Being so close to Chicago, there is always something for everyone to do! A lot of you are from out of town, so we thought it'd be good to give a few recommendations of what you may be interested in checking out.
Other Attractions to Try…
Get a panoramic view of Chicago from atop the Sears Tower, North America's tallest building. Skydeck exhibits include multi-language computer kiosks that highlight city landmarks.
The Art Institute is one of the world's leading art museums noted for its renowned collection of works that range from Warhol to Monet.
Nearby is Millennium Park, Chicago's fabulous new showplace for the arts. Wander the 25-acre park and discover impressive sculptures that include Cloud Gate (known as “The Bean” by the locals) and the Crown Fountain, featuring projected faces of Chicagoans who playfully spurt water. Millennium Park is also home to the awesome outdoor Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion and the Harris Theater, a performance space for music and dance groups.
Take a trip to the Museum Campus, a 57-acre lakefront park that connects three of Chicago's most popular museums. Here you'll find The Field Museum, known for its blockbuster dinosaur and Egypt exhibits; the 75-year-old Shedd Aquarium, home to frolicking beluga whales, white-sided dolphins and the Wild Reef shark exhibit; and the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum, featuring two full-size planetarium theaters for virtual star gazing. You can also check out where the Bears have been so fabulous this season at Soldier Field.
Then you can head for Navy Pier, located right on the waterfront. Navy Pier offers loads of attractions, including the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Chicago Children's Museum, the outdoor Skyline Stage, an IMAX Theater and a sky-high Ferris wheel. Have lunch on Navy Pier at Riva, a beautiful seafood restaurant with sweeping views of the city and lake, or sing along at Joe’s BeBop Cafe. You can even run with Forrest Gump while eating at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Afterwards, hop on a Shoreline Sightseeing cruise that will take you for a narrated tour on the waters of Lake Michigan.
You'll have a bird's-eye view of the city and lake from the 94th-floor Hancock Observatory. (This is where Thomas proposed!!) Be sure to step out onto the Skywalk, an open-air viewing deck located 1,000 feet up in the air.
Next, you can head around the corner to the Museum of Contemporary Art, which showcases cutting-edge works by some of the most thought-provoking artists of our time.
Afterwards, hit the nearby shops of North Michigan Avenue, better known as the Magnificent Mile. This ritzy shopping boulevard includes upscale boutiques such as Chanel and Burberry, along with urban shopping centers that include Water Tower Place (with more than 100 stores) and the 900 North Michigan Shops (home of Bloomingdale's).
Finally, for a taste of the wildlife (beyond the bridal party), you can head to Chicago’s free zoo – Lincoln Park Zoo, or head out to the suburbs for Brookfield Zoo.
