Things to Do in Illinois

Chicago’s storied Lincoln Park named for the country’s 16th president also boasts a significant statue of the man. Unlike the seated memorial figure located in Washington D.C. and found on the back of a penny, this 12-foot bronze constructed by Irish-immigrant sculpturist Augustus Saint-Gaudens stands tall. Constructed in 1887, 22 years after the Civil War leader’s death, it also predates the completion of D.C.’s Lincoln Memorial by 35 years. The work, titled ‘Abraham Lincoln: The Man,’ was heralded by the New York Evening Post as “the most important achievement American sculpture has yet produced,” after its unveiling. 

The statue is located in the south side of the 1,208-acre park, behind the Chicago History Museum. The statue can easily be visited on a walking or biking tour of the park that includes other popular park stops such as the North Avenue Beach, Lincoln Park Zoo and the Lincoln Park Conservatory.  

In addition to identifying a similarly-built 6-foot, 4-inch tall man to serve as a model, molds of Lincoln’s own face and hands, taken while he was alive, were used to recreate the lifelike figure. Lincoln stands fronting an eagle-emblazoned chair with a pensive gaze cast downward from his perch atop a granite pedestal. The statue is surrounded by a stepped, half-moon exedra – built by noteworthy architect Stanford White and his team – with several of his more famous quotes etched into its walls. Replicas of this statue can be found in London’s Parliament Square and in Mexico City.

On any given Sunday afternoon from September to December, thousands of Chicagoans and sports fans converge around Soldier Field, home to the Chicago Bears of the NFL (National Football League). The parking lots surrounding the stadium buzz with excitement for hours prior to each game and even in the coldest temperatures, diehard Chicago sports fans pack Soldier Field to cheer on the home team.

Opened in 1924, the stadium was built as a memorial to fallen American soldiers. Over the years, it welcomed crowds of over 100,000 people for events like the 1927 heavyweight match between Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney and a visit by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1944. The stadium was also the site of the very first Special Olympic Games, held in 1968, and in 1994, the it hosted the first World Cup Games to be played in the United States.  In 1971, it became the official home of the Chicago Bears and has since hosted concerts by legendary artists such as Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, the Grateful Dead and Paul McCartney.  However, the venue they play in has changed since its early days; Soldier Field was renovated – despite much protest from locals – in the early 2000’s and in 2004 it was removed from the National Register of Historic Places. 

If you can’t make it to one of the 200 events that take place at Soldier Field each year, try joining a tour while you’re in town. Lasting about one hour, tours include the field, south courtyard, doughboy statue, grand concourse, United Club, colonnades, Skyline Suite and the visitors’ locker room.

Nestled in Lincoln Park, the Lincoln Park Conservatory is made up of four display houses; the Palm House, the Fern Room, the Orchid House, and the Show House. Built in the late 1800s, the houses grow over 1,000 different types of plants that are used in Chicago Parks. Visitors can explore their interiors, and wander through the scenic botanical gardens that surround them.

Located close to the lake and near Lake Shore Drive, the conservatory is easily accessible from other popular nearby attractions like the Lincoln Park and the Lincoln Park Zoo. A few select city tours include a stop at the conservatory, but it can easily be visited on your own. Entry is free, and you can explore at your own pace, or opt for a tour of the facilities that’s available with a donation.

The Lincoln Park Conservatory is located in Lincoln Park. Paid public parking is available in the lot behind the conservatory located on North Stockton Drive. The 151, 156, 134, and 143 CTA bus services stop nearby. Divvy bike sharing stations are located nearby and are a great public transportation option during the warmer months.

The conservatory is open everyday from 9am to 5pm. Since the exhibits in the four houses are indoors, the plants are always green and lush no matter the time of year. The outdoor gardens are full and thriving during July and August, and the display ends around mid-October. To see the most during your time, visit in the warmer months so you can explore the outdoor attractions.

Spanning over 36 acres, the Lincoln Park Zoo dates back to the late 1800s and is a popular nearby landmark that shouldn’t be missed. Home to about 1,100 animals including polar bears, big cats, gorillas, penguins, and reptiles, this family-friendly experience is fun for all ages. With free admission 365 days a year, the zoo is an easy stop even on a short timetable.

