Visit The Dusable Museum Of African American History
As a genuine cultural melting pot, Chicago presents as the perfect city to dive into the history of African American culture.
Through concerts, films, exhibitions, and events, the DuSable Museum of African American History has been educating its guests about the journeys of Africans and African-Americans for more than 50 years.
Its a fascinating learning experience immersed within the greenery of Washington Park a welcomed breath of fresh air compared to Downtown.
Get Artsy At The Art Institute Of Chicago
Found in the hustle and bustle of Millennium Park, step inside the second-largest museum in all of North America .
Boasting a collection exceeding 260,000 artifacts spanning Post-Impressionist paintings to experimental photography and everything in between, its no wonder that the Art Institute of Chicago is rated as TripAdvisors top attraction.
For a contradictory approach to art , check out the Un-Highlights tour.
Take A Trip South To See The Caverns Opening Weekend For First Time In Over 10 Years
Caverns in southern Illinois reopened to the public for the first time in over 10 years this summer, after being closed due to an abundance of caution, officials announced.
The southern attraction reopened as another spot for residents to enjoy as the state moved into Phase 5 of its coronavirus reopening plan. Until October, the caves will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Museum Of Contemporary Art
Dedicated to art from 1945 to the present, the Museum of Contemporary art is endowed with a serious collection, spanning surrealism, conceptual art, pop art and minimalism.
Youll get to see works by Chuck Close, Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Francis Bacon, René Magritte, Alexander Calder, Ann Hamilton and Richard Serra.
When we wrote this article in 2018 there was a haunting exhibition by the Nigerian multidisciplinary artist Otobong Nkanga, combining installations, photography and textiles.
From June to September, Tuesdays on the Terrace is a programme of summer performances by members of Chicagos dynamic jazz community.
Unleash The Youngsters At Pirates Cove Childrens Theme Park
Specifically designed for kids aged two to nine, the Pirates Cove Childrens Theme Park is a formidable way for the youngsters to burn off some energy while imaginatively exploring the parks attractions.
They can climb aboard Petes 18-century Pirate Ship, go round and round on the Captains Carousel, watch an interactive show at the Swashbuckler Wharf Fun Stage, and plenty more.
Pirates Cove is only open in the warmer months of June through August.
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Feel The Vibe At The Millennium Park Summer Music Series
Every year come rain, hail or shine the city of Chicago puts on an exciting lineup of outdoor concerts at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park from June through August.
Past performers have spannel the entire genre spectrum, from jazz and orchestral music to dance vibes, indie rock, and country. Best of all, its totally free.
Stretch Your Legs In The Great Outdoors
The Chicago Lakefront Trail is always a popular choice, but its not the only place to greedily ingest some fresh fall air. Did you know the entire Chicago metro area is surrounded by a 210-mile nature trail complete with campsites and lakes? How about a 2.7-mile urban hiking trail along a former railway corridor? How about one of Americas newest national parks just across the Indiana border? Also be sure to stop by Morton Arboretum to peep its jaw-dropping assemblage of vibrant fall foliage. Need more outdoor ideas? Right this way.
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Richard H Driehaus Museum
Source: driehausmuseum.org
Youll step back into Americas Gilded Age at the refined Nickerson House, built in 1883 for the banker Samuel M. Nickerson.
Close to the Magnificent Mile, on the Near North Side, the house looks a little out of place, dwarfed by the citys bold Neoclassical monuments and glass-clad skyscrapers.
In 2003 the Chicago fund manager and philanthropist turned the Nickerson house into a museum, blending the original furnishings with luxurious Art Nouveau glazed tiles, stained glass, onyx, carvings and marble all sourced from other places.
The museum is heaven if you like decorative arts.
Youll find some lovely pieces by Louis Comfort Tiffany, like a large fire screen, a set of vibrant stemware, a blown-glass humidor and a peculiar centrepiece lamp.
The ballroom has Edward Colonna furniture you can sit in, while some other exceptional pieces include Sèvres vases, a suite of George A. Schastey neo-Empire chairs, pre-Raphaelite paintings and a rare Chickering and Sons grand piano.
