Best Shopping Malls, Outlet and Places in Western Springs Area

"There's more than shopping at Water Tower Place, an eight-level shopping center located at the northern tip of the Magnificent Mile. In addition to 104 stores, there are myriad dining options, a theater that is part of Broadway in Chicago and the Chicago Sports Museum. Shops like a massive Lego Store, Macy's, Forever 21 and Sephora share space with foodlife, which features 14 kitchens serving food made from scratch daily."

"It’s very close to the Chicago Museum of Contemporary art, so if you happen to be there for a tour, you can get there on foot quickly. The Water Tower place consists of various mix-use amenities, such as hotel, theater, condominiums and a shopping mall. The shopping mall offers a wide variety of both contemporary fashion and big brands such as American Eagle Outfitters."

"Water Tower Place is a Chicago landmark on the Magnificent Mile and renowned for its vast selection of over 100 stores. Beyond shopping, the eight story mall also houses a number of restaurants and entertainment options, including a live theatre..."

"The 70+ stores in this upscale shopping center are focused on the luxury lifestyle. The anchor is Bloomingdale’s and retailers include such high end boutiques as Crosell & Co., Galt Toys + Galt Baby, and kate spade new york. Shoppers at 900 North Michigan Shops can get a pre-spree workout at Equinox Fitness Club and a post-shopping fix at Baisi Thai or Allium Restaurant & Bar in the Four Seasons."

"900 North Michigan Shops is a visually stunning and highly desired shopping destination that resides on the north end of Chicago's vibrant Magnificent Mile with an exclusive tenant mix including Bloomingdale's, Gucci, J.Crew and more."

"This shopping center features more than 450,000 square feet of space and includes many well known, upscale stores like a massive Bloomingdale's, MaxMara, Gucci, Micheal Kors, Kate Spade New York, L'Occitane and J."

"Intuit: The centre for intuitive and outsider art is the only non-profit organization in the United States that presents intuitive, outsider and contemporary self-taught art. The Henry Darger Collection holds a permanent spot in this gallery, which also features a permanent collection containing more than a thousand artworks. There is a study centre at the gallery: Robert A. Roth Study Center, which conducts educational programs and is open for the public."

"It is actually the only nonprofit organisation in the USA that is fully devoted to ‘outsider’ art and self taught art. It’s more than just an art gallery or museum – it’s somewhere to come for inspiration, and it’s actually used a lot by art students in the city of Chicago. There are over 1000 works of art here, so plenty to see!"

"The Beverly Arts Center is a multifaceted space that hosts regular programs on dance, film, theater and music. There is also a gallery space here that presents a rotating and diverse program of visual arts. Past exhibits have included works by local Chicago cartoonists, printmakers, photographers and painters, as well as programs focused on the LGBTQ community."

"Source: Photo by Flickr user Patrick Hoesly used under CC BY 2.0. Photo is only for illustrative purposes. Addison is a smaller, cosy mall (fewer than 30 stores), located in the Avondale neighbourhood."

"Their shaved ice macaron sandwiches are what dreams are made of. Don’t let summer end before you get to try one of these."

"Restaurants Ice cream parlors Logan Square. The Freeze is a vintage time warp, and while there aren’t nearly as many locations of the fast food restaurant (formerly known as Tastee Freez) as once dotted Chicago (there were dozens), you can still find one in Logan Square. Waffle and sugar cones are filled with a high peak of soft serve and dipped in throwback flavors like butterscotch, cotton candy and peanut butter."

"Logan SquareSoft serve piled high and burgers served hot top the bill at this retro Logan Square drive-in. Formerly known as Tastee Freez and dating to 1950, The Freeze is a go-to spot that often draws long lines of customers encircling it during the warmer months. If you like your ice cream served velvety smooth and topped with a heaping dose of nostalgia, it’s hard to beat any order here."

"Great money wise and you get a huge variety of things to eat--not just Chinese food. Their Won Ton Soup is the bomb!"

"Navy Pier is a Chicago landmark and the perfect place to spend a day with a family—no matter what you're looking to do. Be sure to check out the "today's events" section of the Navy Pier website for a complete listing of the many unique current and upcoming events at the Pier. Kids will enjoy: Riding the 1920s style carousel at Navy Pier Park or a visit to the Chicago Children's Museum."

"The only Chicagoans you'll run into at Navy Pier are the employees but out-of-towners and suburbanites seem to love the downtown pier that extends into Lake Michigan. Once used by the military, it's now Chicago's largest tourist attraction. You can just walk up and down the pier, taking in skyline and lake views."

"The Chicago Children’s Museum offers veterans and active military free admission every day with the presentation of valid military status identification. They also offer families that qualify for state food assistance and are in possession of an EBT card or WIC card free admission for up to 6 people."

"Intuit: The centre for intuitive and outsider art is the only non-profit organization in the United States that presents intuitive, outsider and contemporary self-taught art. The Henry Darger Collection holds a permanent spot in this gallery, which also features a permanent collection containing more than a thousand artworks. There is a study centre at the gallery: Robert A. Roth Study Center, which conducts educational programs and is open for the public."

"It is actually the only nonprofit organisation in the USA that is fully devoted to ‘outsider’ art and self taught art. It’s more than just an art gallery or museum – it’s somewhere to come for inspiration, and it’s actually used a lot by art students in the city of Chicago. There are over 1000 works of art here, so plenty to see!"

"Forget a Tiffany necklace, this massive stained-glass masterpiece at the Chicago Cultural Center is thought to be the largest Tiffany dome in existence."