Must See Sights and Landmarks in Wood Dale Area

"Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions and is certainly not your average pier. Stretching over 3,000-feet into Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is packed full of entertainment, offering 50-acres of shops, restaurants, parks, and attractions. Enjoy a ride on the Centennial Wheel that stands prominently in the middle of Pier Park, and there’s often live music, art exhibitions, and firework displays throughout the summer."

"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."

"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."

"Chicago’s Gothic Revival Catholic cathedral, by Chicago Station on the Red Line, was completed in 1875 after its predecessor burnt down in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Eagle-eyed visitors will be able to spot an overarching Tree of Life Theme in the building’s fittings. On arrival you’ll be confronted by the cathedral’s immense bronze doors, each weighing more than 500 kilos and cast to resemble planks of wood."

"Architects:Patrick Keely, Henry Schlacks, Joseph J. McCarthy, Charles Murphy. Architectural style:Gothic Revival architecture. Cathedrals are those churches that are considered- as an official seat of Bishop jurisdiction."

"Flub A Dub Chub's Hotdog Emporium is a small, family-owned, good ol' Chicago dog shop. Customers can get fries or tots with their Flubby (100 percent Vienna Beef) or Chubby (quarter-pound grilled Vienna Beef) dog. Not much beats the perfect simplicity of this hole-in-the-wall spot."

"Most Popular: The Flub BLT ($7) or Chicago’s Best BBQ Pulled Pork Hot Dog ($9). Here’s a confession. Flub’s is probably the most overlooked, best-kept secret in all of Chicago."

"Description: Lincoln Park Zoo’s South Pond was built in 1908 and it reflected the Victorian romantic and leisurely concept of nature in the city. Almost a century later, Studio Gang transformed this early 19th century urban pond into an ecological habitat buzzing with life. This wood pavilion works as an outdoor classroom and as a structure that frames the superb skyline views at this point."

"In a city full of skyscrapers, animal lovers can go wild at the Lincoln Park Zoo. This free oasis features lions, tigers, and gorillas in an immersive setting ranging from savannahs to rainforests. The juxtaposition of modern marvels like Willis Tower with wildlife habitats makes the experience that much more engaging."

"It is also one of the few free admission zoos in the United States. This top Chicago attraction that boasts over 200 species of animals including big cats, primates, reptiles and birds. Head to the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo and your kids can have a blast making mudpies and climbing log towers."

"However, for the admission, they should include some sort of souvenir or discount gift for next visit. On another note, the Zoo is pretty big and the parking lot is conveniently close by. Admissions process on a weekend was pretty quick."

"Lincoln Park Zoo is a renowned 35-acre zoo in Lincoln Park and a hotspot for tourists. It’s the zoo’s pavilion, designed to provide shelter for open-air on-site classes, that offers such a fantastically picturesque snap. With the design drawing inspiration from the appearance of a tortoise’s shell, the stunning curved wooden pavilion elegantly frames the Chicago skyline."

"Just a few minutes from Millennium Park (and other locations in the Loop and River North), Goddess and The Baker is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert all day. In fact, dessert is their jam: among the temptresses in the display case are the popular layered rainbow cake, cupcakes, muffins, macaron cookies, jars of sweetness, pastries, bars and brownies. Pair any with a scoop of Zarlengo's rich, local, Italian gelato."

"Lasalle Street, the shop offers a comfy atmosphere and impressive selection of coffee, tea and sweet treats. If cold-brew is your coffee of choice, we recommend the Nitro Cold Brew on tap. Don’t be surprised when the drink comes out looking like a Guinness in a tall frosted glass."

"Sure, you can score a well-rounded meal here, but wouldn't you rather have a multi-course feast of rainbow layer cake, iced cut-out cookies, pecan sticky buns, and hulking rice crispy treats?"