which was executed in an intricate Renaissance pattern.
In 1977, the architectural firm of Holabird and Root renovated the Cultural Center in Chicago. Following the renovation, it was once again dedicated as the Chicago Public Library Cultural Center, and designated as a Chicago Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Then, in 1991, the building was reborn as the Chicago Cultural Center. That year, the Library relocated to the new state-of-the-art Harold Washington Library Center. Today, the Cultural Center in Chicago is the home of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and one of the city's Visitor Information Centers.
The forms of the different halls in the Cultural Center Chicago were designed for different functions. For example, Preston Bradley Hall is the Chicago Cultural Center's major concert hall and civic reception area. It provides a marvelous setting for regular public programs, private parties, meetings, and receptions. The G.A. R Rotunda and Memorial Hall are elegant gathering places that can be made available for public exhibitions, performances and private events. Additionally, these areas sometimes serve as alternatives to Marriage Court for Saturday morning civil wedding ceremonies. At the Sidney R. Yates Gallery and Exhibit Hall, you can view major art exhibitions, whereas the Michigan Avenue Galleries provide a more intimate showcase for smaller art shows. The Chicago Rooms are usually engaged for special, temporary exhibitions of the Chicago Cultural Center.
The Landmark Chicago Gallery at the Cultural Center Chicago displays the fascinating historical photographs that have been gathered from the permanent collection of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks. The Dance Studio serves as a rehearsal space, and occasionally presents performances and workshops. At the 294-seat Claudia Cassidy Theater, you can enjoy a variety of literary and theatrical performances. If you enjoy jazz or folk music, be sure to stop in for a cup of coffee at the Randolph cafÉ, and enjoy the sounds of local artists.
Buckingham Fountain, Chicago
If you are a fan of the Fox television syndicated sitcom Married With Children, you probably know that the opening sequence of the show features a shot of the Buckingham Memoriam Fountain. The Buckingham Fountain, which is constructed from Georgia pink marble, is one of Chicago's most popular attractions. Located at Columbus Drive in Grant's Park, the Chicago Buckingham Fountain is the largest fountain in the world. An exciting feature of the Buckingham Fountain is the 133 jets that spray 14,000 gallons of water per minute, as high as 135 feet in the air. A computer at the Chicago Buckingham Fountain controls the entire display, which includes the dazzling colored light show that takes place nightly from 9pm to 11pm.In 1999, music was added to the Buckingham Fountain in order to add a bit more pizzazz to the multi-colored displays. In the summer, people enjoy eating their lunch by the Buckingham Memoriam Fountain. However, because of the extensive damage that was done to the stone and concrete stairs, skateboarders, inline skaters are banned from the area. During the winter, the Chicago Buckingham Fountain is set aglow with white Christmas lights.
Buckingham Fountain History
The Buckingham Fountain history may be of interest to anyone who has an affinity for architecture. Kate Buckingham dedicated the Chicago Buckingham Fountain to the people of Chicago in 1927 in memory of her late brother, Clarence. At the time, she made sure to establish a $300,000 trust fund to ensure that the taxpayers would never have to cover all of the repair and upkeep costs associated with the Buckingham Memoriam Fountain. The Chicago Buckingham Fountain was dedicated on August 26, 1927. It was the starting point for Route 66, the highway that ran to Los Angeles. Years later, it would also become the starting point for the Emmy-winning reality show, The Amazing Race.
The Buckingham fountain history is also intricately tied in with the history of Chicago. It is the work of architect-planner Edward H. Bennett, who was a significant figure in the creation and execution of the 1909 Plan of Chicago. This plan was instrumental in encouraging the creation of lakefront amenities such as the Chicago Buckingham Fountain. Bennett's other plans include the magnificent Michigan Avenue Bridge.
When you visit Grant Park, The Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo and the other exciting Chicago attractions, be sure to spend some time relaxing by the Buckingham Fountain.
Buckingham Fountain History
The Buckingham Fountain history may be of interest to anyone who has an affinity for architecture. Kate Buckingham dedicated the Chicago Buckingham Fountain to the people of Chicago in 1927 in memory of her late brother, Clarence. At the time, she made sure to establish a $300,000 trust fund to ensure that the taxpayers would never have to cover all of the repair and upkeep costs associated with the Buckingham Memoriam Fountain. The Chicago Buckingham Fountain was dedicated on August 26, 1927. It was the starting point for Route 66, the highway that ran to Los Angeles. Years later, it would also become the starting point for the Emmy-winning reality show, The Amazing Race.
The Buckingham fountain history is also intricately tied in with the history of Chicago. It is the work of architect-planner Edward H. Bennett, who was a significant figure in the creation and execution of the 1909 Plan of Chicago. This plan was instrumental in encouraging the creation of lakefront amenities such as the Chicago Buckingham Fountain. Bennett's other plans include the magnificent Michigan Avenue Bridge.