Barrack For The Bears At A Soldier Field Nfl Game
If hockey, basketball, baseball, or soccer dont spark much of an interest, theres one more sport on offer which the locals take religiously: football.
The Chicago Bears, who line up at Soldier Field during the season , foster a wild atmosphere and the only way to really experience it is to join in on the action!
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Visit A Classic Chicago Museum
Chicago museums return to normal operational hours last weekend, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced, as part of Chicago’s move to a full reopening.
Some museums will continue to have COVID-19 protocols in place, though. The Shedd Aquarium still asks that visitors purchase tickets in advance, but will no longer require vaccinated guests to wear masks.
Enjoy Dinner And A Show At Tommy Guns Garage
So long as you recall the entry password, a night of glamour, history, laughs, and intrigue awaits at Tommy Guns Garage.
As soon as you step through that front door, youll be transported back to the roaring 20s, a time when gangsters, flappers, and jazz ruled the streets.
While the dinner is delicious, the selling point is undoubtedly the entertainment. Song, dance, comedy, and even audience participation ring through the evening.
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Cheesy Pretzel 5k And 1
Race a 5K or walk one mile through the Bolingbrook Promenade and surrounding neighborhoods to earn an order of pretzel bites and cheese at Bar Louie. The 1-mile course includes fun and games along the way and is untimed. read more
The Columbus Day Parade starts at 12:30 with over 150 bands, floats, and marchers. Photo courtesy of the City of Chicago
Sail Down The Chicago River Or Lake Michigan By Boat Kayak
Take in the city’s iconic architecture while sailing along the Chicago River on one of several boat tours. The 90-minute tours run every hour and a half and cost $40 for an adult and $18 for a child.
Due to COVID-19 mitigations, the Wendella boat tours require that passengers wear a face covering while on the vessel and practice social distancing.
Trying to see the city’s skyscrapers from a new angle? Guided kayak tours and rentals give you a trip down the Chicago River into Lake Michigan.
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Explore The Harold Washington Library
One of the nations largest and most impressive libraries is located in downtown Chicago and open until 9 pm.
Be sure to take in the architecture on the outside and inside of the building, as well as the glass roof of the Winter Garden on the 9th floor.
You can also create some art for free in the Maker Lab on the 3rd floor, and there is usually free art exhibits for the adults and storytimes in the Childrens Library.
Info: Harold Washington Library is located at 400 S. State St. Check out www.chipublib.org/locations/34/ for events and visitor info.
Go On A Sightseeing Tour
Grab your sunscreen and water bottle and join a sightseeing tour! We offer pay-what-you-like walking tours in the Windy City.
We have a variety of tour options for all types of travelers!
If youd prefer a bus tour, we have a great comparison of Chicagos best. From hop-on-hop-off buses to dedicated tours, youll find one to suit you here.
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Tour The Frederick C Robie House
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the prairie-style Frederick C. Robie House designed by none other than Frank Lloyd Wright is considered a pivotal stepping stone in the advancement of American architecture.
Tours run Thursday through Monday and include a stroll through the house and the gardens, led by an expert guide.
Devour A Delicious Brunch On The Chicago Odyssey Cruise
Captivating views of the Chicago skyscrapers are aplenty on board the luxurious Chicago Odyssey.
On a typical 2-hour cruise, guests have access to a fresh brunch buffet, offering the best of the breakfast and the lunch menu, and complemented by a gourmet coffee bar.
Cap off the journey with a mouth-watering mimosa before disembarking at the 3,300-foot-long Navy Pier.
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Eat And Admire On The Spirit Of Chicago Dinner Cruise
Take the riverfront experience to the next level by combining pristine Lake Michigan views with a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet dinner.
The menu includes entrees, salads, and desserts, ensuring that you disembark entirely stuffed and satisfied.
A DJ will spin the tunes all the way through, while the crewmates coordinate a few interactive games.
Garden Of The Phoenix
ezellhphotography / Shutterstock
Illinois might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of cherry blossoms, but at the Garden of the Phoenix, theyre an annual event.
