The delightful city of Chicago, Illinois is a popular city in the United States. The majestic and legendary skyscrapers amaze the eye with sparkling facades and original architectural solutions. The abundance of museums, theaters and galleries provides an opportunity to get acquainted with the art, history and cultural traditions of the United States. Thus, it will not be difficult for curious tourists to decide what to see in Chicago in 1 day on their own.
Peggy Notebert Museum of Nature
In Abraham Lincoln Park there is a wonderful and interesting museum complex, Peggy Notebert. Its exhibits are dedicated to the flora and fauna of Illinois and the Great Lakes region. This is one of the most visited institutions in the city. A wide variety of natural ecosystems are presented on an area of 2.5 hectares. In the majestic pavilions, forests have been recreated with a variety of shrubs, trees and reservoirs, where pacified harmony and serene tranquility prevail.
Here you can see an impressive number of insects, birds, reptiles, amphibians, amphibians, as well as snails and molluscs. The exhibition of butterflies is of particular interest to museum visitors. These amazing and delicate creatures amaze with their all kinds of wing shades and exotic shapes. Hundreds of butterflies flutter over evergreens and artificial ponds.
It works every day from 9:00 to 17:00 (Monday-Friday) and from 10:00 to 17:00 (Saturday, Sunday). The ticket price is $ 9.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the cozy and iconic places. The menagerie, founded in the 19th century, is located on the shores of Lake Michigan. Its 49-acre territory is home to over 1,000 species of various animals, birds and reptiles brought here from all over the world. For representatives of the fauna, ideal conditions have been created, as close as possible to their natural habitat.
Here tourists can surprisingly quickly move from the stone jungle of the metropolis to a picturesque land with tropical forests, majestic trees, spacious reservoirs, mesmerizing waterfalls and shady alleys. Predators and herbivores freely roam the territories of the well-groomed enclosures. Cheetahs, lions, tigers, panthers and jaguars lazily rest after dinner in the shade of trees, or carefully examine the surroundings of their possessions, showing a ferocious grin.
Visitors to the zoo can observe giraffes, hippos, bears, penguins, primates and many other wild animals. At the farm, guests can get acquainted with goats, horses, pigs and other domestic animals. It is impossible to walk past the greenhouse of the park. A pleasant experience is guaranteed by a walk through the blooming garden with exotic plants, among which palm trees, ferns and orchids stand out. The zoo is completely free to visit. It welcomes guests all year round and every day from 10:00 to 17:00.
Historical Museum
Curious guests are advised to head to the Historical Museum. It is the oldest research institution in the city, founded in 1856. The richest collection of various objects and artifacts is on display. Museum visitors will be imbued with the historical past of the city and the state of Illinois.
The exposition is dedicated to various stages of the formation and development of the city. It will be interesting to learn about Indians, colonialists, the abolition of slavery, a terrible fire and mafia families. The halls of the complex contain construction drawings of real-life buildings, costumes and textiles of the 19th century, glass, metal and ceramic crafts, advertising posters, vinyl discs, household items and much more. Some significant episodes from the life of the city are shown in the form of picturesque dioramas with magnificent details of objects.
Among the valuable exhibits, attention should be paid to the original box on which President Abraham Lincoln died, as well as a model of a vintage car and a railway carriage. The exhibition is open daily from 9:30 to 16:30 (Monday, Wednesday-Saturday), from 12:00 to 17:00 (Sunday) and from 9:30 to 21:00 (Tuesday). The ticket price is $ 19.
Charnley-Persky House Museum
The prestigious Gold Coast quarter is surrounded by grandiose skyscrapers. This popular spot in the city is famous for its historic mansions. Among them, the Charnley-Perski House Museum, located on the cozy and calm Astor Street, deserves special attention. The unique three-story building was erected in 1892 under the leadership of the outstanding American architect Louis Salivan, whose name is inextricably linked with the world history of the construction of the first high-rise buildings.
The Charnley-Persky House Museum is a symmetrical rectangular building. The facade, clad in strict brickwork, is divided into three parts: the main entrance, a wooden balcony with columns and side sections with single casement windows. The luxurious interior decoration of the premises contrasts markedly with the relatively modest appearance.
Fine woods have been used in the interior decoration. Numerous decorative elements amaze the imagination. The foyer consists of an internal atrium, along the perimeter of which there is a staircase to the upper floors. The rooms of the house are decorated with finely carved oak wall panels. The library features a magnificent fireplace made of African pink marble. Free guided tours are held in the house-museum on Wednesdays at 12:00.
John Hancock Center
The visiting card is the famous American skyscraper - the John Hancock Center. The one-hundred-story architectural landmark was erected in 1969. At the time of the development of the project, the magnificent building positioned itself as the tallest building in the world. Its height, together with two spiers, reaches 457 meters. The skyscraper, named after statesman John Hancock, attracts tourists with its unusual appearance.
