Vacations are something that excites almost every one of us. Taking a break from the daily work schedule not only fascinates but also provides us with the opportunity to check upon nature’s beauty or the diverse culture that different countries hold. Unleash the indelible moments by exploring the undiscovered gems of the world. The world is full of amazing wonders, and one of the gems among those treasures is Chicago. There are endless things that you can explore, and if you have created a mindset of visiting and exploring Chicago, then stay tuned with us through the complete read. Places to visit in Chicago are enveloped with startling beauty that will surely refresh your soul, along with allowing you to discover the amazing places that exist in real. Right from the city lives, you can turn around and experience the tranquillity of nature within the same vacation plan.
So, just pack up your bags and pick up the destinations from our comprehensive read to add to your vacation plan and make it more exciting. Further, to be aware of the top destinations, ensure scrolling down the read to the very end. Let’s get started. Should we? Great!! Let’s embark on the journey to explore “Chicago- The City of Big Shoulders.”
Chicago- know the city layout before you step in!
The city is well-known as the conventional fatherland of the Anishinaabe. Alternatively, it is called as the “City of The Three Fires” also. City of The Three Fires is a collaborative name given to the following: The Ojibwe, Odawa, and, Potawatomi Nations.
Chicago owned the title of being the third populous city of the U.S. after New York and Los Angeles. Known by several names throughout the world, this succeeded in making enormous growth over the years. Visiting the “Windy City” will let you relive the true colours of the nature. Picking up Chicago as your vacation destination is going to act like a power punch, especially the Chicago Cultural Attractions.
Key highlights of Chicago
- The unique architecture of Chicago
- The Soothing music and refreshing nightlife
- Luscious food
Overall, we can conclude that Chicago has covered everything that the tourists seek for.
Dive deep into the colours of the Chicago Cultural Attractions
Culture is just a medium to shape one’s way of life. The beliefs that have been followed for decades are what generally defines the cultural beliefs of a person. Some of the people are curious about learning new cultures and beliefs. If you are one belonging to them based on which you have decided to visit the cultural attractions of Chicago, then it’s going to be an exciting journey.
Culture is of much significance when it comes to any place. Chicago is known for its affluent heritage that it has been carrying in an exceptional manner for decades. By having a tour of its major cultural attractions, you will get a chance to peep into the history, culture, architects, traditions, and artifacts that it carries.
Moving ahead, here we will be summarizing the major cultural attractions that you should visit to make your trip amazing and to know the traditions that have been followed for ages in Chicago.
1. The Art Institute of Chicago: Get a glimpse of some priceless Collections
Founded in 1879, The Art Institute of Chicago has made a significant place among the largest and ancient Museums in the USA. As you step into the Museum, you’ll find over 3 00,000 artifacts along with some priceless collections that will surely leave you astonished. What’s the biggest irony with this Museum is that within a century, this Museum succeeded in making a unique collection of artifacts.
Recently, the Museum has added cafes and restaurants to add convenience to the visitors. Another fact that will surprise you for sure is that around 105 million tourists annually visit this Museum.
The collection of the Museum comprises the following:
- African, American, and Indian Art
- Ancient and Byzantine Art
- Asian, Contemporary, and European Art
- The self-Portraits by Vincent Van Gogh, Captive Slave, and the Old Man with Gold Chain
2. Lincoln Park: Give your soul a blissful relaxation
Named after one of the grateful Presidents of the U.S., Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln Park is cited as the largest Public Park in the city outlined along the Lake Michigan. With the Pristine neighbourhood, this community area covers the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Lincoln Park Conservatory.
Not only this, Lincoln Park has covered the following infrastructures in addition to the Zoo and Conservatory, and they are:
- An Outdoor Theatre
- The Chicago History Museum
- A Rowling Canal, and
- The Peggy Notecard Nature Museum
You can calmly relax your back here for half a day and can even check out the nearby attractions such as Oz Park, Jonquil Park, and Bailer Park. You can enjoy having a pleasant picnic with your family and kids in this scenic place hugged in the arms of verdant greenery.
3. Chicago Cultural Centre: Participate in Free Public Events
Another Chicago Cultural Attractions spot to add to your vacation plan is its Cultural Canter. This stunning landmark was opened for the first time in the year 1897 in the name of the City’s First Public Library. Also addressed as the first free Municipal Cultural Centre of the Nation, this building annually hosts multiple free shows. Moreover, by drawing the attention of thousands or millions of visitors, it has become one of the most visited sites in Chicago.
The intact infrastructure was carved with unique construction materials and was built by the top architects and craftsmen of those times. Some of the elements utilized to make this magnificent building include Mosaics of Favrile Glass, Rare Imported Marbles, Fine Hardwoods, Polished Brass, Rare Pearls, and others materials.
4. Crown Fountain: A Dexterity of Spanish Artist
Crown Fountain adds another page to the highly recognized Places to visit in Chicago. Comprising two block towers of glass, each having a height of 50 feet equipped with LED screens, located within the Millennium Park, this fountain showcases the mastery of Spanish artist Jaimee Plensa.