When you visit Grant Park, The Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo and the other exciting Chicago attractions, be sure to spend some time relaxing by the Buckingham Fountain.
Brookfield Zoo, Chicago
The Brookfield Zoo, part of the Chicago Zoological Park society, is located just outside the city of Chicago. The zoo opened in 1934, and its goal is to support animal care, promote education, and be involved with zoological research and conservation. One area of research involves dolphins, and in this endeavor, the Chicago Brookfield Zoo works in conjunction with Mote Marine in Sarasota, Florida.
At the Chicago Brookfield Zoo, the wild animals are the stars of the show. With an array of lions, bears, reptiles, pachyderms, monkeys, tigers, birds, butterflies, and more, the Chicago Zoological Park is a must-see attraction that will provide a day full of fun and adventure for the whole family. Visiting the Brookfield Zoo is one of the many fun things to do with kids during a Chicago vacation.
Throughout Brookfield Zoo, there are numerous sights to see and things to do, and a good way to navigate around the area is by taking the Motor Safari. Climb aboard, and take your pick of four stops located throughout the park, and one ticket allows visitors to ride as many times as they like all day. Self-guided tours allow visitors to select the animal or area they are most interested in learning about, and the Motor Safari is the perfect way to get around to the different areas within the zoo.
For example, Wild Encounters takes visitors behind the scenes to the animals' nonpublic areas, where keepers feed and take care of the individual species. For kids, there is the Children's Zoo at the Chicago Brookfield Zoo, which has demonstrations involving animals, such as showing how to spin wool, and allows children to interact with the barnyard animals. The Hamill Family Play Zoo is the perfect spot for children to be creative as they take on the role of animal keeper or even of their favorite animal.
There are also enclosed exhibits with viewing windows, such as Bear Grotto, where visitors are face to face with an Alaskan brown bear. There are also interactive exhibits at the Chicago Brookfield Zoo, including the Perching Bird House, where the aviary's natural habitat is full of birds flitting throughout the branches above your head.
Tropic World at the Brookfield Zoo is one of the largest indoor exhibits dedicated to animals in the world. Visitors can experience a rain forest, as this exhibit features monkeys, otters, anteaters, and pygmy hippos living in a tropical atmosphere, while in the Australia House, they get the opposite experience down under as they see spiders, lizards, birds, bats, and kangaroos. A particularly magical exhibition at the Chicago Zoological Park is the seasonal butterfly exhibit, where hundreds of colorful beauties are released into the screened outdoor garden.
The Chicago Zoological Park is open throughout the year, and advance tickets are available at the north and south gates of the park for general admission, which allows entrance into the zoo only, while Brookfield Zoo coupons for All-in-One provide entry into the zoo and admission to seven attractions. The Admission + 3 Brookfield Zoo coupons allows entry into the zoo, and visitors can choose three of the seven attractions. Strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs are available for a fee while visiting the zoo, and snack stands, restaurants, and shops are open throughout the grounds. Other family friendly attractions around the city include Navy Pier, the Children's Museum, and the Lincoln Park Zoo.
At the Chicago Brookfield Zoo, the wild animals are the stars of the show. With an array of lions, bears, reptiles, pachyderms, monkeys, tigers, birds, butterflies, and more, the Chicago Zoological Park is a must-see attraction that will provide a day full of fun and adventure for the whole family. Visiting the Brookfield Zoo is one of the many fun things to do with kids during a Chicago vacation.
Throughout Brookfield Zoo, there are numerous sights to see and things to do, and a good way to navigate around the area is by taking the Motor Safari. Climb aboard, and take your pick of four stops located throughout the park, and one ticket allows visitors to ride as many times as they like all day. Self-guided tours allow visitors to select the animal or area they are most interested in learning about, and the Motor Safari is the perfect way to get around to the different areas within the zoo.
For example, Wild Encounters takes visitors behind the scenes to the animals' nonpublic areas, where keepers feed and take care of the individual species. For kids, there is the Children's Zoo at the Chicago Brookfield Zoo, which has demonstrations involving animals, such as showing how to spin wool, and allows children to interact with the barnyard animals. The Hamill Family Play Zoo is the perfect spot for children to be creative as they take on the role of animal keeper or even of their favorite animal.
There are also enclosed exhibits with viewing windows, such as Bear Grotto, where visitors are face to face with an Alaskan brown bear. There are also interactive exhibits at the Chicago Brookfield Zoo, including the Perching Bird House, where the aviary's natural habitat is full of birds flitting throughout the branches above your head.