It has a tapered shape. The facade is clad with aluminum diagonal and vertical panels with glass railing. The peculiarity of the unusual design of the tower is that its width gradually decreases from the base to the top. The building houses offices, shops, residential apartments, restaurants and parking lots.
The skyscraper is popular with numerous tourists. On the 94th floor there is an observation deck with a fascinating attraction. Those wishing to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views are invited to stand on a special glazed platform, which gently tilts forward at an angle of 30 degrees.
Modern Art Museum
It is one of the most interesting cultural institutions, featuring paintings of art, creative sculptures and original performances. Avant-garde masterpieces evoke a wide range of emotions from admiration and approval to condemnation and controversy.
The collection offers an opportunity not only to get acquainted with the work of contemporary artists, but also to rethink the cultural and social values of today. The exhibition is housed in an original building made of limestone, metal and glass. The rather gloomy facade of the building is compensated by the magnificent interior decoration.Spacious pavilions and corridors are filled with sunlight. Whimsical spiral staircases provide access to various galleries.
The halls showcase objects of modern painting in the style of surrealism, pop art and minimalism, as well as staged photographs, intricate figures from various objects, installations and videos. The museum is open every day, except Mondays, from 10:00 to 17:00 and until 20:00 (on Tuesdays).
Cathedral of the Holy Name
An expressive monument of the neo-Gothic architectural style is the Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Name. It was erected in 1875 on the site of two churches burned down in the Great Chicago fire. The height of the building is 46 meters. The light facade of the basilica is decorated with a rose window, an arched portal and lancet window openings. The main entrance is a massive bronze door that opens with a light touch of the hand. The cathedral can accommodate about 2,000 people at a time.
The interior decoration is dominated by bronze sculptures of biblical characters. The spacious main hall of the cathedral is decorated with an arched arcade with massive columns, a vaulted ceiling and incomparable stained glass windows. The altar is made of red granite with bas-reliefs. On the walls of the altarpiece of the church, you can see picturesque panels depicting the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as the apostles Paul and Peter. Liturgy in the cathedral is accompanied by the playing of a grandiose-sized organ, consisting of more than 5,000 trumpets.
Naval pier
In the central part of Downtown, there is one of the most popular and famous sights of the city - the Naval Pier. To date, the former dock for military ships and the training center for US Navy SEALs does not fulfill its direct functional purpose. It has become a platform for active recreation and exciting walks for guests and residents.
A huge number of attractions, cozy cafes, restaurants, shops, exhibition complexes, theaters and various cultural and entertainment institutions are concentrated here. The embankment offers an amazing view of the water surface of Lake Michigan and the majestic skyscrapers. The high-rise building of the futuristic shape of Lake Point Tower is noteworthy. This is a prestigious residential complex with its own infrastructure.
The area adjacent to the pier is a park area decorated with a fountain, art objects and sculptural compositions. Lovers of natural beauty will appreciate the variety of exotic plants in the botanical garden. The six-storey building is planted with many palm trees under the roof. The pier's hallmark is a 45-meter-high Ferris wheel.
Chicago Riverwalk
A walk along the banks of the Chicago Riverwalk leaves an indelible impression. This is a refined multi-kilometer pedestrian boulevard piercing the central quarters of the city. Fascinating views of the grandiose architectural ensemble open from here. High-rise buildings are striking in their grandeur and fantastic beauty. The embankment has terraces for sunbathers, sports grounds and cozy green areas for a relaxing stay.
There are 18 bridges across the river, each of which has the ability to pass cruise boats and fairly large ships. The well-equipped embankment offers a lot of entertainment. During the walk, tourists will have the opportunity to relax in one of the many street cafes and satisfy their hunger with the gastronomic delights of local cuisine. Walking tour can be replaced by a water excursion on a river taxi.
Viewpoint 360
It is impossible to imagine acquaintance with the sights without climbing the 94th floor of the legendary skyscraper John Hancock Center, where one of the best and most popular observation decks in the United States is located. From a bird's eye view, an impressive view of Lake Michigan, the embankment, the center of the metropolis and its environs will appear.
Panoramic windows provide excellent 360-degree visibility. Numerous skyscrapers, which are masterpieces of modern architectural thought, cause delight. Just before sunset, visitors to the observation deck can see a unique spectacle of colorful illumination on the facades of the grandiose buildings in the rays of the setting light. Evening shining Chicago will not leave anyone indifferent.
For thrill-seekers, the Tilt attraction is available. Its essence lies in the fact that a specialized glass platform with the help of hydraulic cylinders tilts tourists downward by 30 degrees. A person literally hangs in the air at an altitude of over 300 meters. The ticket price is $ 22. The observation deck is open every day from 9:00 to 23:00.
