Being a tourist in the Windy City is somewhat unique. With a metropolitan population of more than 9 million, visitors blend in rather than stand out. And it’s hard to feel like a tourist in such a friendly town. Sales clerks, waitresses and toll takers have a smile and a “have a good one” for everyone. You will feel special no matter if you’ve not been to this mid-western hub before. Our hotel even had hot-from-the-oven cookies every afternoon (more on that later).
We made the trip to visit our daughter and to explore this third largest city in the U.S. Chicago’s metro population exceeds a combined Atlanta/Houston or Philadelphia/ Miami. The range of services, shopping, restaurants and activities is astounding; however, there are some top-of-the-list sites to see. Here is a quick sampler of Chicago delights:
First on the list is The Field Museum, across from Grant Park and Soldier Field – with which it shares parking. Tailgate parties gear up hours before gametime, so make sure you are onsite before the real crowds start on game day! (Actually, parking in the underground lot was a blessing. The car stayed warmer, out of the blustery weather. Outdoor parking is slightly closer but very limited.) If lines are long, walk around the museum to the north entrance – less used, quicker admission.
The Field Museum is a nine-acre indoor extravaganza of natural history housed on three floors of a magnificent natural stone building. Founded in 1893 for the Columbian Exposition, The Field (renamed in 1905 for its primary benefactor, Marshall Field of department store fame) moved into its current facility in 1920, after eight years of construction. The Field boasts some 20 million artifacts including ‘Sue’, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex in the world. Exhibits, dioramas, and displays detail the development of the world’s natural history, including several temporary exhibits of special interest. The Field is so extensive, you might want to allow a couple of days to fully explore all the exhibits; otherwise, check the site map and pick your favorites.
Across the grounds of Chicago’s Museum Campus is the John G. Shedd Aquarium, located directly on the Lake Michigan waterfront. The dolphin show in the indoor marine mammal aquarium shares the pool view with the city skyline. A current highlight is a newborn beluga whale which we were able to catch nursing from its mama, something we were told happens about every 30 minutes. In addition to sea mammals, the aquarium offers a glimpse of the world’s major water resources from ocean habitats to reefs, wetlands, and rivers. The array of fish, frogs, birds, snakes and lizards is astounding, each in its natural habitat.
Also on the Museum Campus is the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum. The Adler was the first planetarium in America (1930) and features two full-size ‘sky’ theaters, including one all-digital. In 1933, the lights for opening night at the World’s Fair were turned on by the Adler through electrical signals converted from light emitted by the star, Arcturus. The museum houses rare collections of astronomy artifacts and showcases several interactive displays to demonstrate the natural forces of gravity, light, motion and energy. Shows at the Adler theaters include Mars exploration, Black Holes, the Moon and, during Advent, the story of the Christmas star. Confirm dates and times of your favorite shows when you arrive so you don’t miss them.
At the far end of Lake Shore Drive is the Museum of Science and Industry, “where science meets imagination”. This fascinating facility houses a captured German U-boat (housed in its own building surrounded by displays that tell the story of WWII’s Atlantic conflict and the capture of U-505. Numerous other exhibits include Star Wars, a real coal mine, the story of rail travel, a flight simulator, a full-size Boeing 727 and a chick hatchery. This museum is great fun for all ages and gives kids an imagination-capturing view of science applied to life.
Whether you’re a tourista or a resident, if you plan to explore these wonderful attractions within a few days, definitely ask for a CityPass at the first place you visit. Valid for nine days, CityPass includes admission to the four museums, plus the Hancock Observatory. It’s a bargain and guarantees you’ll see the best Chicago has to offer. The Hancock Observatory, at 1,127 feet, is not Chicago’s tallest building, but the view of the lake from the 94th floor is unmatched. Stop for the view, a drink, or a nosh.
For shopping, downtown’s Magnificent Mile is world-famous. But to avoid downtown, you might prefer Oakbrook Center, an outstanding collection of shops, restaurants and entertainment on 22nd Street West. For an Asian experience without the usual crowds, try Stir Crazy. Choose from the menu or select your favorites for a chef-prepared stir-fry. The appetizers are wonderful, particularly the spring rolls wrapped in lettuce leaves.
And the hotel (no, I didn’t forget the warm cookies) is the Hilton Garden Inn on Drury Lane. Smaller than most city hotels, with the best of amenities (spa, pool, lobby fireplace, cozy rooms with internet access, accommodating staff … and the cookies!), the Hilton is located on a quiet side street, just blocks from Oakbrook Center and 22nd Street/Carmak, a main route to/from downtown and lots of shopping, restaurants and entertainment.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a visit to family and friends, or a business trip, give yourself time to explore and enjoy your stay in Chicago, the “Friendly City”. (Yes, there’s also a lot of wind!)
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