| #1. |
Buckingham Fountain |
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500 S Columbus Drive
Chicago, IL |
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The fountain operates from April 1st to November 1st depending on weather. Every hour on the hour for 20 minutes the fountain produces a major water display and the center jet shoots 150 feet into the air. Beginning at dusk, every hour on the hour for 20 minutes the fountain's major water display is accompanied by a major light and music display. The final display of the evening begins at 10:00 p.m.
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| #2. |
Second City |
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1616 N Wells Street
Chicago, IL |
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P: 312.337.7399
F: 312.664.4983
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Official Website : Since 1959, The Second City has been entertaining audiences with its signature brand of socio-political satire. The starting point for many famous actors, directors, and writers, The Second City is a Chicago institution not to be missed! Schedule is as follows: Mon.-Thurs. 8pm; Fri. 8pm & 11pm; Sat. 3pm, 7pm and 10pm; Sun. 3pm and 7pm.. Prices vary. No drink minimums. Free improvisation after last show every day except Friday. Dinner/Show packages available.
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| #3. |
Chicago Theatre District |
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Randolph and State Streets
Chicago, IL |
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Official Website : The best of Broadway every night! See Wicked, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Dr. Dolittle and more in some of the most magnificent show palaces in the world.
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| #4. |
Biograph Theatre |
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2433 N Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL |
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P: 773.549.9050
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Built in 1914, the Biograph was one of Chicago's original movie theaters. On July 22, 1934, bank robber John Dillinger went to a movie at the theater in the company of the infamous "woman in red," Anna Sage. As he left, he was ambushed by FBI agents and gunned down in the adjacent alley. In 2004, Victory Gardens Theater purchased the Biograph, and plans to renovate and use it for its main stage productions.
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| #5. |
Chicago River Gondola Rides |
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Wells at Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL |
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P: 312.543.3582
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For a little romance, cruise down the river with Old World Gondoliers. The gondola comes with an Italian-singing gondolier and a rose for the ladies.
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| #6. |
DuSable Museum of African American Culture |
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740 E. 56th Place
Chicago, IL |
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P: 773.947.7060
F: 773.947.7071
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The nation's first and oldest independent museum dedicated to the collection, preservation and study of the history and culture of Africans and Anericans of African descent. Exhibits, concerts, films, children's events and literary discussions are just a few of the institution's various programs offered. Hours: Tues.- Sat. 10am- 5pm; Sun. 12pm- 5pm.
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| #7. |
Sears Tower Skydeck |
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233 S Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL |
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P: 312.875.5969
F: 312.906.6819
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Official Website : Best view of Chicago from one of the world's tallest buildings.
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| #8. |
Chicago Lakefront |
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Chicago, IL |
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From Jackson Park through Grant Park into Lincoln Park, Chicago has nearly 22 miles of unobstructed park land along Lake Michigan.
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| #9. |
Brookfield Zoo |
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8400 W 31st Street
Brookfield, IL |
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P: 708.485.5220
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Visitors can tour the zoo via motorized safari rides from late spring through late fall. Brookfield Zoo is located at First Ave. and 31st St. in Brookfield, just 14 miles west of downtown Chicago. The zoo is accessible via the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways, Tri-State tollway (I-294), Burlington Northern commuter line and PACE bus service. Open daily 10am-5pm. Open 365 days a year. The Swamp: Wonders of Our Wetlands--This naturalistic, mixed-species exhibit immerses visitors in the mystery and splendor of two unique American ecosystems--a southern cypress swamp and an Illinois river scene. The Living Coast: Encounter Humboldt penguins, green sea turtles, small sharks, rays, chinchillas, vampire bats and free flying birds.
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| #10. |
ESPN Zone |
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43 E. Ohio Street
Chicago, IL |
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P: 312.644.4377
F: 312.670.0410
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Sports themed dining and entertainment complex with over 150 video monitors, a 16' x 13' screen and interactive sports games. Hours: Mon.- Thurs. 11:30 am- 12 am; Fri. & Sat. 11:30 am- 12:30 am; Sun. 11 am- 11:30 pm.
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| #11. |
Wrigley Field |
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1060 W Addison Street
Chicago, IL |
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Official Website : Wrigley Field, which was built in 1914, is playing host to Major League Baseball for the 93rd season in 2006 - and to the Cubs for the 91st year. The Friendly Confines is the second-oldest ballpark in the majors behind Boston's Fenway Park (1912). The Wrigley Field bleachers and scoreboard were constructed in 1937 when the outfield area was renovated to provide improved and expanded seating ... the original scoreboard remains intact.