Chicago Cultural Center
It is very popular among visitors and residents of the city. It is visited annually by about 800 thousand people. Public recognition is due to the fact that various art exhibitions, musical concerts, festivals, theatrical performances, film screenings and other events are held in this institution completely free of charge and on a regular basis.
The building of the cultural center itself, erected in the neoclassical style with decorative elements of the Renaissance, deserves attention. The exterior austerity of the structure is given by rows of darkened windows, separated by Doric columns. Free tours of the halls of the building are organized for tourists from Wednesday to Saturday. The interiors of the premises are striking in their luxury.
Coffered ceilings, wall paintings, multi-colored mosaics with intricate patterns, carved cornices, bronze decorations, massive doors, as well as walls lined with marble - all this arouses genuine interest among the audience. The huge Preston Bradley Hall, where live music concerts are held, is distinguished by its special acoustics. The highlight of this room is the stained glass dome, which consists of 30,000 glass parts.
Millennium park
On the shores of Lake Michigan lies the magnificent public Millennium Park. A picturesque oasis lush with greenery of numerous plantings, adjacent to the Chicago skyscrapers. This is one of the main places of attraction for tourists and locals, where you can have a good time and relax from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.
The park complex, the size of 14 football fields, is an example of landscape art. On its territory, natural and sculptural installations, concert and theater venues, walking alleys, spacious lawns and garden areas are harmoniously combined with each other. Visitors to the park will find activities to their liking and taste. All kinds of festivals, concerts and various entertaining cultural events are constantly held here.
Among the bizarre art objects, the sculpture in the form of a huge drop of mercury is of interest. The figure weighing 100 tons is made of stainless metal plates, perfectly polished to a mirror finish. It will be interesting to see the unique and high-tech Crown fountain. It consists of two 15-meter blocks with LED screens, on which the faces of residents are broadcast. The image of a man's head folds his lips and a stream of water gushes out of his mouth.
There is a swimming pool between the screens. Tourists usually tend to visit the Millennium Monument. These are majestic Doric columns that rise up to 12 meters. Visitors to the park can sit on a large field, covered with perfect grass, and take a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.
Buckingham fountain
Occupying a vast green area of Downtown Chicago, Grant Park's trademark is the imposing Buckingham Fountain. Its opening took place in 1927. The daughter of one of the Chicago patrons, Kate Buckingham, was involved in the construction of the water attraction.In this way, she wished to perpetuate the memory of her brother.
The magnificent architectural monument is striking in its size. The diameter of the main pool is 84 meters. In the center rises a three-level structure of pink marble. The fountain looks like a wedding cake, which attracts many newlyweds who want to capture a moment of their solemn day against the backdrop of this landmark.
Sculptural compositions of sea horses are located around the structure. There are 134 jets in Buckingham Fountain, the highest of which delivers water up to 46 meters. With the onset of dusk, the fountain begins its light and musical performance, which will fascinate the audience. More than 800 colored underwater spotlights provide colorful illumination.
Shedd's aquarium
The self-guided itinerary may include a visit to the Shedda Aquarium, which features a wide variety of marine life. The institution is housed in a monumental white marble octagonal building. The main entrance is decorated with a portico with a pediment and massive columns. The territory of the aquarium with an area of 4000 m2 consists of interesting exhibitions, divided into thematic zones.
Admiring the exotic riches of the underwater kingdom serves as a real outlet for tourists. Visitors will experience an amazing journey through the tropical jungle of the Amazon River, as well as acquaintance with the coral reef ecosystem of the Caribbean Sea and various inhabitants of the ocean depths. At one of the exhibitions, the hall is decorated in the form of a Filipino village, where sharks splash in an aquarium among colorful schools of fish.
Dolphins, beluga whales, iguanas, fur seals, piranhas, stingrays, crocodiles, moray eels, octopus and many other creatures can be seen in the spacious reservoirs and pools. The ticket price is $ 32.95. The aquarium is open from 9:00 to 17:00 (Monday-Friday) and until 18:00 (Saturday, Sunday).
Field Museum of Natural History
The Field Museum of Natural History provides an opportunity for tourists to spend their time in a fun and educational way. The exposition is divided into geological, zoological and anthropological collections. The museum contains more than 20 million unique finds and artifacts brought from all over the world. These are minerals, precious stones, meteorites, stuffed wild animals, authentic ancient Egyptian tombs and many other valuable exhibits.
The main material funds for the opening of the exhibition and the acquisition of the collection were donated by businessman Marshall Field, after whom the Museum of Natural History is named. The pride of the institution is the world's largest tyrannosaur skeleton. His skull weighs over 200 kilograms. He hospitably "smiles" at the visitors with all 58 teeth.
Skeletons of other dinosaurs from different eras are of no less interest. One of the exhibition halls of the complex is dedicated to the history of the indigenous people of the New World. Here you can get acquainted in detail with the life and culture of the ancient Indian tribes. The entrance ticket is $ 38. The museum is open every day from 9:00 to 17:00.
