Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States, with downtown in the 312 area code and most neighborhoods in 773, both overlaid by 872. Its lakefront museums and landmarks draw visitors year-round. Here are six downtown stops that are worth the trip. You can also find Chicago on Wikidata.
1. Millennium Park
Millennium Park opened in 2004 on the north end of Grant Park. It is home to Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate, better known as the Bean, the Crown Fountain and Frank Gehry’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
Summer brings free concerts at the pavilion through the Grant Park Music Festival, and the park is free to visit year-round.
Millennium Park on Google Maps · Wikipedia
2. Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago, founded in 1879, sits on Michigan Avenue behind its famous bronze lions. Its collection includes Grant Wood’s American Gothic, Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks and Georges Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte.
The Modern Wing, designed by Renzo Piano, opened in 2009 and connects by bridge to Millennium Park.
Art Institute of Chicago on Google Maps · Wikipedia
3. Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium opened in 1930 on what is now the Museum Campus. Its Abbott Oceanarium is home to beluga whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins.
Plan on a few hours, and book timed tickets on busy weekends.
Shedd Aquarium on Google Maps · Wikipedia
4. Adler Planetarium
The Adler Planetarium opened in 1930 as the first planetarium in the United States. It sits at the tip of the Museum Campus on Northerly Island.
Its dome shows are the highlight, and the lawn outside has one of the best skyline views in the city.
Adler Planetarium on Google Maps · Wikipedia
5. Navy Pier
Navy Pier opened in 1916 and stretches more than half a mile into Lake Michigan. The Centennial Wheel, added in 2016, gives a high view of the lakefront and skyline.
In summer the pier hosts fireworks shows, boat tours and outdoor dining.
Navy Pier on Google Maps · Wikipedia
6. Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower
Willis Tower opened in 1973 as the Sears Tower and was the tallest building in the world for nearly 25 years. Its Skydeck sits on the 103rd floor.
The Ledge, a set of glass boxes that extend out from the building, lets you look straight down more than 1,300 feet.
Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower on Google Maps · Wikipedia
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