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| #12. |
Soldier Field |
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1410 S Museum Campus Drive
Chicago, IL |
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P: 312.235.5700
F: 312.235.5703
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Official Website : Soldier Field is located on famous Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, and is currently home to the NFL's Chicago Bears. It reopened on September 27, 2003 after a complete rebuild.
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| #13. |
Chicago Historical Society |
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1601 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL |
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P: 312.642.2460
F: 312.266.6837
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Official Website : The Chicago Historical Society is a major museum and research center specializing in Chicago and American history. From permanent galleries and special exhibitions through exciting programs, people of all ages are able to experience and better understand the present. Please call for museum hours, pricing and exhibition offerings.
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| #14. |
Water Tower & Pump House / City of Chicago Store |
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163 East Pearson St.
Chicago, IL |
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P: 312.742.2882
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This landmark has come to symbolize Chicago’s rise from the ashes of the great fire of 1871. The City Gallery, inside the Water Tower, displays Chicago-themed photographs. Just across the street is the old pumping station, which now houses a tourist information booth and the Chicago Store, which sells one-of-a-kind Chicago souvenirs. Retired municipal equipment – genuine traffic lights, transit route signs, street signs, sewer covers and parking meters are also for sale. Proceeds from sales support the Department of Cultural Affairs.
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| #15. |
Field Museum, King Tut Exhibit |
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1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL |
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P: 312.922.2941
F: 312.665.5760
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Official Website : Discover Sue, the largest and most complete T. rex ever found. At the Field Museum, you can get a bug’s-eye view in Underground Adventure, descend into an Egyptian tomb, watch a glowing lava flow, be dazzled by sparkling gems, come nose to nose with the man-eating lions of Tsavo, and learn about the worlds cultures and environments. Please call for admission pricing and upcoming exhibition offerings.
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| #16. |
Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio |
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951 Chicago Ave.
Oak Park, IL |
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P: 708.848.8197
F: 708.848.8124
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Official Website : This complex served as Wright’s private residence, studio and architectural laboratory during the first twenty years of his career from 1889 to 1909. The Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust offers guided interior tours of the home and studio. Tickets: $12/adult, $10/youth (7-18) and seniors (65+). Tours offered weekdays at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and weekends from 11am to 3:30pm. Advance tour tickets are available via www.wrightplus.org. Group tours available by reservation. Oak Park contains the world’s largest concentration of Wright-designed structures – 26 in all. Self-guided exterior audio tours are available 10am to 3:30pm daily in 6 languages. Guided exterior walking tour of the neighborhood surrounding the Home and Studio are available on weekends only
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| #17. |
Jane Addams Hull House Museum |
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800 S. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL |
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P: 312.413.3535
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On the University of Illinois at Chicago campus, it commemorates the work of social welfare pioneer and peace advocate Jane Addams. Housed in the original Hull-House buildings, the museum is an internationally recognized symbol of multi-cultural understanding, educational innovation and social service. Original furnishings, paintings, photographs and rotating exhibits recreate the history of the settlement and the work of its residents. Call for museum hours.
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| #18. |
Magnificent Mile |
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North Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River north to Oak Street.
Chicago, IL |
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Chicago’s famed Magnificent Mile district boasts some of the cities ritziest hotels, shops and restaurants along its glamorous thoroughfare, North Michigan Avenue. Water Tower Place, the 900 North Michigan Shops, Westfield North Bridge and Chicago Place are the Magnificent Mile’s leading shopping malls. The area’s cultural gems are the Museum of Contemporary Art and Lookingglass Theatre. Landmark Mag Mile architecture includes the Wrigley Building: the Tribune Tower and the historic Water Tower, one of the few buildings to survive the 1871 Chicago Fire.
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| #19. |
Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum |
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1852 W. 19th St.
Chicago, IL |
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P: 312.738.8150
F: 312.738.8974
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Official Website : The museum showcases the art and culture of Mexico through it’s multiple exhibits, lectures and special events, drawing from the visual, performing and literary arts. Free admission.
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| #20. |
Museum of Contemporary Art |
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200 E. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL |
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P: 312.280.0266
F: 312.397.7409
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Official Website : Just steps from Michigan Ave. and the historic Water Tower, the MCA highlight today’s innovative and exciting artists. Stroll through their grand barrel-vaulted gallery overlooking Lake Michigan and enjoy lunch at Wolfgang Puck’s café and shop in the fun-filled Museum Shop.
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| #21. |
National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame |
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1431 W. Taylor St.
