The Top Attractions in Chicago

Nov 06, 2023 By Juliana Daniel

It's no secret that Chicago is a fantastic tourist destination. The Windy City is home to a wide variety of attractions, from renowned museums and theaters to famous monuments and scenic green spaces. "The Bean," a 110-ton stainless steel sculpture in the middle of downtown's Millennium Park, is one of the greatest sights to see. The Impressionist, Comment, and American art collections of the Art Institute of Chicago are world-renowned. The IMAX theater, Roller coaster, arcade, and variety of restaurants and stores at Navy Pier make it a popular tourist spot. Once known as that of the Sears Tower, the Sears Tower today is a 110-story skyscraper with just an observation deck that provides breathtaking views of Chicago. The Lincoln Park Zoo is a free, 35-acre zoo with over 1,200 animals representing over 200 species. The Chicago Cultural Center is a multi-purpose cultural venue with rotating art exhibitions and concerts. The Field Museum is a natural history museum with various anthropology, biology, and geology exhibits.

"The Bean" At Millennium Park

Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, the Bean is a must-see for any visitor to the city. Officially known as "Cloud Gate," this iconic sculpture is made of 168 stainless steel plates welded together and polished to a high shine. It's shaped like a giant bean, hence the nickname, and stands at an impressive 110 tons. Visitors are welcome to walk around and under the Bean, and its reflective surface makes it a popular spot for photos.

The Art Institute Of Chicago

With over 300,000 works of art, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world's largest and most comprehensive art museums. It houses a vast collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and American art, as well as ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian artifacts. Some of the most famous works on display include Georges Seurat's "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte," Vincent van Gogh's "The Bedroom," and Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks." The museum features both temporary displays and annual activities in addition to its permanent collection.

Navy Pier

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. It stretches out into the lake for over a mile and is home to various attractions, including an IMAX theater, a Ferris wheel, an arcade, and numerous restaurants and shops. The pier is also home to the Chicago Children's Museum, the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows, and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. In the summer, there are fireworks displays every Wednesday and Saturday night.

The Willis Tower

Formerly known as the Sears Tower, the Willis Tower is a 110-story skyscraper located in the heart of the city's downtown. It was once the tallest building in the world and is still the tallest in the United States. Visitors can take an elevator to the 103rd floor, where they'll find the Skydeck observation deck with panoramic city views. On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction. The Skydeck also has a glass-bottom platform called "The Ledge," which extends out from the building and offers a unique view of the city below.

The Lincoln Park Zoo

Located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, the Lincoln Park Zoo is a free, 35-acre zoo that is home to over 1,200 animals representing over 200 species. The zoo is known for its diverse and well-maintained animal exhibits, including the Regenstein African Journey, the Kovler Sea Lion Pool, and the Farm-in-the-Zoo. In addition to the animals, the zoo also has a carousel, a zoo train, and several picnic areas. It's a great place to spend a summer day with the family.

The Chicago Cultural Center

Located in the Loop, the Chicago Cultural Center is a beautiful building originally built as the city's first public library. Today, it's a multi-purpose cultural venue that hosts concerts, exhibitions, and events. The center is home to two stunning stained glass domes, the world's largest Tiffany dome and the Chicago Skyline dome, both worth visiting. The Cultural Center also has several galleries featuring rotating exhibitions of art, photography, and other media.

The Field Museum

You may learn about the natural history of Chicago at the Field Museum, which is located in Grant Park on the lakefront. It is home to a sizable collection of artifacts and specimens from locations worldwide. The Ancient Americas exhibit and the skeleton of Sue the T-Rex, a dinosaur that has since become extinct, are two exhibitions that receive the most visitors.

Conclusion

Because of its long history and varied population, Chicago is a city that offers something for everyone. The Windy City is home to many attractions, from historic sites to renowned museums and scenic parks. There is something for everyone in Chicago, whether they are into the arts, the sciences, or simply the wonderful outdoors. Whether this is your first trip here or you've been many times before, you should make sure to see the best sights.

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