Ten Places to go in Chicago

The Navy Pier

I researched some places I would like to visit while in Chicago and I found myself getting more and more excited to leave. The city has so much history and culture, and I can't wait to experience it. Here are ten places I hope to make it to while I am back east.

1. Navy Pier - Technically, this is not just one place to go because there are so many things to do within the pier, but I suspect I will be visiting the pier quite a few times while I am in Chicago for the three weeks. The Navy Pier has fireworks on Wednesday and Saturday nights, as well as a huge Ferris wheel, a musical carousel, and other rides. Many events take place at the pier. For example, there are boat shows and flower shows at the pier. 

2. The Sears Tower (Willis Tower) - Willis Tower, which is still commonly known as Sears Tower, is one attraction of Chicago that I am really looking forward to. Specifically, I cannot wait to go to the sky deck and look out on Chicago from the glass balcony. Willis Tower is the eighth tallest tower in the world right now, and until 1998, was the tallest building in the United States.

By the Water, Renoir (1880)

3. Art Institute of Chicago - Since my Dad is a painter, I have always been surrounded by visual art, and if I go to the Art Institute of Chicago, I will be able to see so many of the original paintings I have seen pictures of my entire life. Some of the artists that are in the permanent collection at the Institute are Renoir, Picasso, Van Gogh, Gauguin, and so many more. The museum also has architecture and sculptures. The Art Institute of Chicago is the largest art museum in the United States besides the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

4. John G. Shedd Aquarium - I cannot even remember the last time I visited an aquarium. This aquarium sounds fantastic from what I have found out about it so far because of the variety of exhibits it has. One exhibit in particular sounds really interesting to me, which is the Amazon exhibit. This exhibit is a re-creation of sorts of the Amazon rivers and has many of the same species, including anacondas, piranhas, and stingrays. I have always been interested in animals and biology, which is also why I wanted to go the this next place…

5. Lincoln Park Zoo - Zoos are a lot of fun, and this one even has free admissions, so it sounds like even more fun now. There are about 1,000 animals and 200 species.

6. Montrose Avenue Beach - This is just one of many beaches in Chicago, but it appealed to me because many people consider it the premier beach of Chicago. Lots of people play beach volleyball there, and people can bike or walk around the area. There are also lifeguards, and places to grab a bite to eat, so it sounds like a really nice to place to spend an afternoon.

A Sunny Day at the Montrose Ave. Beach

7. Lou Malnati's Pizzeria - If I am going to Chicago, I cannot come back without trying some Chicago-style deep dish pizza. This restaurant's food looked delicious, and trying Chicago cuisine is a must.

8. Tuesdays on the Terrace - At the Museum of Contemporary Arts, on Tuesdays, there are jazz concerts and dinner. This is definitely an event that I want to get to eventually because jazz is such an important part of Chicago's culture and history. 

9. Millennium Park Summer Film Series - On Tuesday nights, for free, many people in Chicago gather at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion to watch movies outside one the grass. There is an advanced sound system and a huge screen. The movies that will be playing while my cohort and I will be there are O Brother Where Art Thou? , Field of Dreams, and This is Spinal Tap. I hope I make it to the pavilion at least once while I'm there.

10. Garfield Park Conservatory - I am usually not super interested in things like botany, but I saw pictures of the conservatory, and it was just beautiful, and I would love to be able to see it while I am in Chicago.