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Chicago is a fast-paced city, well known for its interesting architecture and incredible art. When you visit the Windy City, there is no shortage of exciting things to do. Sports fans will love cheering on the Chicago Bears at a football game or the Chicago Bulls on the basketball court. Art lovers will delight in the influence of Chagall, Picasso, and many other talented creatives that have left their mark around the city. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the beautiful beaches along the shores of Lake Michigan. Here are 10 of the top-rated tourist attractions to explore on your next trip to Chicago.
1 - The Art Institute of Chicago
Browse thousands of pieces of incredible art, including photography, sculptures, paintings, prints, and much more at the Art Institute of Chicago. One of the most popular areas of the museum showcases numerous pieces by Claude Money. You can also spot works by Renoir and Seurat. This massive museum spans 400,000 square feet and is located on South Michigan Avenue.
2 - Millennium Park
In downtown Chicago, Millennium Park has several popular attractions. The Cloud Gate is a sculpture inspired by liquid mercury, with a mirror-like finish. The Crown Fountain is another highlight at the park, offering a modern twist on the ancient gargoyle design. The park also features outdoor concerts and free entrance to the Lurie Garden year-round. Conveniently located near great shopping and some of the city’s best timeshare deals, the park is definitely a must-see for every Chicago tourist.
3 - Navy Pier
Dating back to 1916, the Navy Pier offers 50 acres of shops, restaurants, parks, gardens, and various other attractions. Take time to ride the massive Ferris wheel or take a spin on the historic Chicago carousel. Catch a film at the 3D theater or visit the six-story Crystal Gardens. Kids love the Chicago Children’s Museum and tourists of all ages will enjoy the year-round events happening at the pier. August is especially popular thanks to the world-famous Chicago Festival.
4 - Museum of Science and Industry
One of the treasures of Chicago is the Museum of Science and History. It originally opened in 1933 and was the first museum in the United States to offer “hands-on” exhibits for guests to explore. Exhibits are constantly changing so every visit will give guests a new experience.
5 - Willis Tower Skydeck
Originally known as the Sears Tower, the 110-story building offers incredible views of four states and nearly 50 miles. Visit the Willis Tower’s SkyDeck on the 103rd floor to view the city from the sky. If you aren’t afraid of heights, take a walk onto the ledge, a glass floored box that lets you look directly below you, 1,353 feet to the ground.
6 - 360 Chicago
Adventurous tourists will love 360 Chicago, a glass-walled observation area that lets you take in Chicago’s breath-taking skyline. If you are brave, you can try the new “tilt” feature, where the observation deck is tilted at an angle so that you are looking straight down through the glass. Once you are finished enjoying the views, you can browse the shops that are also convenient located in the John Hancock Center.
7 - Field Museum of Natural History
Founded in 1893, the Field Museum features more than 20 million specimens and artifacts. You can study geology, anthropology, botany, or zoology among the many displays. One of the most popular features is the world’s largest Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, fondly named “Sue” and available for viewing year-round.
8 - Wrigley Field
Chicago Cubs fans can watch a game or take a full tour of Wrigley Field, visiting the dugouts and even sitting in the press box. Wrigley Field is the second-oldest major league baseball park in the country. Sports lovers will recall many famous moments that happened in the historic stadium, including the no-hitter pitching duel of 1917.
9 - Lincoln Park
Spanning six miles alongside Lake Michigan, Lincoln Park is Chicago’s largest park. Whether you want to take a bike ride, visit the beach, or explore the zoo or nature museum, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this famous Chicago landmark.
10 - Oriental Institute Museum
History lovers will enjoy the Oriental Institute Museum, where you can explore archeology and art from Egypt, Turkey, Israel, Iraq, and other Near East countries. In the Mesopotamian Gallery, you will find objects that date back to 100,000 BC. The Egyptian galleries feature a variety of artifices and relics from the ancient mummies.
Tourists have endless opportunities for fun and exploration in Chicago. Whether you plan to visit a museum, take a tour of Wrigley Field, or spend a day at the beach, your trip to Chicago will be unforgettable. These 10 top rate tourist attractions are just the starting point of all that the Windy City offers to see and do.
(Images courtesy Pixabay)
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