Chicago, IL |
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P: 312.226.6556
F: 312.226.6567
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The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame is a non-profit educational institution promoting the history and heritage of Italian Americans in sports. They offer a performing arts center, banquet facilities and a gift shop.
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| #22. |
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum |
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2430 North Cannon Drive
Chicago, IL |
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P: 773.755.5510
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Official Website : This 73,000 square foot environmental museum explores the eco-diversity of the Midwest through permanent, interactive exhibitions including Butterfly Haven, Mysteries of the Marsh, Extreme Green House and hands-on-Habitat.
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| #23. |
Shedd Aquarium |
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1200 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL |
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P: 312.939.9243
F: 312.939.9020
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Official Website : The world’s largest indoor aquarium offers more than 22,000 aquatic animals from around the world. Labor Day – Memorial Day 9am-5pm; Memorial Day – Labor Day, weekends and holidays 9am-6pm. See all Shedd has to offer with the All Access Pass, which includes the original aquarium building, Wild Reef, Amazon Rising and the Oceanarium.
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| #24. |
Swedish American Museum Center |
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5211 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL |
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P: 773.728.8811
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museum maintains a permanent collection of history, art and artifacts dating back to the mass immigration of Swedes to the Chicago area nearly 200 years ago. Each year more than 40,000 visitors enjoy the many programs that include special exhibits, Swedish language classes, crafts, genealogy classes, folk dancing, concerts, lectures, films and the interactive Children’s Museum of Immigration.
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| #25. |
Ukrainian National Museum |
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2249 W. Superior St.
Chicago, IL |
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P: 312.421.1802
F: 773.772.2288
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Discover Ukraine’s rich culture through colorful Easter eggs, ceramics, costumes, intricate embroidery and religious artifacts. Learn about Ukraine Genocide Famine and the Chernobyl disaster. Call for hours and upcoming events.
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| #26. |
Chicago Mercantile Exchange |
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30 S. Wacker Dr.
Chicago, IL |
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P: 312.930.0824
F: 312.466.6440
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Official Website : An international marketplace that brings together buyers and sellers of commodities on its trading floor and GLOBEX around-the-clock electronic trading. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am – 3:15pm. Free Admission.
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| #27. |
The Hancock Observatory |
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875 N. Michigan Ave.
95th Floor
Chicago, IL |
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P: 888.875.5VIE
F: 312.751.1367
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Official Website : The 94th-floor observatory, more than 1,000 feet above Chicago at John Hancock Center, features an open-air Skywalk; the Midwest’s highest open-air experience. Sky Tours, which takes you on a personal audio tour of Chicago’s incredible sight and remarkable history; Soundscope 3-D “talking” telescopes that speak in 4 languages and create startling real sound effects; a Chicago history wall; and a theme park-style ticketing area that recreates the construction of the Hancock Center.
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| #28. |
Harpo Studios, Oprah Winfrey Show |
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111 N. Carpenter St.
Chicago, IL |
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P: 312.633.3118
F: 312.633.3197
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No syndicated talk show in television can compare to “The Oprah Winfrey Show” ratings history. It has been the #1 talk show since 1986. “The Oprah Winfrey Show” has received 34 Emmy Awards, including 9 Emmys for Outstanding Talk Show and 7 Emmys for Outstanding Talk Show Host.
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| #29. |
Six Flags Great America |
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542 N Route 21
Gurnee, IL |
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P: 847.249.9180
F: 847.249.9178
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Official Website : Six Flags Great America is the ultimate Midwest family escape and the thrills just keep getting better! In 2005, Six Flags Great America introduced the largest addition in its 30-year history, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. This colossal new water park is free with Six Flags Great America admission and gives guests the opportunity to explore nearly 120 acres of wet and dry theme park fun all for one great price. With 25 thrilling water slides, a massive wave pool and the world's largest interactive water playground, this Caribbean themed adventure is an island paradise-close to home!
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| #30. |
Pullman Historic District |
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Chicago, IL |
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This historic district began as a utopia of sorts, courtesy of railroad mogul George M. Pullman, who created a planned community for the workers of his railway sleeping car factory. Highlights of this landmark district include the Historic Pullman Foundation Visitors Center, the Greenestone Church and the Hotel Florence.
