By Megan Mattingly-Arthur
Five Things to Do in Chicago
With a population of more than 2.8 million people,
Chicago is America's third largest city. It is also one of the most famous. People the world over have heard of sports teams like the Chicago White Sox or seen photos taken from the magnificent Skydeck of the Sears Tower. Though there are enough things to see and do in Chicago to keep you busy for weeks on end, if you're planning a short trip to the "Windy City", these are five attractions you should be sure not to miss.
The Art Institute of Chicago
The museum at the Art Institute of Chicago is a must see for any art lover who visits the "Windy City". Founded in 1897 as both a museum and a school, the Art Institute of Chicago features 5,000 years of artwork from around the world. Major collections include African-American art, local art, mythological art and portraits.
111 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60603
(312) 443-3600
artic.edu
Field Museum
Founded in 1893, the Chicago Field Museum was originally built to exhibit Colombian archeological finds. Today the focus of the Chicago Field Museum is on advancements in natural sciences. The museum houses a wide variety of both permanent and traveling exhibits on topics like Africa, animal biology, bird habitats and more.
1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, Illinois 60605
(312) 922-9410
fieldmuseum.org
Adler Planetarium
Founded in 1930 by Chicago business leader Max Adler, Adler Planetarium was America's first planetarium. The planetarium features three digital projection theaters and houses one of the world's most extensive collection of astronomical artifacts.
1300 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, Illinois 60605
(312) 322-0590
adlerplanetarium.org
Basketball, Football, Baseball and Hockey in Chicago
With teams like the Chicago Bulls, Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox and Chicago Blackhawks calling the "Windy City" home, Chicago is a great place to see a major league sports game. Whether you're a fan of basketball, football, baseball or hockey, you're sure to enjoy visiting any of Chicago's famed stadiums and sports arenas.
Chicago Bulls
1901 W. Madison St.
Chicago, Illinois 60612
(312) 455-4000
nba.com/bulls
Chicago Bears
1000 Football Drive
Lake Forest, Illinois 60045
(847) 295-6600
chicagobears.com
Chicago Cubs
1060 W. Addison St.
Chicago, Illinois 60613
(773) 404-2827
chicago.cubs.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=chc
Chicago White Sox
333 W. 35th St.
Chicago, Illinois 60616
(312) 674-1000
chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=cws
Chicago Blackhawks
1901 W. Madison St.
Chicago, Illinois 60612
(312) 455-700
blackhawks.nhl.com
Sears Tower Skydeck
At 1,353 feet high, the Skydeck of the Sears Tower is the highest observatory in Chicago. On a clear day Skydeck visitors will be treated to spectacular views up to sixty miles away. Admire Chicago's fine architecture while sneaking a peek at neighboring Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. Visitors are also sure to enjoy the Skydeck's educational exhibits on the history of the "Windy City".
Sears Tower, Suite 3530
Chicago, Illinois 60606
(312) 875-9696
theskydeck.com
Resources
About the Author:
Megan Mattingly-Arthur has been writing professionally since 1998. She has contributed to various publications, including "Teen Voices" and "Positive Teens" magazines, as well as a book, "The Young Writer's Guide to Getting Published." Mattingly-Arthur is studying travel and tourism through Penn Foster Career School.
Photo Credits:
R. Seaman
