By Michelle Scott
Chicago is a culturally diverse metropolis that offers some of the country's most beautiful scenery and points of interest for travelers and residents. Visitors are amazed at the city's energy and the pulse of a Midwestern cultural hub that continues to grow and thrive and shows no sign of slowing down.
A to C
1. The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute is both a school and a museum, located just north of Grant Park in downtown Chicago. The Art Institute has housed every form of art and is well known for borrowing exhibits from museums abroad to make them available to audiences in America. The Art Institute has a wonderful gift shop and places to eat and is located in the vicinity of many other eateries and galleries. The Institute is open 7 days a week, with free admission on weekdays from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60603
(312) 443-3600
www.artic.edu
2. Blue Man Group
The Blue Man Group is a theatrical experience featuring three bald men with blue painted faces who perform an audience participatory routine involving percussive music, vaudeville, science and acting. A popular choice all around the world.
Blue Man Group
Briar Street Theatre
3133 N. Halsted
Chicago, Illinois 60657
(773) 348-4000
blueman.com
3. Chicago Cubs game
Baseball fans will relish the chance to take in a Cubs game while in Chicago. Wrigley Field, located on the north side, is the historic home of the famous team. The facility offers several ticket packages, and a fun-filled day for the entire family.
Chicago Cubs
1060 W. Addison St.
Chicago, Illinois 60613
(773) 404-2827
chicago.cubs.mlb.com
G to M
4. The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge
The Green Mill is an authentic piece of American history. In operation since 1907, the Green Mill has seen the likes of Sophie Tucker, Al Jolson, Eddie Cantor and new legends like Johnny Frigo and Curtis Stigers. Visitors will also enjoy the Mill's Uptown Poetry Slam featuring many open mic nights.
Green Mill Cocktail Lounge
4802 N. Broadway St.
Chicago, Illinois 60640
(773) 878-5552
greenmilljazz.com
5. Hancock Observatory
94 floors up in the air, visitors to the Hancock Observatory will receive a wonderful panoramic view of Chicago and surrounding states. The facility features talking telescopes in English, Spanish and German. Historic exhibits and interactive tours are also available. Cameras are welcome. The observatory opens daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Hancock Observatory
875 North Michigan Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60611
(888) 875-VIEW
hancockobservatory.com
6. Morton's Steakhouse (Wacker Place)
Located in downtown Chicago and walking distance to the Magnificent Mile and the Theatre District, visitors will delight at Morton's savory steaks and tasty bar bites. Morton's also offers special events such as wine tasting seminars, and is open 7 days a week.
Morton's Steakhouse (Wacker Place)
65 East Wacker Place
1050 N. State St.
Chicago, Illinois 60601
(312) 201-0465
mortons.com
N to S
7. Navy Pier
Chicago's famous boardwalk welcomes more than 8 million visitors a year. The favored tourist attraction offers dining, shopping, live entertainment, rides (especially Chicago's famous Ferris wheel), museum exhibits, water cruises and special events, including fireworks through Labor Day. Tickets are available online and at the site. Navy Pier is open 7 days a week starting at 10 a.m.
Navy Pier
600 East Grand Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60611
(312) 595-PIER
navypier.com
8. Rock Bottom Micro Brewery
Visitors to Chicago will delight in this microbrewery and restaurant. The menu features seafood, steaks, burgers, and the popular Rock Bottom Originals. Rock Bottom brews all of their beers on site from original recipes and produces over 40,000 barrels annually. They have won over 100 beer awards and offer tours of the facility.
Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery
1 W. Grand Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60654
(312) 755-9339
rockbottom.com
9. The Skydeck (Willis Tower, formerly Sears Tower)
The Skydeck is 1,353 feet tall and is Chicago's highest observatory, offering visitors a 50-mile view of Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois. Visitors can also experience exhibits, high-powered telescopes for viewing and multilanguage kiosks. The Skydeck is designed for adults and for children, has tickets for sale online at its site, and offers Skydeck merchandise for sale.
The Skydeck
Willis Tower
233 S. Wacker Drive
Suite 3530
Chicago, Illinois 60606
(312) 875-9696
theskydeck.com
10. Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium has been educating visitors about aquatic life since 1930 and it is still a favorite place to visit. The facility features 22,000 aquatic animals in various exhibits and is an ideal venue for the entire family. The Shedd Aquarium also has educational information regarding ecological preservation.
Shedd Aquarium
1200 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60605
(312) 939-2438
sheddaquarium.org
About the Author:
Michelle Scott is a graduate of DePaul University, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in business finance. She has been writing about art, business, cultural issues, health and travel for more than 14 years, and now works in New York as a writer and artist. Scott also applies her writing skills to academic summations.