The dueling main columns of Marina City overlook the Chicago River. Its scalloped “corn-on-the-cob” exterior, formed by undulating half-moon balconies, has made it instantly recognizable and a popular setting in movies such as Batman Begins, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and The Blues Brothers. While the historic buildings are largely residential—some 1,400 people call Marina City home today—visitors are welcome to the complex. You can head up to roof decks for 360 degree views of the city skyline, rent boats in the attached marina to explore the Chicago river, dine in restaurants like Smith and Wollensky’s Grill, catch a concert in the House of Blues, and even use the structures’ ice skating rink, swimming pool, and bowling alley.

Marina City’s 588-foot towers, designed by great Chicago architect Bertrand Goldberg, were the tallest residential structures and the tallest concrete buildings in the world when they were constructed in the early 1960s. Forty-stories of pie-shaped apartments, designed to emphasize city views, sit atop twenty stories of parking. Designed as a “city within a city,” with shopping, dining, office buildings, recreational spaces, and entertainment for its residents, the then-novel concept was part of a movement encouraging Chicagoans to return to downtown from the suburbs.

Northerly Island is located in the heart of Chicago’s Museum Campus, near Soldier Field and just south of the Adler Planetarium. The island was designed by Daniel H. Burnham, the architect of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.

Burnham envisioned a park with harbors, beaches, lagoons, large open green spaces, and striking views of the lake and skyline.  The 91-acre Northerly Island was selected as one of the sites of the 1933-34 World’s Fair in Chicago, “A Century of Progress.”  The park increased to its current size of today and by the 1940’s, Northerly Island had a beach, a few paths and walkways, and a small airport known as Meigs Field.

In September 2015, a new 43-acre nature area opened on Northerly Island, creating a green oasis in the middle of the bustling city. The nature area features a mile-long interior park trail, overlooks, and a five-acre lagoon that connects to Lake Michigan. This allows for fish to enter the lagoon, providing excellent fishing opportunities. The Northerly Island visitors see today is what Burnham originally envisioned.

Since the late 1800s the University of Chicago has been attracting some of the nation’s (and the world’s) most brilliant minds, and with a newly expanded campus that includes the Booth School of Business, the University of Chicago Medical Center and the Harris School of Public Policy Studies, it’s clear this private school offers a broad range of programing for all types of ambitious learners. 

The university’s prime location, just seven miles south of downtown Chicago, is a major draw. It also makes planning a visit—or just wandering the 211-acre grounds easy. The campus’s unique architectural blend—which includes the Gothic Rockefeller Chapel, as well as the more modern Gerald Ratner Athletic Center and the towering Henry Hinds Laboratory for Geophysical Sciences is apparent. And while the lush quad and top-tier ranking attract students of all kinds, the University of Chicago’s stunning, well groomed campus also attracts travelers who want to see one of the Midwest’s (and America’s) top schools.

With Pablo Picasso’s unique, inventive style in all its glory, the aptly named Picasso statue in Chicago was his gift to the city. At 50 feet tall, it stands tall in the plaza in which it was placed. Before its arrival to the city, most of the public art and sculpture was traditional and historic. Picasso’s contemporary structure 

and Cubist design redefined Chicago’s outdoor art and to this day is one of its most beloved pieces of culture. It has become a landmark and meeting spot as well, cementing its significance to the city.

Welded in steel, the massive sculpture features a face and delicate details. Its subject is abstract and up to interpretation (and often, debate by Chicagoans,) complicated by the fact that perception of the piece differs depending on your distance to it. Designed by Picasso in a small model, it was built in the United States at the nearby US Steel Company and made its debut in 1967. It does not 

have a title, which is how it came to be known as simply “The Picasso.”

The United Center is one of the largest sports arenas in the Chicago area,home to both the NBA’s Chicago Bulls and the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks teams. Built in 1994, it sits at almost one million square feet of indoor space and seats more than 20,000 people. It is the largest arena in the United States by physical size, hosting more than 200 games each year. 

The center is also the venue of choice for many of the Chicago area’s large concerts. The acoustics are well-known for their ability to create the “roar,” amplifying the sound of the crowd (or performer!) It has also served as the home of a wide range of events, including political, family, television, and collegiate athletic events. Those visiting can check out the statues of the 

legendary Michael Jordan, Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita that are located outside the arena.

Fashion, architecture, and history in Chicago come together on this renowned stretch of Michigan Avenue nicknamed the Magnificent Mile. As you walk from the Chicago River to Oak Street, you’ll pass several Windy City landmarks, including the Water Tower, John Hancock Center, and Tribune Tower, as well as numerous luxury brand retailers.

