MUSEUMS
The Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd is dedicated to “engaging, inspiring, entertaining and informing” the public about the life in oceans and waterways. You’re in a building on Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago, but you are immersed in a world of coral reefs, rainforests, and the Pacific Northwest coast. The Shedd, on the Museum Campus northeast of Soldier Field, prides itself on its dedication to conservation and the protection of wildlife habitats.
Museum of Science and Industry
Since 1933, this enormous museum in the Hyde Park neighborhood has been dedicated to educating the public about science and technology. From the coal mine exhibit with a working elevator to the captured German World War II submarine, the museum’s collections and hands-on exhibits never fail to thrill kids, and adults have a pretty good time, too. It’s also home to special exhibits like “Brick by Brick,” a Lego structures challenge, and “Robot Revolution,” a collection from around the world.
The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago consistently ranks among Chicago’s most-visited museums and is the second largest and one of the most prominent art museums in the United States. Its famous lions greet you on the steps as you enter from Michigan Avenue in the Loop, and it just gets better from there. It is renowned for its impressionist, post-impressionist, and American art collections. If you love paintings by the French impressionist Claude Monet, you will think you’re in paradise at the Art Institute. It has one of the largest collections of his work in the country. The Thorne Miniature Rooms are also a unique and special exhibition.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art, just off the Magnificent Mile, explores, exhibits, and collects art created since 1945. The museum is dedicated to allowing the public “to directly experience the work and ideas of living artists and understand the historical, social, and cultural context of the art of our time.” It also puts a major emphasis on diverse voices that communicate through art.
National Museum of Mexican Art
The National Museum of Mexican Art, southwest of the Loop, is dedicated to stimulating and preserving knowledge and appreciation of Mexican culture. It is one of the largest collections of Latino art in the nation, and it is also the only Latino institution to receive accreditation from the American Association of Museums. The current collection includes more than 5,500 objects.
Adler Planetarium
Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum is on Museum Campus just east of Soldier Field. The planetarium was founded in 1930, and that makes it America’s first and oldest planetarium. It now houses two stargazing theaters, a collection of antique instruments, extensive exhibit space, and many hands-on exhibits. It also offers one of the most wonderful views of the skyline in the entire city.
The Chicago History Museum
The Chicago History Museum in the Lincoln Park neighborhood exhibits artifacts from the depth of its 22-million item collection and from the breadth of the city’s history. From the Chicago Bulls to the Great Chicago Fire, the museum covers it all and offers context and exhibits to make Chicago’s history relevant to life today. It was formerly known as the Chicago Historical Society.
DuSable Museum of African-American History
The DuSable is the nation’s oldest museum dedicated to the exploration, documentation, and celebration of the African-American experience. It’s in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. Its holdings include 15,000 paintings, sculptures, and historic memorabilia that illuminate the African-American experience.
The Field Museum of Natural History
The Field Museum is probably best known for its dinosaur displays, and that’s a huge draw for kids. But it also has a rich and deep dedication to “the diversity and relationships in nature and among cultures.” It currently holds, conserves, and studies more than 20 million objects, a collection that grew from holdings it received after the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893, held in Chicago. It’s on Museum Campus, along with the Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium, just north of Soldier Field.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
The Nature Museum in Lincoln Park is devoted to the environment and nature and works in conjunction with the collections and scientists of the Chicago Academy of Sciences to create exhibits and programs. Its 27,000-square-foot greenhouse houses more than 1,000 butterflies that belong to 40 species. And it’s warm and tropical in the winter, a big bonus in Chicago. You’ll see exotic birds like macaws and aracari in the Bird House and learn about life in a marsh, on dunes, on the prairie, and on the savanna, all part of the Chicago environment.
PARKS
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is a six-mile stretch of green space along the edge of Lake Michigan, and Chicago’s biggest park. This popular park is home to the lovely Lincoln Park Conservatory and the Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the country. Also located here are the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and the Chicago History Museum.
Millennium Park
Millennium Park is part of the larger Grant Park, located in downtown Chicago bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west, Columbus Drive to the east, Randolph Street to the north, and Monroe Street to the south. Its centerpiece is a 110-ton sculpture name Cloud Gate, which has a polished, mirror-like stainless steel surface that was inspired by liquid mercury. It reflects the surroundings, including buildings, the sky, and the tourists who walk through its central arch.
The Art Institute of Chicago South Garden
Located on the south side of the Art Institute of Chicago along Michigan Avenue, this simple and modern garden is uniquely built upon a parking garage. It is as peaceful as it is beautiful and includes an open courtyard with symmetrically placed trees surrounding it. The garden has a fantastically soothing ambiance, no matter what the weather may be.
