The Windy City may not be the capital of the great state of Illinois, but it’s certainly one of the most famous cities in the state. Chicago has a long history, and with that comes a plethora of attractions for out-of-towners to enjoy during their stay. If you have friends or family coming from out of town, here are six must-see Chicago attractions to add to your itinerary. From its origins as a small trading post built on the banks of the River Chicago to an industrial metropolis and home to some of the tallest buildings in America, there’s a lot about this city that makes it unique. Thankfully, there are plenty of things to do that will keep your guests entertained while they’re in town.
The Bean
The Bean is one of the most well-known and beloved attractions in Chicago, and it’s a great place to start your trip. The Bean is actually a giant outdoor sculpture in Millennium Park, located just north of the Art Institute. The Cloud Gate sculpture is a giant reflective stainless steel “blob” with a beautiful mirrored surface, inspired by liquid mercury. It’s a great place to take pictures and is a popular tourist attraction in Chicago. While it might not be the most “Chicago” thing to do, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The Bean is open year-round, and you can enjoy it whether you’re in town for the summer or winter. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in town and looking for a place to take pictures!
Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) is one of the best museums in Chicago, and it has something for everyone. The museum has over 2000 exhibits relating to science, nature, industry, and technology, and it’s constantly adding new exhibitions. It’s the perfect place to go if you have kids in your group, or if you’re looking to learn more about the history of science. If you have time, it’s also worth checking out the Architecture Boat Tour, which offers guests a tour of some of Chicago’s architectural highlights.
There are also a few things to keep in mind if you plan on visiting the Museum of Science and Industry: First, it’s open daily from 9:30AM to 4:00PM. Second, it’s also closed on most major holidays, so be sure to check the museum’s website for its hours of operation before you go. And third, it’s a big museum, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes!
Field Museum of Natural History
The Field Museum of Natural History is another one of Chicago’s top museums, and it’s definitely worth visiting if you’re in town. The Field Museum is one of the largest natural history museums in the world, and it’s home to over 24 million artifacts and specimens. It’s an amazing place to visit if you’re interested in learning more about the natural world and are traveling with kids. There are a few things to keep in mind if you decide to visit the Field Museum. First, it costs $29 for out of state visitors, but you can get it discounted as part of a Field All Access Pass. Second, it’s open every day from 9AM to 5PM, but it is usually closed on select holidays, so be sure to check the museum’s website before visiting. And third, if you’re planning to take part in one of the museum’s special events, you’ll want to plan accordingly because many of the museum’s special events sell out quickly.
Skydeck at the Willis Tower (a.k.a. the Sears Tower)
The Skydeck at the Willis Tower (a.k.a the Sears Tower) is one of the best attractions in all of Chicago, hands down. The observation deck at the top of the Willis Tower is one of the top observation decks in the world, and it’s one of the best places to go to get a good view of the city. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, you can go at night, which is absolutely breathtaking. If you’re visiting during the cooler months, you can still go, but you’ll have a much better view if you go during the day, depending on the weather conditions. If you plan on visiting the Skydeck during the day, be sure to check the forecast and have plenty of sunscreen with you. During winter, make sure to wear very warm clothing as the Windy City will be freezing during extreme weather, especially in the drafty downtown area.
Chicago Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk is a great attraction and is one of the best ways to explore the city from a different perspective. The Chicago Riverwalk is a man-made walkway that stretches 1.25 miles along the Chicago River and is a fantastic place to walk and enjoy the city. It’s also one of the best places in the city to do some people watching. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, it’s also a great place to get a nice view of the Chicago skyline. If you’re visiting in the winter, it’s worth visiting to see the Chicago River when it’s iced over. It’s also a great way to explore the city if you are traveling with children.
Navy Pier
Navy Pier is a giant tourist attraction located just minutes away of the Chicago Riverwalk. It’s a giant man-made pier that’s home to a variety of different attractions and activities, including an IMAX theatre, a Ferris wheel, museums, shops, and restaurants. It’s a great place to visit if you want to do a little bit of everything during your visit to Chicago. Navy Pier is open year-round and is generally open between 11AM-8PM Mon-Thu and 11AM-9PM Fri-Sat. If you plan on visiting during the winter, it’s worth keeping in mind that the Ferris wheel is also open during the winter months and offers of spectacular view of the snow covcered city. Another thing to keep in mind if you decide to visit Navy Pier is that parking is almost always expensive, so it’s worth exploring your transportation options before you go.
Conclusion
There are a lot of great things to do in Chicago, so it’s important to make sure you have enough time to check them all out. If you’re visiting during the summer, it’s also a good idea to check the forecast in advance so you can plan accordingly. And if you’re visiting with children, it’s also important to keep in mind that most museums have fun exhibits for children aged six months and up. Hopefully, this list has given you some ideas for things to do while you’re in Chicago. From the Bean to the Chicago Riverwalk, to the most delicious restaurants, there’s something for everyone in this great city.
Last, but not least, if you are sight-seeing the area while using our Chicago limo service, make sure you ask your driver about additional attractions and he or she will be more than happy to point out some of the best “hidden” attractions, frequented both by locals and the knowledgeable tourist.
