Things to do in Chicago IL

This article is about various things to do in Chicago IL. Chicago, which is also called the “Windy City” is located along the coasts of Lake Michigan in Illinois. It is among the biggest cities of U.S. Chicago has all the things you’d expect from a big city. There are many vibrant shopping areas, world-class museums, and nightlife venues available. The city enjoys a global reputation as a hotspot of 20th-century architecture and art. Architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan, and artists like Picasso, Chagall have left their mark. The city is also a home of many sports. Chicago stands in American football, the Chicago Bulls in basketball and the Chicago White Sox and Cubs in baseball. Chicago offers some of the best food, attractions and amusement in the U.S. It includes some of the top class restaurants in the nation, the tallest building in the US, and also one of the top orchestras in the world as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. From Shoppers and sports buff to adventure seekers and foodies, Chicago has something for everyone. Here are some of the top things to do in Chicago IL.

Top Things to do in Chicago IL

1.) Millennium Park

One of the top things to do in Chicago IL is visiting Millenium Park. The beautiful Millennium Park is located in downtown Chicago. It is bordered by Columbus Drive to the east, Michigan Avenue to the west, Monroe Street to the South and Randolph Street to the North. The key features of Millennium Park include the interactive Crown Fountain, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Lurie Garden, and the Cloud Gate sculpture on the AT&T Plaza.

2.) Michigan Avenue

Michigan Avenue is among the gorgeous boulevards in America. The city’s well-known “Magnificent Mile” is a part of Michigan Avenue. Located north of the Chicago River, has several boutiques, galleries and comfort shops. Some of the attractions here include the Wrigley Building, the John Hancock Center, and the Tribune Tower. Michigan Avenue is divided between North and South designations at Madison Street.

3.) Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is a top class museum with plenty of artworks. The varied collection comprises thousands of years old artifacts. It also includes objects like prints, photography, painting, textiles, decorative arts, sculpture, architectural drawings and more. The Institute is known for its assortment of Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings. It includes Renoir’s 1879 “Acrobats at the Cirque Fernando,” Georges Seurat’s 1884 “A Sunday Afternoon on La Grand Jatte, and several paintings by Claude Monet. The main building was built for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. Many other buildings have been included over the years. At present, the complex is spread around 400,000 sqft.

4.) Visit Navy Pier

The Navy Pier at first opened in 1916 as an amusement and shipping facility. But, now it is among Chicago’s most famous tourist destinations. Today, the Navy Pier is spread over 50 acres of space. It includes many attractions, restaurants, gardens, shops, concert venues, and parks. There is a Ferris wheel (150 ft) and a historic carousel in Navy Pier Park. Tourists can also enjoy a movie at the 3D Imax Theater. They can also watch actors perform the classics at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Crystal Gardens, a one-acre, six-story, indoor botanical garden are other attractions. It also has a Chicago Children’s Museum. The Pier is known for year-round festivities like the Chicago Festival in August. Cruise ships are also available from here for various sightseeing excursions.

5.) Wrigley Park

Wrigley Field is home to the Chicago Cubs. It was built in 1914. The stadium has a capacity of 39,000 people. It is the second-oldest ballpark in the majors. Chicagoans take their sports very seriously. So, if you want to have a real taste of Chicago culture, visit Wrigley Field to see “da Cubs” play. Those who have been here said that the experience is memorable. Perhaps, it is mostly because of the fans’ enthusiasm.

6.) Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry is located at the north end of Jackson Park. It was founded in 1933. It unquestionably the most inspiring museum in Chicago. It is dedicated to the application of natural laws in technological and industrial development. The museum is considered to be the first in the U.S. to integrate the idea of “hands-on” displays. This museum offers permanent and changing exhibits along with an OMNIMAX theater.

7.) Willis Tower Skydeck

The 110 story Willis Tower was the world’s tallest office block until the Petronas Towers (Kuala Lumpur) were built in 1996. Earlier it was known as Sears Tower. Visiting this tower is one of the top things to do in Chicago IL. Although there are several taller buildings now, the view from here is awe-inspiring. On a clear day, you can see over four states up to 40-50 miles easily. It gives a bird’s eye view of Chicago’s stunning architecture.

8.) Shedd Aquarium

The John G. Shedd Aquarium is among the world’s biggest indoor aquariums. It is housing around 32,000 aquatic creatures across over 1,500 species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, invertebrates and birds. You can feel stingrays moving under your fingers, listen to the bark of sea lions and know all about different turtles. A visit to the Shedd Aquarium will take you through an abundance of habitats, coral on a Caribbean Reef, penguins at the south pole, and piranhas in the Amazon. The Shedd Aquarium also allows to get up close and personal with many animals.  A nice place to add to your list of things to do in Chicago IL.

9.) Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo is considered among Chicago’s most beloved treasures. It includes dozens of species varying from cockroaches to lions. You can view the zoo’s furry friends in their natural setting. Also, you can watch gorillas in the extensive Regenstein Center for African Apes. Visit Kovler Penguin and Seabird House to get to watch puffins and razorbills closely. Travelers are mainly fond of the zoo’s inhabitant polar bear, Anana. If you’re traveling with kids, visit Farm-in-the-Zoo, where the kids can meet some barnyard favorites.

10.) Grant Park & Buckingham Fountain

Chicago would be a very different city without Grant Park. This vast green space along Lake Michigan is bounded with the Museum Campus at the south, Millennium Park on the north. It offers numerous cultural, educational and recreational activities for visitors. It hosts many of the summer lakefront festivals. It also houses 4 top class museums-the Art Institute, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, and Adler Planetarium. It also has Soldier Field and a concert venue on Northerly Island. Grant Park’s much-loved centerpiece is the Buckingham Fountain. It has been restored recently. It is positioned around mid-park with the Grant Park Rose Gardens directly to the south and north.