Chicago is the third largest city in the US with 2.7 million people. Known by many acronyms, such as Chi-town, Windy City, Second City and the City of Big Shoulders. Chicago has vast entertainment venues including Lincoln Park Zoo, Shakespeare Theater, Navy Pier, Architecture Foundation River Cruise and Millennium Park. See Chicago up close and personal on a Bobby’s Bike Hire. If bicycling doesn’t meet your needs, the City has great public transportation either on the bus or train. Whatever your interests, there’s a museum to meet those interests. Meet Sue the T-Rex at The Field Museum. The Shedd Aquarium will take you to a Caribbean Reef and The Adler Planetarium will fly you to the stars. Chicago has so many things to offer that you can keep coming back and never see or do the same things twice. Our walking guide includes fun places to visit and Chicago landmarks. Our best guide books are complete with walking tour details.
Friday: |
|
| Time | Venue |
| Check-in | Best Western Plus River North Hotel |
|
10:00-2:00pm |
Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise |
| 2:00-4:00pm | Chicago Greeter Program |
| 6:00-8:00pm | Millennium Park |
Best Western Plus River North Hotel
An ideal location in the heart of downtown Chicago, yet moderately priced. The recent renovation of the hotel offers large rooms and excellent amenities. A friendly staff caters to your every need. 125 W. Ohio St. / Chicago, Il 60654 / (312) 467-0800 / Visit website
Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises
Truly a “don’t miss “ tour along the Chicago River. A Chicago Architecture Foundation docent enthusiastically delivers information about the great buildings that line the Chicago River. 112 East Wacker Drive / Chicago, IL / (847) 358-1330 / Visit website
Chicago Greeter Program
Chicago Greeter Program is a great way to get oriented to what Chicago has to offer. Between 7-10 days before your arrival in Chicago, register at Chicagogreeter.com or call 312-744-8000 (Weekdays 9-5 CST). You can list your interests and select what you would like to learn about Chicago. This is a free service from Explorechicago.org.Visit website
Millennium Park
Millennium Park is magical at night. Completed in 2003, this 25 acre park offers something for everyone. A free concert might be tuning-up at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. If weather permits, find a comfortable spot on the lawn. The sound design makes it easy to hear from any vantage point. Don’t forget The Bean, Crown Fountain and the BP Bridge.Visit website
Saturday: |
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| Time | Venue |
| 9-12:00pm | The Field Museum |
| 1-3:00pm | Shedd Aquarium |
| 3-5:00pm | Adler Planetarium |
| 6-11:00pm | Chicago Shakespeare Theater |
|
Smith Museum of Stained Glass |
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The Field Museum
Meet Sue! The largest and most perfectly preserved T. rex in the world. 25 million artifacts are beautifully categorized into themes such as Ancient Americas, Evolving Planet and Inside Ancient Egypt. Select the areas that connect with your interests.Visit website
Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium officially opened in 1930. 2 million visitors explore the habitats of 25,000 fish each year. The aquarium is part of the museum campus which makes it easy and fun to spend the day “museum-ing”.Visit website
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
More than Shakespeare! This elegant theater offers a smorgasbord of sensory experiences. The repertoire ranges from musicals to lesser known Shakespearean plays. The intimacy of the theater means there isn’t a bad seat in the house.Visit website
Sunday: |
|
| Time | Venue |
| 10:00-Noon | Lincoln Park Zoo |
| 1:00-4:00 | Bobby's Bike Hike |
Lincoln Park Zoo
This is a Goldilocks Zoo, not too large; not too small. The 49 acre downtown oasis is just right for an afternoon visit. FREE admission makes this experience even sweeter. My personal favorite is the Regenstein Center for African Apes. The Center continues to be involved in research.Visit website
Bobby’s Bike Hike
Located near Navy Pier off the Ogden Slip at River East Docks (465 N. McClurg Court), Bobby’s Bike Hike cruiser bicycles will bring Chicago up close and personal to you. The group glides along the streets and sidewals at a relaxing pace. Periodically your guide will stop to explain an historical site or expound on a famous person’s home. Select from a menu of rides to learn the Chicago area that tweaks your interest.Visit website