The Magnificent Mile is one of the most prestigious sections of pavement in the country—a Chicago must-do, even if you’re only window-shopping. Its central location and prominent place in the city’s cultural landscape mean its featured on just about every sightseeing tour, whether on foot, bus, bicycle, trolley, or Segway. To get a sweeping view of the Magnificent Mile, head up to 360 Chicago, an observation deck inside the John Hancock building.

The Magnificent Mile is well-connected by public transportation, with numerous bus lines stopping along North Michigan Avenue between Wacker Drive and Oak Street. If you’re walking along the Chicago River, hop aboard a water taxi for a unique ride to the Magnificent Mile.

The Magnificent Mile is always on—a buzzing hub of shopping, dining, and sightseeing throughout the day and well into the night. If you’d like to see the neighborhood at its most photogenic, plan to visit during the holiday season when the entire stretch is illuminated in twinkling lights.

There’s a ton to see and do in and around the Magnificent Mile. This stretch of road is home to more than 460 stores, 275 restaurants, and 60 hotels. Some of the city’s top attractions can be found here as well, including the 360 Chicago Observatory, Chicago Sports Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

The Harold Washington Library Center is the main branch of the Chicago Public Library system. When it opened in 1991, the ten-story library was the largest public library in the world.

Located in Chicago’s South Loop, its design is based on the winning submission in a 1988 architecture contest. The contest was to design the new library called for by then-Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, the city’s first African American mayor. 

The Harold Washington Library Center is more than just a traditional library for books. Here, you can research your ancestry in their online genealogy databases. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout the building, art on display from more than 50 artists, music practice rooms, a Maker Lab, and book clubs and reading events for your children. Be sure to visit the glass-domed Winter Garden atrium on the library’s 9th floor as well.

Once the world’s largest indoor aquariums, Chicago’s John G. Shedd Aquarium is home to more than 1,500 species of fish, marine mammals, birds, snakes, and amphibians. The aquarium sits on the shores of Lake Michigan and is part of Chicago’s famous Museum Campus, which includes the Field Museum and Adler Planetarium.

The first inland aquarium to include permanent saltwater exhibits along with freshwater exhibits, the Shedd Aquarium is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chicago. Permanent exhibits include the multilevel Oceanarium, which mimics ocean conditions off the northwest coast of North America; the Wild Reef exhibit, which simulates a Philippines reef ecosystem; and the Amazon Rising exhibit, which introduces visitors to the Amazon River and rainforest. Make the aquarium a stop on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour or visit after taking a Segway tour of the Museum Campus.

The Shedd Aquarium is located on the Museum Campus in the South Loop, just off Lakeshore Drive and a short walk from downtown. It is accessible by several bus lines, and the nearest El stop is Roosevelt.

The Shedd Aquarium is open year-round and can be particularly busy on the weekends and school holidays. Arrive early to beat the crowds, or look for special evening events when you can experience the aquarium after dark.

Make your visit to the Shedd Aquarium truly unique by participating in one of the many special experiences available. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Wild Reef and experience a shark feeding, get up close and personal with penguins or beluga whales, or visit the animal healthcare center and watch the animals’ meals be prepared. For an even more in-depth experience, spend four hours learning what it’s like to be a marine mammal trainer at the aquarium.

Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular tourist destinations—and with good reason. The 3,300-foot (1,010-meter) pier jutting into the waters of Lake Michigan, originally constructed in 1916 as a freight dock and public space, encompasses almost 50 acres (20 hectares) of exhibits, rides, parks, and family attractions.

 

Most Chicago sightseeing tours (by foot, bike, bus, or Segway) include a stop at Navy Pier, which buts right up against the Streeterville neighborhood and the distinctive Chicago skyline—and is one of the largest entertainment complexes in the United States. The pier is also a departure point for the must-do Chicago architecture river cruises and classic lake tours. For kids, Navy Pier features the Chicago Children’s Museum, plus a collection of high-tech rides, hands-on fountains, kid-focused educational exhibits, restaurants, and trinket vendors that will transport your child into the realm of overstimulated joy. Adults will appreciate the lakefront views, cool breezes, and a ride on the gigantic Ferris wheel or classic carousel. Skyline Stage, a 1,500-seat rooftop venue under a canopy, plays host to a variety of shows throughout the summer; and on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the pier puts on a whopping fireworks show.

 

Located east of the Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier is easy to get to by bus and El trains from anywhere in the city, including on the free pier trolley bus. In summer, Shoreline Sightseeing runs a handy water taxi between Navy Pier, the Sears Tower, and the John G. Shedd Aquarium.

