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Sights & Activities
Attractions
1. Brookfield Zoo
8400 31st St, Brookfield, IL, 60513, (708) 485-0263
A new polar bear cub is the star at this beautiful, world-class zoo.
2. Buckingham Fountain
Grant Park, Chicago, IL, (312) 747-2633
This Grant Park attraction is the perfect spot for a stroll on a cool summer's evening.
3. Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60614-3862, (312) 742-2000
The nation's oldest free zoo is kid-friendly, with more than 1,000 cuddly--albeit caged--exotic creatures.
4. Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL, 60637, (773) 684-1414
This hands-on behemoth is the antithesis of those boring "Look, but don't touch" museums.
5. Navy Pier
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, (312) 595-7437
This tourist-packed peninsula extends for more than a half-mile into the swells of Lake Michigan.
6. Chicago Cultural Center
78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL, 60602-4816, (312) 744-6630
This architectural delight is a magnificent showcase of literature, art and knowledge.
7. Chicago Museum Campus
S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL, 60605, (312) 409-9696
Three world-class attractions within walking distance of each other give new meaning to a day at the park.
8. John Hancock Center
875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611-1896, (312) 751-3680
All grace and strength, it's shorter than the Sears Tower, but it's still among the world's 10 tallest buildings.
9. Navy Pier Ferris Wheel
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL, 60610, (312) 595-7437
Created more for sightseers than for thrill-seekers, this wheel transports passengers very slowly but gives a good view.
10. Odyssey Cruise
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, (888) 741-0282
Enjoy the skyline view from the water aboard this elegant cruise ship.
11. Pullman Historic District
11111 S Forrestville Ave, Chicago, IL, 60628-4649, (773) 785-8181
Many aspects of this 19th-century dream city still remain standing on the South Side today.
12. Six Flags Great America
542 N Route 21, Gurnee, IL, 60031-5902, (847) 249-1776
Stomach-reeling roller coasters and cool rides for kids add up to big-time family fun.
13. Volo Bog
28478 W Brandenburg Rd, Ingleside, IL, 60041, (815) 344-1294
A former lake gone to pot has developed into a rare ecosystem.
14. Water Tower
806 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, (312) 744-2400
This landmark has come to symbolize Chicago's rise from the ashes of the Great Fire of 1871.
15. Adler Planetarium
1300 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL, 60605-2403, (312) 922-7827
Besides Oak Street Beach, this is the best place in town for viewing heavenly bodies, day or night.
16. Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL, 60022-1168, (847) 835-5440
A crown jewel of greenery, this North Shore preserve is one of the country's most visited public gardens.
17. Chicago Children's Museum
700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611-3472, (312) 527-1000
This top-notch children's museum overlooks Lake Michigan on Navy Pier.
18. Galena Area
Galena, IL
Go for the history; stay for the present-day attractions.
19. John G Shedd Aquarium
1200 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL, 60605, (312)939-2426
You don't have to go 20,000 leagues under the sea to experience the world of Jacques Cousteau.
20. Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva, WI
Take a drive to an idyllic patch of paradise, from beautiful woods to sunny beaches.
21. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
2430 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL, 60614-2773, (773) 755-5100
Modern technology coexists with nature in this beautifully designed, brain-expanding Lincoln Park museum.
22. Sears Tower and Skydeck
233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL, 60606-6306, (312) 875-9696
Chicago's longest view--80 miles in any direction on a clear day.
23. Wrigley Building
400 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, (312) 644-2121