Sightseeing in Chicago
October 27th, 2008
There’s more to see and do in Chicago than you can possible complete in one trip. So, before completing an itinerary for your coming trip, start a second list of things you want to do on your next trip. Did you know that Chicago has 40 museums, 150 plus theaters, over 6,000 restaurants and 3 of the world’s tallest buildings? You’ll also be interested to know that Chicago made the first pair of roller skates, the first steel sky scraper, the first Cracker Jacks and opened the first McDonald’s Restaurant. Well, there’s a whole lot more to see, so let’s get started.
John G. Shedd Aquarium is located on the coast of Lake Michigan. It offers over 650 species of fish, birds, reptiles and mammals not just from the area, but from around the world. There is a 90,000 gallon coral reef exhibit in which you can watch whales and dolphins. After you’ve had your fill of the aquarium, have lunch or dinner at one of the many exquisite restaurants that allow you a view of beautiful Lake Michigan while you eat.
Sears Tower was the tallest building in the world when it was first built and is still the tallest in North America at 1,450 feet. It’s still a pretty ominous sight and even more fun to take the high-speed elevator up 110 stories to the Skydeck where on a clear day you can see a major part of Chicago at what feels like the top of the world. The Chicago Tribune calls the Skydeck one of the 7 Wonders of Chicago.
Millennium Park is one of Chicago’s newest additions offering a multitude of indoor and outdoor activities. The outdoor pavilion offers top performing concerts. The winter ice skating rink is fun for the whole family. If you love gardens, you’ll enjoy a stroll around the Lurie Garden. Look for the Cloud Gate Sculpture, sometimes referred to as “The Bean,” made from 110 tons of steel.
Chinatown in Chicago is one of the largest in the country. Have fun shopping in the ethnic shops and eating at one of the great Chinese restaurants. You’ll want to pick up some red envelopes and put some money inside for a good-luck gift. Learn about the Chinese New Year and plan your own part back home for next year. Chicago’s Chinatown is ever expanding with a recent completion of a new shopping center.
Harpo Studios, that’s right, did you forget that Oprah, the talk show queen, is in Chicago? Her popularity grew out of her ability to pick and speak to topics many were not willing to bring to light. Now, she’s begin giving gifts to audience members. Some have been cars, her favorite things and one lucky person even got a house. Oprah continues to grow her empire with you “O” magazine and book club. She’s introduced Dr. Oz and others to the television scene.
Oak Street Beach is Chicago’s most frequented beach. The sand has been shipped in to complete this man-made beach. Bring a lawn chair, sun block and your bathing suit to enjoy this beach off of Lake Michigan and a great view of the John Hancock Building. Don’t worry about lunch, there’s a great café and plenty of food vendors along the bike path. If you are feeling like a game of volleyball, there are plenty of courts and games going on to join.
Wrigley Field is on the top of the list for any sports fan visiting Chicago. Take a tour and learn all the secrets of the Cubs home. You’ll stop at the player’s dugout and clubhouse, scoreboard, bleachers and playing field. This field is the second oldest ballpark in the majors, Boston holding the first. There’s lots of great baseball history here. These tours are only offered between April and September when the Cubs are the road. After this tour you’ll be revved up to see a game next time you’re in town.
Michigan Avenue Bridge is the most photographed spot in Chicago because of it’s great view of the river and city behind it. It’s the spot where the first settlers to Chicago first staked their ownership of land. The bridge was built to help transportation within the city and to enhance the water front. Michigan Avenue Bridge and bridge house were built in 1920.
Union Station is not the center of Chicago transportation as it once was. It is a must destination for the architecture alone. Large Roman columns reach up to the ceiling in the great hall where you can book a reception or wedding. It’s a 3,500 square foot room of beauty and style. Statues look down at travelers scurrying around or just sitting on the benches. Union Station houses Amtrak and the Metro commuter trains.
Lincoln Park was designed by the same landscape architect as New York’s Central Park, Frederick Law Olmstead. It encompasses over 1,000 acres of lakes and greenery. Located on the north of Chicago next to the Lincoln Park Zoo and DePaul University. It was forest and quicksand until 1820s. The army created a small post in the area in 1824. Directly after the Civil War the area became home to a Polish community. Today, besides the Zoo and University, you’ll find an outdoor theater, a rowing canal, the Chicago History Museum and a stature of General Grant.
Holy Trinity Polish Church is touted as one of the most interesting church of Chicago. It’s Renaissance and Baroque style architecture abounds throughout the structure. The elaborately painted ceiling was done by K. Markiewicz in 1926. When first created, in 1873, the church brought in primarily Polish parishioners. Today, it is quite a mixed crowd of attendees from many different backgrounds. However, some of the services are still lead in the Polish language.
Chicago Sightseeing
Once you get started working your way around the many really beautiful and interesting sites of Chicago, you will think there is no end to it’s beauty, culture and style. Besides the many locations listed here, you can enjoy seeing such places as the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry or the Clarence Buckingham Fountain, just for starters.
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Categories: Sightseeing