 

Although Navy Pier is open year-round, it really comes alive in the summer—in fact it can get mobbed, so arrive early and take public transportation. An IMAX Theater and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater are both good cold-weather options, and there is a winter festival held every year.

Originally named the Municipal Pier, it was renamed Navy Pier in 1927 in honor of the naval veterans from the First World War. During World War II, the pier was used as a naval training facility, where about 10,000 people lived, worked, and trained.

A landmark of Chicago’s skyline and a masterpiece of architecture, The Rookery was one of the most expensive buildings in the city’s history when it was completed in 1888. It is considered one of the oldest historic high rises in Chicago. It was named not only for the many pigeons and crows that inhabited the exterior of the building, but also for the corrupt politicians that once worked within its walls. 

Housing over 600 office spaces, it was constructed by John Wellborn Root and Daniel Burnham, with Frank Lloyd Wright’s remodel of the lobby “Light Court” added in 1905. Wright designed and installed the intricate stairways, rails, and light fixtures. After the Great Chicago Fire it served as an interim City Hall. It is a designated Chicago landmark, a U.S. National Historic Landmark, and was inducted into the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

The Hard Rock Café Chicago has been serving the Chicago River North area since its opening in 1986. River North borders the Magnificent Mile, is just across from the Loop, and a few blocks west of Michigan Avenue, a vibrant and popular dining and nightlife district.

Be sure to order Hard Rock’s signature food offerings like the Legendary Burger and drinks like Rockarita. Check the menu for house made local entrees that have a touch of Chicago flavor as well.

Like other Hard Rock Cafes around the world, the Hard Rock Café Chicago features music memorabilia on the walls, with an emphasis on funky styles. Be sure to tour the restaurant and see various guitars, platinum records, and more.

There are numerous concerts and events taking place at the café throughout the year, so be sure to check the Hard Rock Café Chicago events page for details and reservations.

Once home to  the Chicago Tribune, this neo-Gothic landmark was built as a result of the International Design Competition in 1922. Before this 462-foot (141-meter) building was constructed, reporters from the paper brought back pieces of rock from important landmarks around the world like the Taj Mahal, the Hagia Sophia, the Great Wall of China, and more.

Located near the river, a stop at the Tribune Tower is a part of most Chicago architecture and river tours. Alternatively, you can easily visit on your own. Conveniently situated off Michigan Avenue, it’s a short walk from the nearby Wrigley Building, Magnificent Mile, and other popular Chicago attractions. Walk around the outside perimeter to see the markings of materials that came from landmarks around the world.

The Tribune Tower is in close proximity to other Chicago landmarks including the Wrigley Building, the Riverwalk, and the Magnificent Mile. Take the L to the Grand/State stop and walk a few blocks to the building, or take the 120 or 121 bus line to the Michigan & Illinois stop.

For the best view of the exterior architecture, visit during the day. You can visit the inside of the lobby anytime during regular business hours. Once a year, the building participates in Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Open House event, making for an even better visiting experience.

The Great Chicago Fire destroyed most of downtown Chicago’s buildings in the late 1800s, resulting in various styles of architecture as new buildings were constructed. Architecture enthusiasts who visit the Tribune Tower will love seeing the different styles amongst other popular landmarks like Chicago Theater, the Wrigley Building, and more.

Located just a block away from Lake Michigan in the heart of downtown Chicago, Millennium Park showcases world-class art, music, architecture, and landscape design. Completed in 2004, the 24.5-acre (10-hectare) park is one of Chicago’s most popular destinations, drawing 25 million visitors per year. 

There’s a lot to see and do in Millennium Park. Visitors can check out their reflection in the Cloud Gate—a steel sculpture affectionately nicknamed “The Bean” by Chicago locals; catch a live show in Harris Theater or Jay Pritzker Pavilion; visit the curvy, columned Millennium Monument in Wrigley Square; take a stroll down Chase Promenade; watch giant projected videos of facial expressions on the Crown Fountain tower blocks; and explore numerous other outdoor attractions. On sunny days, the Great Lawn and 100-foot (30-meter) Running Table are ideal picnicking spots.

Millennium Park is a true Chicago highlight, so most guided city tours stop there. Visit on a hop-on hop-off bus tour to explore at your own pace, or see the park on an electric bike, segway, or bus tour. Visitors can also admire Millennium Park’s dramatic nighttime lighting on a sunset or evening excursion, or head to the top of Willis Tower’s Skydeck to see the park from above. 