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is the ultimate escape destination. It has a specifically designed lily pool that was built in 1889, and still runs today. The garden was designed by the architect Alfred Caldwell, who took the opportunity to show off his expertise and create a symbolic vision of beauty.
Lurie Garden
Known for its vibrant colors and attractive essence, the Lurie Garden blooms with life even on the coldest of days. Built in 2004 and located at the southern end of Millennium Park, it is home to a wide variety of plants and flowers. The garden looks just as beautiful in the winter as it does in the summer, making it the ideal place to relax year round.
Promontory Point at Burnham Park
Along with offering one of the most beautiful views of the Chicago skyline, Promontory Point at Burnham Park is a quaint area where visitors can escape from the city’s noise. This park shares the same architect as the Caldwell Lily Pool, Alfred Caldwell, and he has created a similar serene and relaxing environment, but with a modern twist.
Garfield Park Conservatory
Garfield Park Conservatory is a tropical paradise. You almost feel as though you’ve been transported to a vivid, green rainforest away from the hustle and bustle of Chicago. The stages and installations change frequently, so you can visit again and again.
Grant Park Rose Garden
Within the sprawling urban Grant Park, you will find a beautiful Rose Garden hidden away. This ‘park within a park’ is the perfect spot to get away to. Most attractive in summer when the roses bloom, it also lies close to the picturesque Buckingham Fountain.
North Park Nature Center
North Park Nature Center offers a variety of woodland and prairie areas to experience. An abundant 46-acre preserve, the landscape is somewhat of a hidden gem in the city. The natural state of this park has been incredibly well preserved, with paths, gardens, and fields to explore.
Cancer Survivors’ Garden
Completed in 1996 and designed to be a celebration of life and hope, the Cancer Survivors’ Garden is one of the most peaceful places within the city area. With views over Lake Michigan, many visit the park for a quick break from their everyday hurry or to recharge and reflect.
Harold Washington Library’s Winter Garden
For many, the library is a peaceful escape where work can be more easily accomplished. Harold Washington Library’s 9th floor carries a stunning space that lets visitors have the best of a library and aesthetics of a beautiful garden flooded with natural light. Not only is this a place to clear your head, but it is also a vision of architectural beauty.
Northerly Island Park
Northerly Island Park is a ‘man-made peninsula’ located along Chicago’s lakefront. Along with a beautiful natural area to enjoy, the park also provides a striking view of the city skyline and some of the best fishing in the area.
MARKETS
Chicago French Market
Located in the larger MetraMarket mall in West Loop, the Chicago French Market is a European-style indoor market managed by the Bensidoun family, an experienced group of market operators from Paris. As it features almost 30 specialty vendors selling a wide variety of artisan food and drinks, including fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and seafood, it’s also a great spot to grab breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with options from sushi and burritos to baked goods and gelato.
Green City Market
Chicago’s first year-round farmers’ market was the brainchild of chef, author, and entrepreneur Abby Mandel. It aims to promote quality, sustainably raised produce and products, and to bring local producers and farmers to their customers in the city. In the winter, the market takes place at The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and in the summer, there are locations in Lincoln Park, West Loop, and at the Park at Wrigley. Demonstrations and music are commonplace at the market, and workshops, BBQs, and meals are also regular occurrences during the summer.
Randolph Street Market
Selling everything from independent and locally designed fashion, antiques and art to vintage furniture, fashion, clothing, and jewelry, the Randolph Street Market is another European-style indoor-outdoor market that also contains several smaller markets: the Chicago Antique Market, the Indie Designer Market, and Modern Vintage Chicago.
Plant Chicago Farmers Market
As local as it gets, tenants of The Plant, the food production space in Back of the Yards, which hosts the market, sell much of the produce found at Plant Chicago Farmers Market. Coffee, microgreens, kombucha, naturally leavened bread, and fresh vegetables, grown or made on-site, are all on offer, as well as handcrafted and vintage jewelry.
Maxwell Street Market
The Maxwell Street Market is a Chicago tradition dating back over 100 years when Jewish immigrants would gather to sell produce. Taking place every Sunday on S. Desplaines Street from W. Polk to W. Taylor, today, its vendors sell a wide variety of goods, from fresh produce to furniture.
Logan Square Farmers Market
The Logan Square Chamber of Commerce also hosts a year-round farmers’ market, one with a focus on building community ties and providing a place for people to hang out, complete with entertainment offered alongside the nutritious and conscientiously grown and produced local food.
