Attractions
Below are a few of our favorite attractions in Chicago:
Millennium Park
Cost: Free! — 201 E. Randolph Street Chicago, IL 60602
Completed in 2004, Millennium Park is a beautiful park in Chicago that features “The Bean” sculpture (the sculpture’s official name is Cloud Gate and is designed by British artist Anish Kapoor). “The Bean” is a mesmerizing sculpture that reflects the city skyline, clouds, and the sculpture’s viewer (you!). A great picture taking opportunity! Millennium Park also features gardens and an amphitheater.
Art Institute of Chicago
Cost: $18 — 111 S. Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60603
If you are interested in art, the Art Institute of Chicago (http://www.artic.edu/aic/) is immediately south of Millenium Park. Admission is $18 for adults and $12 for Children, Students and Seniors. The Art Institute features notable pieces by Gaugin, Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, and Seurat. If you’ve ever wanted to see Grant Wood’s American Gothic in person, be sure to check out the Art Institute. Or pretend like your Ferris Bueller and spend time gazing at Seurat’s Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.
The Museum Campus
1400 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605
The Museum Campus contains three of the Chicago’s (and the world’s) most notable museums:
Adler Planetarium — Hours and Admission details: http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/plan/admission
Shedd Aquarium — Hours and Admission details: http://www.sheddaquarium.org/ticketprices.html
Field Museum of Natural History — Hours and Admission Details: http://fieldmuseum.org/visit/admission-and-hours Visit Sue, the most complete T-Rex!
The Museum Campus also has stunning views of Chicago’s Lakefront. Each museum can easily take a full day to explore. And if you are hungry at the Museum Campus, be sure to grab a Chicago-style hot dog at the outdoor hot dog stands!
John Hancock Signature Lounge
Cost: Free (plus appetizer or beverage) — 875 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
Chicago is known for the Sears Tower (recently renamed Willis Tower), but for the best views in Chicago, we recommend visiting the John Hancock building. Go early in the day for the best table. The Hancock building is located on Michigan Avenue, at the end of the Magnificent Mile. But don’t pay the ridiculous fee to go to the Observation Lounge! For the same price, you can get a better view and a drink at the Signature Lounge on the 96th Floor. From the Hancock Building, you can see 4 states (Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana), plus you get breathtaking views of Chicago’s skyline and Lake Michigan.
P.S. Ladies, the best view is from the ladies restroom, and be sure to try out the fancy Dyson hand dryers (you’re outlook on hand drying will never be the same!).
http://www.signatureroom.com/Signature-Lounge/
Wendella Riverboat Architecture Tour
400 North Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60611
Chicago’s architecture is considered to be among the best in the world. From the world’s first skyscraper, to Louis Sullivan, to Frank Lloyd Wright, to Meis van de Rohe, Chicago has always been a city of great architecture. The most relaxing and educational way to see the most beautiful buildings in Chicago is via a boat tour on the Chicago River.
Tip: Buy tickets online and save 5%.
http://www.wendellaboats.com/experience/riverarchitecturetour.aspx
Pizano’s or Giordano’s Pizza
Chicago-style pizza is legendary. You haven’t experienced the full pizza experience until you’ve had pizza in Chicago. Two of Becky and Steve’s favorites are Pizano’s and Giordano’s. For nearby locations, visit:
Pizano’s: http://www.pizanoschicago.com/
Giordano’s: http://www.giordanos.com/locations.html
Go hungry, but be prepared to wait around 30-45 minutes for your pizza after you order. Perfection takes time!
P.S. Becky really loves the thin crust pizza as well. Crispy crust, fresh ingredients and gooey cheese, once you have square-cut, you don’t go back.
Taste of Chicago
While it will be crazy crowded, and also over priced, it's definitely an experience. The Taste of Chicago is a time honored tradition of trading food tickets to vendors of all kinds for some Chicago home cooking. Located in Grant Park, just south of Millennium Park. It's going on from June 26 to July 3rd. Check out the website for more info.
Transportation Ideas:
Metra Trains
If you are staying in the suburbs and do not want to drive into Chicago, consider taking the Metra train. The closest train station to the Crowne Plaza hotel is at the Northbrook Metra Station or the Glen/N. Glenview Metra Station. Tickets to Downtown Chicago—Union Station are $4.50 (each way). Purchase Tickets at the train station office. Tickets purchased aboard the train will incur an extra $2 fee (the onboard fee will be waived, if no agent is present at the station’s ticket office). Parking is available at both stations, or ask the Crowne Plaza for a complimentary shuttle ride to the Metra station.
The Metra Train Schedule from the Northbrook and Glenview stations can be found at: http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/maps_schedules/metra_system_map/md-n/schedule.full.htm
Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Company
Consider the Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Company for easy hop on, hop off access to sites in Chicago. The trolleys and double decker buses visit many of Chicago’s favorite sites, like Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and the Museum Campus For details, visit: https://www.coachusa.com/chicagotrolley/booking.asp?action=ProductDetail&productId=1063
Save 10% by purchasing tickets online.
Chicago CityPass
If you are interested in exploring multiple attractions, a Chicago CityPass may be an cost-saving opportunity. The CityPass gives admission to 5 popular Chicago attractions for $76 per adult or $59 per child. For additional details, visit: http://www.citypass.com/chicago