10 Of The Most Exciting Things To Do In Chicago

Chicago has forever been one of the most acclaimed cities in the whole of the US. There are a variety of awesome things to do in Chicago. From taking a stroll along the city’s numerous captivating attractions to watching a game at one of its many legendary sports stadiums, Chicago never fails to enthuse you. Although being nicknamed the Windy City, you do not need to be fearful of heavy gusts of winds blowing you away when in Chicago. The city was given its nickname by the locals during the 19^th Century not solely due to the strong winds that waft through the city streets but also for the countless number of alleged money-minded politicians who resided in Chicago.

When it comes to the best cities to visit in the US, Chicago is definitely near the top of that list alongside places like Miami, New York City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and San Francisco. As mentioned previously, this admiration for the city of Chicago mostly comes from its outstanding urban infrastructures, engaging cultural scene, and eye-catching historical monuments. These incredible features continuously draw tourists from all over the globe to the city. A huge reason for this is that you do not need to pay to visit these attractions. Now, let's get to know the city better by exploring some of the exciting things to do in Chicago.

Millennium Park is a must-visit place when in Chicago. A trip to Chicago is never complete without an outing to the marvelous Millennium Park. The Park holds a number of lovely attractions like Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, Lurie Garden, and the Millennium Monument. There is nothing more iconic at Millennium Park than Cloud Gate, also known as “The Bean”. Whichever time of year you visit Chicago, you will surely be able to spot groups of people posing for pictures around Cloud Gate. A stroll down this area of the city is certainly a great choice if you are planning on day-tripping. So, be sure to add a stroll around Millennium Park to your list of things to do in Chicago.

Lincoln Park Zoo has got to be one of the most impressive zoos in the country. Spanning over 35 acres, the zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals with about 200 different species. For first-timers, you are sure to be amazed by the vast array of beautiful animals roaming around Lincoln Park Zoo. Though all this, the most appealing part about visiting this zoo is that admission is totally free. While admission might be free, parking is not. Hence, it might be wise for you to take a bus or taxi to the zoo as the parking fee can get quite high, especially if you are planning on utilizing the zoo’s parking space for long hours.

When it comes to thrilling things to do in Chicago, visiting the 360 Chicago Observation Deck is most certainly on that list. Formerly known as the John Hancock Observatory, the 360 Chicago Observatory Deck is situated roughly about 1,000 feet above ground level. At that height, you will be able to get a picturesque view of the city while spotting a good chunk of its stunning attractions. If you are someone who loves kicks and thrills, then you should definitely try out the TILT. The TILT is an automated room that continuously sways you around, giving you the feeling of literally falling down from the 94^th floor of the John Hancock Center where the Observation Deck is located.

There is an assortment of fun and exciting things you can do at Navy Pier. From taking a ride on the Centennial Wheel to playing a game of miniature golf, there are a vast array of exhilarating things to do at Navy Pier. Although being recognized as an entertainment hub by many locals and tourists, Navy Pier is host to a number of attractions that have a rich history. Once a military recruitment base, the pier has now become one of the most alluring sites within the city of Chicago. With around 9 million annual visitors, a tour around Navy Pier is definitely something you would want to add to your list of things to do in Chicago.

A relaxing stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk is just what you need after a long day of touring around the city. The Chicago Riverwalk is located near the south bank of the main branch of the Chicago River. With top-notch restaurants and cocktail bars all along the riverwalk, there could not be a better place in the city to spend your evening at. There are even boat tours that take you along the Chicago River to view the various stunning architecture around the city. These boat tours are highly recommended by tourists as you can gain heaps of valuable information about the concept and history behind some of the mesmerizing architecture within the city of Chicago.

Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest botanical conservatories in the world. Let's also not fail to mention just how incredibly beautiful it is. It is known as "Chicago’s landscape art under glass" for a reason. The Conservatory showcases a variety of exceptional plant species from all around the world. There is an endless number of plant species to look at and admire when visiting the conservatory. In addition to admiring the numerous plant species, there are even events that are organized to aid visitors in better understanding the importance of mother nature. Thus, if you are someone who loves nature, a trip to Garfield Park Conservatory should definitely be on your list of things to do in Chicago.

The Museum of Science and Industry is most certainly one place you would want to visit while in the scintillating city of Chicago. Located in Hyde Park, just between Lake Michigan and the University of Chicago lies this noteworthy museum. The Museum was once part of the renowned World’s Colombian Exposition back in the year 1893. It soon after transformed into a museum that stores historical artifacts and memorials. Some of these artifacts include the first-ever diesel-powered streamlined stainless-steel passenger train, a full-size replica of a coal mine, and the famous World War II German Submarine, U-505. For history enthusiasts, the Museum of Science and Industry is not just a place for appreciation but also for acquiring knowledge.

One of the most visited aquariums anywhere around the world resides in the city of Chicago, and that is the Shedd Aquarium. With over two million annual visitors, the Shedd Aquarium is considered by many as a top tourist attraction in Chicago. Though being one of the oldest aquariums in the world, it is still able to constantly attract tourists due to its diverse and vast array of majestic sea creatures. The aquarium holds roughly 32,000 marine animals and 1,500 different species of marine life. It was even acknowledged as the most visited aquarium in the country back in 2012. This is not surprising when you consider how well it has continuously remodeled itself to suit modern times.

For baseball fanatics, watching a game at Wrigley Field should undoubtedly be one of your things to do in Chicago. Wrigley Field is home to the Chicago Cubs, one of thirty Major League Baseball (MLB) teams. The ballpark was opened in 1914 and is the second-oldest MLB ballpark in the country. If you are someone who has never been to a sports ground or sports arena, then give yourself a new experience by catching a baseball game at the legendary Wrigley Field Ballpark. In addition to the fantastic match that will be taking place, the electrifying atmosphere that you will live through during a baseball match is one of the most exhilarating experiences you will ever feel.

Adler Planetarium was the first-ever planetarium in the US. It is situated alongside Lake Michigan and is only walking distance from the Shedd Aquarium. Since both the Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium are relatively close to each other, planning day trips around Chicago should not be much of a problem. Built during the early 20^th Century, Adler Planetarium is a place tourists love visiting to learn about the various intriguing aspects of our solar system. With multiple full-size theatres to showcase the numerous features of our solar system, visitors to the planetarium are guaranteed to return home with some valuable knowledge. Hence, a visit to Adler Planetarium is unquestionably one of the more exciting things to do in Chicago.