Millennium Park is located in downtown Chicago’s Loop district, on the northwest side of Grant Park. It is bordered by North Michigan Avenue, Columbus Drive, Randolph Street, and Monroe Drive. The easiest way to reach the park is by public transit—multiple city buses stop nearby, as does Chicago’s elevated train. 

Millennium Park is open year-round, but Chicago’s weather is most pleasant in spring, summer, and fall. Summer visitors can enjoy the park’s concert series and cool off at the Crown Fountain splash park, while winter visitors can skate at McCormick Tribune Ice Rink. 

Millennium Park is part of Chicago’s larger Grant Park. Nearby attractions include the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum of Natural History, John G. Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops in the adjacent downtown area. 

With over three million LEGOs, two indoor rides and a workshop hosted by a real master model builder, LEGOLAND Discover Center Chicago is a child’s dream. Visitors can wander through impressive displays that include intricate Star Wars models and a MINILAND Chicago and learn top tips from expert builders. Families with kids between the ages of three and twelve will find plenty of places to build their own creations, a 4D cinema with LEGO-themed movies and a couple of rides that provide endless entertainment for the younger set. 

Chicago’s largest park and a leisure destination for locals and visitors alike, Lincoln Park abuts its namesake neighborhood. This massive green space serves as a welcome escape from the urban hustle and bustle, whether it be for a short picnic lunch break or a day spent lounging and exploring.

 

Lincoln Park’s 1,200 acres (485 hectares) stretch for six miles (10 kilometers), from North Avenue north to Diversey Parkway, where it narrows along Lake Michigan and continues until the end of Lake Shore Drive. Most of the park’s pleasures are natural, though one of its highlights is sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ Standing Lincoln, which shows the 16th president deep in contemplation, located in a garden east of the Chicago History Museum. From a little dock in front of pretty Café Brauer, a 1908 Prairie School architectural creation, you can rent two-person paddleboats and cruise the South Pond. Other notable attractions include the Lincoln Park Conservatory, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, and North Avenue Beach. Guided tours take place mostly on foot or bike—both natural ways to explore the park’s trails and paths while listening to in-depth history and interesting facts from a guide.

 

 

Lincoln Park is easily accessible by buses and El trains. Parking is limited on the residential streets of the populous Lincoln Park neighborhood, so public transportation is your best option.

 

The Windy City’s various seasons bring out different activities in the park. Stroll down the miles of walking paths to see the leaves turning in the fall; bundle up to watch local kids sledding on winter snow days; rent a bike to pedal through the blooming gardens in the spring; or bring a blanket and some sunscreen to sunbathe in the summer.

 

One of the park’s main highlights is the free Lincoln Park Zoo, which is open every day (though hours vary; check the website). Exhibits include the Regenstein African Journey, where you can get surprisingly close to animals who swim, hop, and crawl in natural environments. Enter via the Gateway Pavilion and snag a map, which shows times and locations for animal feedings, training demonstrations, and free zookeeper talks about various animals.

In celebration of the 1893 World Expo, Chicago established the 543-acre (220-hectare) Jackson Park. Today the popular green space hosts a golf course, the Museum of Science and Industry, scenic nature trails, a Lake Michigan beach, and more. The Chicago Lakefront Trail runs through the park, making it a great biking and jogging destination.

Jackson Park is wildly popular with locals and visitors alike thanks to its top attractions, myriad activities, and lakefront beach. Don your walking shoes and explore different areas of the park on foot, or experience it as part of a Chicago city and river cruise tour. The Museum of Science and Industry and the golf course are paid attractions within the park, but other sights are yours to enjoy for free.

Jackson Park is located in Woodlawn, right on Lake Michigan. Take the Metra to the 57th Street or 63rd Street stop; for the museum, you can also take CTA bus number 2 or 6. If driving, use metered street parking or a nearby paid parking lot (including in the museum).

The park is open from 6am to 9pm every day. The warmer months make for larger crowds, as Chicago winters make it difficult to enjoy the outdoor attractions. The museum, which is open 9:30am to 4pm daily (except as noted on their website) year-round, is a warm indoor option during the colder months.

Even though it’s surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city, Jackson Park is an ideal spot to spend a relaxing, tranquil day. Lace up your running shoes or rent a bike and journey along the Chicago Lakefront Trail, which connects Jackson Park to other popular Chicago parks. Alternatively, play a leisurely 18-hole round of golf or an intense pickup basketball game, explore the Garden of the Phoenix, or just chill out on the beach.