Mentioned by Lonely Planet Top Choices
Top things to do in Illinois
"Set where the Chicago Portage enters Lake Michigan, the Navy Pier is a multifaceted visitor attraction extending over the water for six city blocks. As one of the top days out in the Midwest, an attraction of this magnitude is hard to sum up in one paragraph. But in 50 acres you’ll come across the vast multisensory Funhouse Maze and the 65-metre Centennial Wheel, footed by fairground rides and amusements."
"There are plenty of other attractions from Navy Pier included on this list, but we would be remiss if we didn’t include the Ferris Wheel. At 200-feet high, the Centennial Wheel offers 360-degree views and enclosed gondolas, making it a child favorite no matter the season. A post shared by Ri na Estrada (@_rinaestrada) on Oct 13, 2016 at 4:21pm PDT"
"You have two choices here: you can either take a selfie from afar, with Navy Pier and its massive Ferris wheel in the background, or you can buy a ticket and take the ride, snapping a selfie from 150 feet up in the air."
"Once the iconic London Guarantee & Accident headquarters, LondonHouse is now in the 1923 building renowned as one of the “Big Four” skyscrapers walking distance from Millennium Park and Magnificent Mile shopping. Enjoy Chicago’s only three-level rooftop bar with amazing views of the river and cityscape. Additionally, Land & Lake Kitchen provides an upscale take on authentic midwestern comfort food."
"London House Chicago is another spot that offers terrific panoramic views of Chicago. Though this time the elegant tri-level rooftop bar of the lavish hotel looks out over the Chicago River and the hustle and bustle of Michigan Avenue. There is often something special going on up on the London House rooftop but at any time the few down the river is astounding."
"Despite the name, there’s nothing British about this downtown hotel, but it’s Chicago royalty for its trendy rooftop bar with some of the city’s best views, plus its ideal location and contemporary-vintage style."
"The current building was designed by Loebl, Schlossman and Bennett in 1957, although the Chicago Loop Synagogue was founded in 1929 for Jewish workers downtown and visitors. A must-see here is a wall of stained glass crafted by Abraham Rattner. Open Sunday, October 20, from noon to 5 p.m."
"With a fireplace anchoring the dining room and an all-weather patio touting a retractable roof, guests can eat, drink and spend time with friends. A dog-friendly outdoor cafe offers open-air dining."
"Fall 2017 saw the opening of West Loop B&B the Publishing Houseand its subterranean wine bar. Visitors have a global selection of more than 70 bottles from which to choose. The drinking menu complements the season-driven fare — from charred broccolini to seared scallops — and a nice mix of cheeses and charcuterie."
"My family loves this place because the food is amazing, the staff is great, and the owners make it extremely welcoming for families with young children (... More reviews"
"If you’re into pro wrestling, the arena boasts one of the loudest crowds in the WWE. DePaul University's men’s basketball team, the Arena Football League, Chicago Wolves ice hockey, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Disney On Ice, and musicians also offer lots of action."
"While the Chicago Water Tower was really only built to hide a standpipe, its intricate design symbolizes the value of simple things; like water supply. The story behind this structure is the important solution designed by Chesbrough to save the city from the inadequate water supply for the growing population. It is built with a characteristic Gothic Revival style, almost fairytale-like."
"Older school children and some older teens may enjoy the stunning architecture and impressive art collection found here. Located on the Magnificent Mile, Chicago’s one of the most easily recognized landmarks was built from 1867-1869 and survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Exhibits change regularly so check the website to see what’s on display before you visit."
"The Water Tower is Chicago’s oldest known building and is the only structure that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Built in 1869, it sourced clean water from nearby Lake Michigan to use for fighting fires. But today you can visit it as a cultural venue that showcases art and photography exhibits."
"BridgeportWhen you think of Bridgeport, the first thing that comes to mind usually isn’t nature. And this park (nicknamed “Mount Bridgeport” and formerly known as Stone Quarry) fits right in with a 27-acre site that has transformed itself from quarry to landfill to park. Cruise the crushed stone running path and peep the fishing pond and wetlands as you stroll the grass amidst preserved quarry walls at this neighborhood hidden gem."
"Palmisano Park has gone from coral reefs to quarry to landfill to park. At this park, you’ll find a fishing pond, wetlands, preserved quarry walls, walking trails and more. There is also a giant hill, perfect for gazing over the park and all of its beauty."
"27 acres of wetlands and urban fishing make Palmisano Park a fun place to visit. The park also offers a phenomenal view of Chicago. In winter, it’s a great place to go sledding."
"Ongoing weekend programs at the museum include workshops for kids to learn about identifying rocks and minerals or learning how to make jewelry. Collections include gemstones, fossils and an ornate castle. Online activities include virtual jewelry classes and rock identification classes."