This beautiful, peaceful garden has been transported right out of a Japanese painting and into the heart of Chicago.
Curved bridges will lead you across ponds and streams.
Bonsai trees will provide shade from the sun.
Flower fields will offer amazingly fragrant mixes of camillas, chrysanthemums and morning glories, and birds will sing sweet songs over the sounds of babbling brooks and rustling tree leaves.
Youre probably impatient to hear about the cherry blossoms.
Its okay.
Thousands of visitors flock to Chicago from all over Illinois just to see them every spring.
Their lives are brief, so make sure to time your trip when theyre actually in season, but seeing them in person is just as amazing as you think.
If youre looking for attractions that you cant find anywhere else in the state of Illinois, consider the Garden of the Phoenix.
Its cherry blossoms are a rare and exotic treat, but its real appeal lies in its beauty, serenity and tranquility.
Once youre here, youll never want to leave.
Address: 6300 S Cornell Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
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Ride Through The Town On A Bike Tour
Burn off the deep-dish pizza from the night before and explore the city at a much faster pace by opting for a bike tour.
While the lakefront trail comes highly recommended as a city staple, a number of adventurous and themed options are available too like horror-focused and pizza-focused cycle tours!
Go To The Supernatural Convention
Fans of the hit television show Supernatural might be disappointed that it has finally come to an end, but at least theyre still doing conventions!
The official Supernatural Convention is planned for June 4th 6th at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
Fans will be able to meet and get autographs from their favorite actors and artists during this convention.
There will be a lot of actors and other people attached to the show coming to this event, including none other than Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki.
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Race Against The Clock At An Escape Room
Race against the clock and put your teamwork and puzzle-solving skills to the test with an epic escape room challenge.
Visit The Escape Game and choose from gold hunting, prison breaks, heist mysteries, even rocketing to Mars, all within 60 minutes of non-stop excitement.
Think you have what it takes to bust out? Sign up for one of the most fun things to do in Chicago and find out!
Go See Some Live Music
Music venues around town have reopened for live events, with heavy hitters City Winery, Carols, , Rosas, Reggies, Green Mill, Montrose Saloon, Uncommon Ground, FitzGeralds, Kingston Mines, and Empty Bottle leading the charge. So what the hell are you waiting for? If youre looking for something with a more romantic vibe, check out the candlelight concert series from Fever and catch classical music in unique outposts like Stan Mansion and Salvage One. Pretty hard to screw up that date night.
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Woolly Mammoth Antiques And Oddities
Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities
The tables are covered in skulls.
The shelves are stacked with things like human dentures and lamps made out of alligator heads.
The bottles and jars are filled with eggs, skins, animal fetuses and other grotesque knickknacks.
Its focused on death, but in a weird way, its also a celebration of life.
What can make you feel more alive than looking at a stuffed and mounted squirrel?
Drop by Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities if youre looking for unique tourist places in Chicago.
It isnt something that youll find in a travel guide, but its utterly bizarre collection will definitely give you a story or two for when you return home.
Address: 1513 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
Free Music Mondays At Empty Bottle
One of Chicagos top locations for indie music is the Empty Bottle, located in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood.
There is music every night of the week, and Monday nights are usually free, featuring local and national musical acts.
Info: Empty Bottle is located at 1035 N Western Ave, see the calendar of events at emptybottle.com.
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Grab Some Ice Cream At Original Rainbow Cone
This longstanding Chicago ice creamery hibernates in the winter, but in the summer theyre teeming with elated customers and ice cream fanatics.
Visit the Original Rainbow Cone, choose from cones, milkshakes, sundaes, or banana splits, then burn off the calories with a pleasant stroll through the parks of Dan Ryan Woods.
Let Your Imagination Run Wild At The Legoland Discovery Center
No matter if youve just turned 5 or 50, everyone loves Lego! The large complex offers Lego-themed rides, building sections, a 4D cinema to delight the senses, and a gift shop to buy all the Lego sets you could possibly fit in your suitcase.
The Discovery Center is situated outside of the main Chicago area, so make a day trip out of it and explore the adjacent Ned Brown Preserve while youre there.
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