Chicago is one of the largest cities in the United States, and is a great place to visit if you love architecture. If you want to see the city’s famous skyline, you can check out the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower or the 1,451-foot Willis Tower. In addition, the city boasts the Art Institute of Chicago, where you can see art from the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist periods. So, the next time you visit Chicago with your Cathay Pacific flight, seriously consider the following popular tourist destinations.
The Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium is a popular attraction in Chicago, Illinois. Located on Lake Michigan’s shoreline, it boasts an impressive collection of aquatic animals. It’s easy to see why this aquarium draws nearly 2 million visitors each year.
For those looking to see some of the greatest aquatic animal displays in the world, this is the place to visit. It features a variety of rare species and exciting events. However, even if you’re not a huge fan of aquatic creatures, there’s something for everyone.
While the Shedd Aquarium is not the cheapest attraction in Chicago, you can save a bundle by using a CityPass. You’ll receive discounted admission to four top attractions including the Shedd.
There are also free days for Illinois residents. On selected days in the year, you’ll be able to visit the Shedd for no charge.
Other noteworthy attractions include the Underwater Robotics Club, which offers hands-on programs for students and teachers alike. Unlike the usual underwater tour, members of this program design and operate a robot that explores the depths of the aquarium.
For a limited time, you can even experience the 4-D Experience. This includes a 360-degree view of the diverse life in the Caribbean Reef.
Garfield Park
Located on the West Side of Chicago, Garfield Park is one of the city’s most quaint and attractive parks. There are several other attractions and activities to choose from in the area.
One of the best attractions in the area is the Garfield Park Conservatory. This community-run facility spans 12 acres of indoor and outdoor gardens.
The Conservatory is located on the northwest corner of Lake Street and Central Park Blvd. In addition to the beautiful gardens, there is also a gift shop, which is stocked with plants and books. You can also enjoy a coffee or beer pop-up.
The park is also home to a playground, tennis courts, and athletic running fields. Visitors can also check out the historic fieldhouse and ballroom.
There are several programs available at the Garfield Park Conservatory. Visitors can take guided tours, enjoy beer tastings, or attend flower shows. It is free to visit.
Another popular attraction is the Old Town neighborhood. Known as the “cabbage patch” when it was settled by German immigrants in the 1800s, the neighborhood is now a popular destination for locals and tourists.
There are many trails to explore in the area. For a more relaxing experience, you can also stop by the Bridge Cafe. With a selection of beverages and food, this is a peaceful place to relax.
Second City Chicago
The Second City in Chicago is a world-renowned comedy club that has a rich history of entertaining audiences. This improv-based sketch comedy show has been around for more than 60 years. It features a range of performers ranging from up-and-comers to household names. In addition to the standard nighttime show, there is also a full menu of food and beverages during the performance.
If you are planning a visit to this great city, make sure to check out the following:
The WNDR Museum: This is one of the most interactive museums in the city, with features such as touchless installations and a Keith Haring room. The museum is an ideal fit for a family outing.
The Pullman Museum: On the first Sunday of every month, the Pullman Museum offers guided tours. Visitors can learn about the 1894 Pullman strike and other important moments in U.S. labor history.
The Chicago High Line: A 2.7-mile long elevated rail line connecting Wicker Park and Humboldt Park is a worthwhile attraction in its own right. There are a dozen different entrances, and a slew of fantastic art to be seen along the way.
One of the most exciting aspects of this 2.7-mile stretch is the view. Thanks to a high-tech tilt feature on the John Hancock Building deck, visitors can view the city from a whole new perspective.
Sky Rink
When it comes to ice skating, the Windy City has no shortage of rinks to choose from. For those who are looking for the ultimate ice cold experience, the Sky Rink in Chicago is the place to be. In addition to its famous ice rink, the hotel offers a number of other winter activities. Guests can have a go at ice hockey, curl up with a book, or have a cocktail at the on site lounge. There are even specialty sleds for all abilities.
The Peninsula Hotel’s flagship Sky Rink, as you might guess from the name, is located on the hotel’s fourth floor terrace. It features a 2,100 square foot synthetic ice rink, as well as a large array of holiday activities and treats. This is a great spot for a family outing, office party, or special event. Despite its proximity to the city, the hotel remains serene, and the views of the city are unmatched.
In addition to the ice rink, the hotel offers upscale accommodations and a full indoor and outdoor dining experience. On Christmas Day, the hotel will host a special dinner and brunch. After dinner, guests can take in the scenery and celebrate the season by skating on the rink.
Garden of the Phoenix
Garden of the Phoenix is a Japanese garden located in Jackson Park in Chicago. The park was created in 1893 as a way to celebrate the World’s Columbian Exposition.
Today, it is a popular spot to visit in spring for cherry blossom viewing. Viewing lasts about six to ten days, depending on the weather.
The park was also designed to celebrate the long-standing relationship between Japan and the United States. There are 160 cherry trees in the park.
One of the park’s most noteworthy features is the Kasuga Lantern, which takes its name from the Kasuga Shrine in Nara, Japan. It is one of several lamps from 1893 that still stand.
The park also includes a waterfall and a water basin. During the summer, koi fish swim in the pond.
Another feature of the park is a ‘Sky Landing’, which is a landscape installation. Sculptor Yoko Ono will unveil this sculpture in the fall. Symbolic of hope and peace, the’sky landing’ is surrounded by mounds that form a yin yang symbol.
The Garden of the Phoenix is a great place to see the many aspects of Japanese culture. The pavilion was constructed to serve as a permanent space for visitors to learn about the country.
Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry is one of the largest science museums in the Western Hemisphere. In addition to permanent exhibits, the museum hosts temporary displays that draw crowds from all over the world. This museum is located in a historic building that was constructed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.
Visitors to the Museum of Science and Industry should expect to spend a good deal of time exploring the various exhibits. These exhibits cover a variety of topics related to science and innovation. There are numerous interactive exhibits that encourage visitors to think and learn.
A few examples of the types of exhibits found at the museum are the Omnimax theater, a replica U-505 submarine, and a 40-foot tornado. The museum also has a variety of live demonstrations and activities.
In 1926, Julius Rosenwald donated $3 million to the museum. He wanted to create a museum that resembled the Deutsches Museum in Munich. However, he had no plans to place his name on the building.
When Rosenwald died in 1932, he left $7 million to the museum. It was his dream to build a science museum.
As a result, the museum has become a landmark and draws around two million visitors each year. In addition, the museum is known for its quirky and interesting permanent exhibits.