Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum
Opened in 1930 as the first planetarium in the western hemisphere, the Adler fuels the imagination of its visitors with all new exhibits, state-of-the-art computer technology in the world’s first StarRider Theater, while showcasing a renowned collection of historical astronomy artifacts. Located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago’s Museum Campus. For more information visit www.adlerplanetarium.org or call (312) 922-STAR.
The Art Institute of Chicago
One of the world’s great art museums, with collections dating from 3,000 B.C. through the present, including famous French Impressionist paintings and drawings; fine and decorative arts from America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America; photography, textiles, and architectural works. Dine in the elegant new indoor Garden Restaurant or in the Court Café. Find unique gifts in the Museum Shop. For more information visit www.artic.edu or call (312) 443-3600.
Chicago Architecture Foundation/Archicenter
America’s leading organization for public education in architecture and design, the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Archicenter (located in the Santa Fe Building on South Michigan Avenue at Jackson across from the Art Institute) draws visitors from around the world for a unique introduction to America’s first city of architecture. The Archicenter features exhibits, a city model, galleries, special events, many tours, outstanding and affordable venues for event rentals, and an excellent specialty shop. For more information visit www.architecture.org or call (312) 922-TOUR.
Field Museum
Discover Sue, the largest and most complete T. Rex ever found! At the Field Museum, you can get a bug’s-eye view in Underground Adventure, descend into an Egyptian tomb, watch a glowing lava flow, be dazzled by sparkling gems, come nose-to-nose with the man-eating lions of Tsavo, and learn about the world’s cultures and environments. For more information visit www.fieldmuseum.org or call (312) 922-9410.
Lincoln Park Zoo
You have no excuse not to visit: The Lincoln Park Zoo is open 365 days a year and -- astonishingly -- remains completely free, despite many recent upgrades. Occupying a prime spot of Lincoln Park close to the lakefront, the zoo is small enough to explore in an afternoon, and varied enough to make you feel like you’ve traveled around the world. Most of the exhibits have been renovated in the past few years, making the place look better than ever. For families, this is a don’t-miss stop. For more information visit www.lpzoo.org/index2.html
Millennium Park
Located downtown on Michigan Ave. between Randolph and Monroe Sts., Millennium Park is an extraordinary showplace for world-class art, music, architecture and landscape design. This brand new 24.5 acre Millennium Park showcases Chicago as one of the most culturally sophisticated and diverse cities in the world - a place where you can enjoy awe-inspiring public works of art and architecture, as well as ice skating in the winter and alfresco dining throughout fall. For
more information visit
www.millenniumpark.org
Museum of Contemporary Art
Just steps from Michigan Ave. and the historic Water Tower, the MCA highlights today’s most innovative and exciting artists. Take a free, guided tour, stroll through the grand, barrel-vaulted galleries overlooking Lake Michigan, enjoy lunch at the Wolfgang Puck café, and shop in the fun-filled MCA store. For more information visit www.mcachicago.org or call (312) 280-2660.
Museum of Science and Industry
A world of discovery awaits at the largest science museum in the western hemisphere, with 14 acres of hands-on exhibits designed to spark curiosity, ingenuity, and creativity. Guests can take off on an authentic Boeing 727 airplane for a simulated cross-country flight; descend down a mineshaft for a tour of a realistic Illinois coal mine; explore the legendary U-505, a German submarine captured on the high seas during World War II; or take in a thrilling movie at the five-story Omnimax® theater. Live demonstrations, costumed exhibit interpreters, groundbreaking temporary exhibits, and special programming bring the wonders of the museum to life for all ages. For more information visit www.msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414.
Navy Pier
Located on Lake Michigan, just east of Chicago’s Downtown, Navy Pier has been a Chicago landmark since it first opened in 1916. It now showcases a unique collection of restaurants, shops, and plenty of entertainment. At Navy Pier you’ll find the Chicago Children’s Museum, an IMAX theater, Crystal Gardens (an indoor botanical park), the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows. For more information visit www.navypier.com or call (312) 595-PIER.
The New Hancock Observatory
The 94th-floor observatory, more than 1,000 feet above Chicago at the John Hancock Center, features an open-air Skywalk, the Midwest’s highest open-air experience; Sky Tours, which takes you on a personal audio tour of Chicago’s incredible sights and remarkable history; Soundscope 3-D “talking” telescopes that speak in four languages and create startling real sound effects; a Chicago history wall; and a theme park-style ticketing area that recreates the construction of the John Hancock Center. For more information visit www.hancockobservatory.com or call (888) 875-VIEW.
Sears Tower Skydeck
Get the best view of Chicago from one of the world’s tallest buildings. For more information visit www.the-skydeck.com or call (312) 875-9696.
Shedd Aquarium
The world’s largest indoor aquarium offers more than 22,000 aquatic animals from around the world. See all Shedd has to offer with the All Access Pass, which includes the original aquarium building, Wild Reef, Amazon Rising, and the Oceanarium. For more information visit www.sheddaquarium.org or call (312) 939-2438.
Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Co.
Hop-on! Hop-off! Take an entertaining and informative tour of the city. This tour also serves as convenient, low cost transportation to the most sought after shopping, dining, and attractions in Chicago. The year-round tour takes about an hour and forty-five minutes and covers 13 magnificent miles. For those who would like to explore a bit of the city, there will be another Trolley or Double Decker along shortly to continue your tour and take you back to your starting point. For more information visit www.coachusa.com/chicagotrolley or call (773) 648-5000.
Jazz and Blues
Your Chicago trip should definitely include jazz and blues—the choices are great. Some longstanding favorite haunts for blues include Blue Chicago, Buddy Guy’s Legends, House of Blues, and Kingston Mines. For jazz, Andy’s Jazz Club, The Back Room, Green Dolphin Street, and Joe’s Be Bob Café & Jazz Emporium at Navy Pier are all great stops. For more information on jazz and blues clubs visit www.choosechicago.com/dining_nightlife.html.
The Second City
Since 1959, The Second City has been entertaining audiences with its signature brand of socio-political satire. The starting point for many famous actors, directors, and writers, The Second City is a Chicago institution not to be missed! For more information visit www.secondcity.com or call (312) 337-3992.
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