The sensational, life-sized city of Chicago, promises to indulge tourists in activities beyond the walls of their comfort zone. Hands-down, the place is just amazing! Where to begin, depends on a visitor’s schedule. It’s been said, “Chicago is one of the liveliest cities in the US.” It’s the closest to reality. It has two large towns, the “North Michigan Ave” and the “Loop.” A traveler needs to put early planning into motion when visiting this all-embracing American city. It eases frustration as the city extends a sphere that embraces a profound culture/heritage, entertainment and breathtaking scenes. Here’s a list of ten amazing activities and places to Visit in Chicago.
Willis Tower Skydeck
Skydeck, housed atop one of America’s tallest skyscrapers, the giant Willis Tower offers the perfect lookout to admire Chicago’s picturesque scenery from the top. This should definitely be one of the top places to visit in Chicago on your list. It sees nearly 1.3 million travelers yearly. The observation deck is set on the 103rd floor, which is 1, 353 ft. above street level. The hair-raising experience is for the brave, who dare to enter the glass-enclosed balcony protruding out of the building. It not only gives you an adrenaline rush but also provides a spectacular view of the city’s prominent landmarks, including the horizon encompassing Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin.
Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium is among the top-rated cultural activities and places to Visit in Chicago. Inside are eighty awesome habitats for tourists to explore. It is home to an eclectic group of sea creatures, which amounts to a population of over 1500 species. A virtual underwater excursion in the redesigned Abbott Oceanarium is hands-down riveting. Visitors to the premises can observe the “Wild” up close. California sea lions, Beluga whales, Alaska sea otters and white-sided dolphins are some of the creatures housed at this mega aquarium.
Iconic Magnificent Mile
Tourists to Chicago should visit the renowned Magnificent Mile. Shops stringed along the city’s enlivened boulevards extend a grand market place where adrenaline-charged visitors can curb their exclusive shopping. It’s among the greatest places to visit in Chicago and the global sphere. The 1-mile long journey, starts from Michigan Ave and ends at Oak Street. The tour promises to treat the eyes to Chicago’s finest business district. The boulevards extend a platform, showcasing desirable shopping malls, luxury department stores and restaurants that boast exquisite architecture.
Chicago’s Art Institute
The Chicago-based Art Institute, has been added to the list of top ten things and places to visit in Chicago. It offers an educational day-tour lineup to explore the grand Beaux-Arts complex. The magnificent artwork-of-a-museum has two fierce stone lions as guards to its entrance on Michigan Ave. It houses an eclectic collection of 5000-year-old artworks by iconic artists. The refurbished “Modern Wing,” include creations of modern, contemporary art, including sculptures, European paintings, etc.
Skywalk 360 Chicago
Tourists can go on an adrenaline-boosting Skywalk expedition at 360 Chicago. It is open all day and closes at 11 p.m. Set in the winding tourist district, this Skywalk tour offers a spectacular view of the city from above. The elevators give the fastest rides in North America. It takes just forty seconds to reach the 94th floor, which is one-thousand feet above street level. There’s a cafe on-site for those who want to enjoy the sky tour over a cup of well-brewed coffee. They’ve erected an 80-foot long glass viewing wall as the lookout point that slowly leans out from the building. Highlights from above include a panoramic view of Chicago’s picturesque landscape, encompassing the Navy Pier, Wrigley Field and others.
Millennium Park
Millennium Park is a fairly new attraction. It has copped a spot on the list of the best places to visit in Chicago. The attraction has become a favorite tourist hotspot, that rivals the free-concert-focused platform, Jay-Pritzker Pavilion. Millennium Park resonates with beauty as Chicago’s iconic City-of-garden. It sits on 5.5 acres of well-manicured land, which extends itself to visitors. The property has many dimensions of art, including an exquisite sculpture of “The Bean” and the iconic Crown Fountain.
Adler Planetarium
Adler, set in a quaint Lake Michigan district, offers a lifetime opportunity to see the universe from its animated lakeside deck. Its life-size Mars Rover program is a favorite. Adler extends a well-engineered Galaxy Wall platform that offers a profound journey to see the spectacular arc of “Milky Way.” You will witness some of the most breathtaking sights of the galaxy. It is a rewarding expedition for tourists who want to explore all the best places to visit in Chicago.
Navy Pier
Set in an atmosphere that is truly breathtaking, the prominent Navy Pier district offers everything from entertainment to dining. It is an all-inclusive town all to itself. It sits on a 50-acre property, encompassed as a component of Chicago’s lakefront zone. The attraction receives millions of tourists yearly. The 150-foot gigantic Ferris wheel, offer rides all year round once the weather permits the occasion. A summer vacation promises unmatched entertainment and the best fireworks.
Chicago’s Field Museum
Chicago’s Field Museum let travelers explore a virtual universe that transcends present-day events. This exploration takes them back four-and-a-half billion years when civilization roamed a healthier earth. There are exhibits that display different interests throughout the year from Whales, to Dinosaurs, to King Tut for example. There’s also educational expeditions that showcase the finest jewelries and precious stones in the illusory Grainger Hall-of-Gems. The scariest scenes include the monument of the world’s most-preserved, complete and largest T-Rex, “Sue.” She’s housed in the museum’s exhibition gallery, the popular Stanley Field Hall.
Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry
This iconic museum was the first to offer interactive exploration opportunities to tourists in North America. Visitors to the museum can touch the exhibits. It is fun being a spectator, but touching the models on exhibition is a spine-tingling experience. Those who visit the center can engage in activities, including basketball. Getting coached by a virtual basketball icon is enthralling. The trip is worth the effort, investment and time.
These are just some of the wonderful places to visit in Chicago, but will definitely get you started on your planning. For the sport lover in you or your group, a stop at historic Wrigley Field is also a highlight of this amazing city. Even though you should just go with the flow on any trip, a well-planned itinerary makes it easier to fit the budget and plan ahead of the bustle.
You can also take a look at some of the highlights of Seattle and New Orleans for future trips.
(images:chicagoskyline,willistower,sheddaquarium,magnificentmile,chicagoartinstitute,johnhancocktower,milleniumpark,
adlerplanetarium,navypier,chicagofieldmuseum,chicagomuseumofscienceandindustry)