Tropic World at the Brookfield Zoo is one of the largest indoor exhibits dedicated to animals in the world. Visitors can experience a rain forest, as this exhibit features monkeys, otters, anteaters, and pygmy hippos living in a tropical atmosphere, while in the Australia House, they get the opposite experience down under as they see spiders, lizards, birds, bats, and kangaroos. A particularly magical exhibition at the Chicago Zoological Park is the seasonal butterfly exhibit, where hundreds of colorful beauties are released into the screened outdoor garden.
The Chicago Zoological Park is open throughout the year, and advance tickets are available at the north and south gates of the park for general admission, which allows entrance into the zoo only, while Brookfield Zoo coupons for All-in-One provide entry into the zoo and admission to seven attractions. The Admission + 3 Brookfield Zoo coupons allows entry into the zoo, and visitors can choose three of the seven attractions. Strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs are available for a fee while visiting the zoo, and snack stands, restaurants, and shops are open throughout the grounds. Other family friendly attractions around the city include Navy Pier, the Children's Museum, and the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Chicago Blues Festival
The Chicago Blues Festival has been going strong since its first show in 1984. At the inaugural show, one stage was set up for the entire event, and that was all that was needed at the time. Over the years, as the Chicago Blues Festival gained popularity with the blues community, drawing singers and legends from around the world, the event has turned into the largest blues festival in the world, and the one stage has turned in multiple stages to accommodate the headliners.
Playing the blues at the Grant Park blues festival is a tradition shared by the hundreds of thousand who attend as the festival continues in celebration of the music, blues culture, and the people who play the instruments and sing the soulful and reflective lyrics. Over the years, the Blues Festival in Chicago has been the host to legends including Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, John Lee Hooker, Stevie Ray Vaughan. and B.B. King.
In June 2009, the Blues Festival in Chicago celebrates its 25th season of bringing the songs and performers to the city labeled the blues capital. During the past years, many milestones have been accomplished, including in 1993 and 1994, when the Chicago Blues Festival was named as the Best Blues Festival by the Living Blues magazine.
The Grant Park blues festival is the world's largest free outdoor music festival and continues to be the largest music festival held in Chicago that has a long history with blues music. Some of the performers participating at the Blues Festival in Chicago include Pinetop Perkins, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, Bettye LaVette, Bobby Parker, Charlie Musselwhite, and more. Each brings a unique style and sound to the individual stages.
Part of the tradition of the Grant Park blues Festival is the participation of students from the Blues in the Schools program in conjunction with the Chicago Public School system. The educational program began in 1988 and provided students the opportunity to learn about the history and heritage of the blues; the program is available to any public school in Chicago. Not only do the students participate in the Blues in the Schools program, the students write their own music incorporating the heritage of the blues infused with their own style and perform at the Chicago Blues Festival.
The festival begins at 11 am each day and ends at 9:30 pm. Admission is free, and tickets are available to use for purchasing food and drink items. There is no parking available at Grant Park for the festival. Public transportation or taxis are available, or if you are staying at nearby hotels, it is easily accessible by walking, as Grant Park (also home to the famous Buckingham Fountain) is centrally located near downtown Chicago and about two miles from the Magnificent Mile.
Playing the blues at the Grant Park blues festival is a tradition shared by the hundreds of thousand who attend as the festival continues in celebration of the music, blues culture, and the people who play the instruments and sing the soulful and reflective lyrics. Over the years, the Blues Festival in Chicago has been the host to legends including Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, John Lee Hooker, Stevie Ray Vaughan. and B.B. King.
In June 2009, the Blues Festival in Chicago celebrates its 25th season of bringing the songs and performers to the city labeled the blues capital. During the past years, many milestones have been accomplished, including in 1993 and 1994, when the Chicago Blues Festival was named as the Best Blues Festival by the Living Blues magazine.
The Grant Park blues festival is the world's largest free outdoor music festival and continues to be the largest music festival held in Chicago that has a long history with blues music. Some of the performers participating at the Blues Festival in Chicago include Pinetop Perkins, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, Bettye LaVette, Bobby Parker, Charlie Musselwhite, and more. Each brings a unique style and sound to the individual stages.
Part of the tradition of the Grant Park blues Festival is the participation of students from the Blues in the Schools program in conjunction with the Chicago Public School system. The educational program began in 1988 and provided students the opportunity to learn about the history and heritage of the blues; the program is available to any public school in Chicago. Not only do the students participate in the Blues in the Schools program, the students write their own music incorporating the heritage of the blues infused with their own style and perform at the Chicago Blues Festival.
The festival begins at 11 am each day and ends at 9:30 pm. Admission is free, and tickets are available to use for purchasing food and drink items. There is no parking available at Grant Park for the festival. Public transportation or taxis are available, or if you are staying at nearby hotels, it is easily accessible by walking, as Grant Park (also home to the famous Buckingham Fountain) is centrally located near downtown Chicago and about two miles from the Magnificent Mile.
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