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| #31. |
Lincoln Park Zoo |
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Cannon Dr. at Fullerton Pkwy
Chicago, IL |
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P: 312.742.2200
F: 312.742.2230
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Official Website : Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the last free zoos in the country, and is home to more than 1,000 mammals, reptiles and birds. Visit the new Pritzker Family Children's Zoo where children of all ages can feel "AT HOME IN THE WOODS" while visiting animals native to North America. Swing by our Regenstein Center for African Apes where you can stand nose to nose with gorillas and chimpanzees. Shop on the wild side at our retail store, Wild Things! And enjoy a magical journey on the Ameritech Endangered Species Carousel. Minutes from Downtown at Lake Shore Dr. and Fullerton Pkwy. Paid parking is available on Cannon Dr. The zoo is directly accessible via the 151 & 156 CTA bus line.
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| #32. |
Jerry Springer Show |
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454 N Columbus Drive
2nd Floor
Chicago, IL |
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P: 312.321.1536
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Official Website : Hillbillies and rednecks duke it out daily before a live studio audience.
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| #33. |
The Art Institute of Chicago |
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111 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL |
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P: 312.443.3360
F: 312.443.3019
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Official Website : As one of the world’s great art museums, the Art Institute contains collections dating from 3,000 B.C. through the present. Impressionist paintings and drawings, fine and decorative arts from America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin American and architectural works are hallmarks of their collection. Dine in the elegant new indoor Garden Restaurant, with additional seating outdoors June-Sept., or in the Court Café. Shop for unique treasures at the Museum Shop.
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| #34. |
Museum Of Science and Industry |
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57th and Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL |
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P: 773.684.4141
F: 773.684.4290
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Official Website : This Hyde Park landmark is one of the largest museums in the United States. It was built as the Palace of Fine Arts for the Columbian Exposition in 1893. 350,000 square feet of wonder through hands-on exhibits designed to peak curiosity, ingenuity and creativity. Tour the legendary U-505 German sub captured during World War II, enjoy the tour of a realistic mine shaft, attend a movie at the five-story Omnimax Theatre and see the Apollo 8 Command Module in the Henry Crown Space Center.
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| #35. |
Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum |
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1300 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL |
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P: 312.922.2STA
F: 312.322.2911
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You’ll find this bright star attraction on the beautiful Chicago lakefront. The Adler was the first planetarium to open in the United States. If you’re Interested in visiting the stars and the heavens, then this is the place to be! Ongoing exhibits include Bringing the Heavens To Earth; Cultural Astronomies from around the World, and Journey to Infinity. Check for new exhibits and show times and dream your dreams in the galaxy of space and the universe.
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| #36. |
Chicago Botanic Garden |
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1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL |
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P: 847.835.5544
F: 847.242.2631
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This world-renowned botanic garden is nature’s crowning glory set amidst 100 acres of woods, 6 miles of shoreline and 23 formal gardens. There are tram tours, guided tours and restaurants for your enjoyment. Admission is free
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| #37. |
Spertus Museum |
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618 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL |
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P: 312.322.2174
F: 312.922.2393
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Official Website : Discover Jewish history, culture and religion through year round programs and exhibits.
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| #38. |
Taste of Chicago (June 30 to July 9) |
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Grant Park
Chicago, IL |
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The 26th Annual Taste of Chicago draws over three million people annually and is the Midwest’s largest food festival offering tastes from over 60 restaurants! There are three musical stages, cooking demonstrations by Chicago’s and America’s finest chefs, a gourmet dining pavilion, and an eve of Fourth of July fire works. Enjoy the Chicago Country Music Festival for 2 days during the Taste, July 1 and 2. Hours: Daily 11:00a.m. til close, June 30-July 9. Admission to the park is free. Food tickets are available for purchase.
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| #39. |
Venetian Night (July 29) |
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100 North Harbor Drive
Monroe Harbor
Chicago, IL |
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P: 312.744.4337
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Designed after the boat parade in Venice Italy, the 49th Annual Venetian Night extravaganza takes place on Saturday, July 29. Nearly half a million people stake out their seats for picnics and evening viewing for this lighted parade of decorated boats and costumed crews along Chicago’s downtown lakefront. Music and fireworks highlight this event. Time: approximately 8:30pm-10:30pm.
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| #40. |
Navy Pier |
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600 E. Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL |
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P: 312.595.5PIE
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Illinois #1 tourist attraction, which opened in 1916, juts out 3,300 feet from Chicago’s shoreline into Lake Michigan. This former naval training center now houses
over 80 shops, restaurants, and a crystal garden. The Pier is home to the Children’s Museum, the Shakespeare Theatre, the Imax Theatre and a landmark Ferris wheel which has 40 glass enclosed gondolas that offer a picturesque view of the city.
The skyline stage seats 1500 for outdoor theatre, music, films and dance venues. And, for the very thirsty visitor who wants a cool brew while viewing the sights and sounds, a great beer garden. Call for cruise ship info, and special events.
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