It is an interesting piece of infrastructure, attracting visitors from all around the world, including archaeologists, electronic buffs, photographers, and so on.
5. Museum of Contemporary Art: A goal-driven infrastructure
The existence of this cultural extraction of Chicago carries a long-term vision. The Museum was laid with the goal of bringing the artists and audiences all together so that they can experience and acclaim the beauty of their culture and understand what value their culture has carried over time.
This establishment was crafted in 1967, and today, it is ranked among the largest Contemporary art sites, not only in Chicago but in the world. With every passing day, the Museum is exceptionally meeting its goal.
6. DuSable Museum of African American History: Reflecting the political relations
This museum has a lot on its plate. With a rich history, this monument narrates in-depth stories relating to the history of art culture, including the lifestyles of African Americans. Since the beginning of the relationship between Americans and Africans, there are a lot of aspects that you can know or dive into.
The highlighted facts relating to their relationship are excellently depicted in the artifacts, documents, and several other sources. This one among the Chicago Cultural Attractions is surely a bliss to the archaeologists and for the culture vulture.
7. Flamingo: A Feast to your eyes
If you have planned a vacation to check out the fabulous Places to visit in Chicago, then Flamingo is surely going to please you. We are not here referring to the real Flamingo. This is a 53-foot-long sculpture of Flamingo pride defining the mastery of art. Introduced to the world dates back in the year 1974, this sculpture was crafted by a well-praised artist, Alexander Calder. Free to visit, this attraction remains open for sightseeing throughout the year. Hold on! We didn’t mention where it is located. Right? This Giant sculpture is located at the anterior of the Kuczynski Federal Building.
8. The Moody Church: Showcasing a blend of Romanesque and Byzantine art
Now comes another attractive destination showcasing the culture of Chicago. This cultural attraction also holds a rich history. The Church was built to overcome the gap noticed between the conventional Roman Catholic Cathedral and the Protestant Church building. Another amazing fact associated with this attractive site is that the complete architect is non-pillared.
9. Tribune Tower: Anterior made from the rocks of world-famous buildings
One of the pearls forming the complete garland of historic landmarks is the Tribune Tower. The exterior of this condominium displays the marble from the world-famous edifices. It is given the title of both national and local landmarks.
The architect of the Neo-Gothic skyscraper showcases the influence of Rouen Cathedral, and is thus counted among of the Places to visit in Chicago.
10. Agora Sculptures: Depicting the people’s fear amidst World War II
Another attractive site that Chicago holds is the Agora Sculptures. The term “Agora” means a “Gathering Place,” and as the name indicates, the sculptures are positioned in gatherings. The total count of these sculptures reaches 106, which are 9 feet tall. Unlike other sculptures, they showcase a gathering of headless trunks. The sculptures designed are not headless but are also armless.
Further, Agora Sculptures depicts the fear of Bacanovics, a Polish artist who was brought up during the period of World War II. This unique art narrates an amazing thought of how people at the time of World War II were scared of the crowds, just following the commands without having their will or making decisions according to their minds. This interesting idea made it one of the most visited Chicago Cultural Attractions.
11. Fisher Building: A home for multiple purposes
Also called out by the name “Detroit’s Largest Art Object,” Fisher Building hosts some amazing and mesmerizing events. The building narrates the stories from the past and looks ahead to ensure a future as promised. It has covered everything for everyone, from providing elegant and spacious homes to offices or retailers to hosting breath-taking shows; you can easily avail the services you are looking for under one roof.
To provide a home to all of the listed ones, Fisher’s Building is fine-equipped with 20 storeys and is around 275 Feet tall.
12. Aqua Tower: A wavy look skyscraper
With 5 levels of parking and vigilant security, Aqua Tower was designed by Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang Architects, along with James Loewenberg of Loewenberg and Associates. This mixed-use building is comprised of 87 storeys in total and provides a lavish space for residential, commercial, and retailing purposes.
The wavy look added to the exterior of the building catches the eye of everyone visiting the city. Visitors from all around the world praise the beauty that this tower holds. Moreover, one can gaze at the tower from outside for free, but to enter into this condominium, one needs to take permission from the concerned authorities.
13. Field Museum: Displaying a wide range of Exhibits
If you are truly a Culture Vulture, then believe me, don’t commit the mistake of not including this museum in your Chicago Vacation plan.
It is a one-stop destination for those who are lost in their world of discovering historical facts or are wandering for Chicago Cultural Attractions. This museum showcases a wide collection of exhibits. Right from the remains of the Dinosaurs, you will get astonished by noticing the amazing pieces of history while walking around the 5 00,000 square feet (approx.) of the exhibition space. Visiting this place will add worthy to your trip.
14. Buckingham Fountain: Attractive spot for architect buffs
Stealing the eyes of the visitors with its light and water show, it is also picturesque. Opened for the public in the year 1927, this place is suitable for people belonging to any age group. Moreover, around 15,000 gallons of water is consumed per minute to embrace its beauty.
To seize the beauty of this fountain, plan a vacation anytime from May to mid-October. This is recorded as a favourable time.
