Enjoying the City by the Lake

What’s your pleasure? We’ve got museums, sports, shopping, architecture, and world-class restaurants. Oh and the country’s tallest building, miles of walkable lakefront, and a free zoo. Forgive us for bragging for a moment, and consider checking out some of these amazing offerings.

• Grant Park and Millennium Park are your gateways to the Lake Michigan waterfront. With Buckingham Fountain, Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”) and many outdoor dining opportunities, you can spend a gorgeous afternoon enjoying the gardens, the harbor, and open spaces that serve as the crown jewel of our fair city.

• While you’re downtown, consider stopping by one of our famous museums. The Art Institute, The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium are all within
  a few miles of each other.

• You like heights? We’ve got heights! Both the Willis Tower and the John Hancock Center feature observatories high above the windy skies.

•  If shopping is your thing, consider a few sprees along State Street and the Magnificent Mile, more formally known
  as Michigan Avenue.

•  Get out on the water if you can. Architectural boat cruises tour the Chicago River and downtown sights. You can also grab a boat from Navy Pier onto Lake Michigan, or enjoy the beer garden, the giant Centennial Ferris wheel, and other delights you’ll find on the family-friendly pier.

• If you want to truly steep yourself in the Second City’s fabulous past, stop by the Chicago History Museum on your way to the free Lincoln Park Zoo. Both are cultural institutions.