15. Millennium Park: Enjoy the colours of diversity
It is an open public space in Chicago encompassing several jaw-dropping collections of museums and art sculptures. The variety of events taking place there provides visitors with a glimpse of their heritage.
Charming gardens, open events, public arts, verdant greenery, skating rinks, impressive architects, and tranquil foundations are some of the common highlights that will captivate you. Crowded with public around the clock, this vibrant place makes a home in the heart of the tourists.
Thus, the above-listed are some of the fascinating Chicago Cultural Attractions that you can add to your vacation plan undoubtedly. All the covered attractions compel visitors to dive deeply into their culture by reflecting the rich heritage that it has been carrying since decades.
Let’s get directed towards a couple of Chicago Sports Venues
If you are a podophile and a sports enthusiast as well, then putting a mark on your vacation plan without visiting the prime sports venues would be quite an injustice.
Excluding numerous Places to visit in Chicago, there are ample sports Venues also. As mentioned earlier, the city has something for everyone, so now we are here to focus on some of the major sports venues to make your trip complete.
1. Wrigley Field: One of the iconic avenues arenas
Ranking at the top of the sports venues is Chicago’s Wrigley Field. Holding a history of over 100 years, this arena was built in 1914. This arena was designed by two brothers, Zachary Taylor Davis and Charles G. The stadium is a major attraction site for Baseball fans and visitors. The stadium still stands high but has encountered several renovations over time.
The stadium is enveloped with a pristine neighbourhood, Wrigleyville. It encounters several restaurants and bars that has been developed with time.
2. Soldier’s Field: An arena rendering several purposes
Another one enlisted in the well-recognized Chicago Sports Venues is the Soldier’s field. Primarily hosting football games, this sports venue caters to several purposes and is known for hosting different events, such as concerts. Since 1924, this site has also undergone several renovations.
3. Guaranteed Rate Field: Home to a Major League Baseball Team
Renamed multiple times, this place was initially known by the name “The Comiskey Park” or simply “Comiskey Park.” After some time, it was renamed and came to be called the U.S. Cellular Field. But this name didn’t remain for long and is now known by the name Guaranteed Rate Field.
Moreover, it is popularly called out as the abode of the Chicago White Sox, a Major League Baseball team.
Inaugurated in 1991, this stadium holds the capacity to entertain 40,000+ audiences at the same time. Attending an event concert or simply watching the games organized in this stadium will fill you with energy.
4. United Centre: A Replacement of Old Chicago Stadium
United Centre made its presence in 1994 and gradually emerged as a replacement to the Old Chicago Stadium for the Chicago Bulls (NBA) and Chicago Blackhawks (NHL). It is not addressed as a multi-purpose indoor arena but as a prime destination for sports and entertainment events.
Hosting several events and concerts running throughout the year makes it one of the prime Places to Visit in Chicago, and if you are a sports enthusiast, then you should definitely visit this place.
5. Wintrust Arena: A dynamic Venue
Whether you are looking to hold a business meeting, an event, a conventions, a general discussion, or anything similar to them, Wintrust is going to be the best match for your requirement.
Encompassing a dimension of 18,000 Square feet and with a seating capacity of 10,000 seats, this multi-purpose venue acts as a comprehensive solution to host any event, thus making it one of the amazing Chicago Sports Venues.
Some of the tourists places in Chicago other than the Cultural attractions
Throughout the read, we input efforts to summarize the content relating to the destinations that are known as the Chicago Cultural Attractions. But far beyond that, there are abundant of places that you can explore in your vacation.
Thus, to notify you about some of them, we are here enlisting them. Give a quick check at the following:
- Riverwalk
- Navy Pier
- John Hancock Observatory
- Cloud Gate
- Magnificent Mile
- Gessner House
- Chicago History Museum
- Shedd Aquarium
- Promontory Point at Burnham Park
- The Richard H. Driehaus Museum
- The Second City
- North Avenue Beach
- The Children’s Museum
- Adler Planetarium, and several others
To compile all the tourist destinations under this single read is quite a hard task to do. Thus, if you are planning to have a cultural tour of all the destinations in Chicago, then plan your itinerary by including the ones that we have elaborated earlier in this read.
What fun activities you can experience at Places to visit in Chicago?
Stuffed with amazing culture and heritage, this city facilitates its visitors with multiple activities that they can enjoy. Apart from sightseeing, you can have a lot of fun by trying hands in some of the exciting events.
Either you are heading for vacation with your friends or family, don’t skip having an experience of skydiving, playing Ping-Pong, tempering the taste of cocktails and of nightlife.
Final Verdict
Through this intact descriptive read, we tried to cover the major destinations or Places to visit in Chicago. Rich in culture and history, this city persuades visitors to plan a vacation and immerse in the beauty of its culture. Every condominium or the infrastructure that it incorporates has been designed strategically each carrying a particular purpose. The concept that each of the buildings carries is impeccable and is somewhere the centre of attraction among the visitors.
“The Rich Culture and heritage is what compels visitors to plan a vacation to Chicago.”
Read more : https://www.trekhops.com/blog/digging-out-the-best-places-to-visit-in-italy-for-your-tour/
