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Field Museum Chicago's awesome Field Museum of Natural History in Lake Shore Drive is home to 'Sue', the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil ever found. The dinosaur came to rest here after being unearthed in South Dakota when the Museum bought her remains for more than $8-million. Sue is just one of the drawcards at the museum which offers other marvels like getting a bug's eye view in an underground adventure; descending into an Egyptian tomb; watching a glowing lava flow; and getting up close and personal with the man-eating lions of Tsavo. The museum specialises in interactive and diorama-type exhibits across its nine acres of exhibition space.
Address: 1400 S. Lakeshore Drive;
Telephone: (312) 922 9410; Website: www.fmnh.org; Transport: From downtown, take CTA bus #146, which stops along Michigan Avenue north of the river and on State Street south of the river. This will drop you off right across the street from the Museum. The free trolley system connects the Museum Campus with many downtown tourist destinations and train stations; Opening time: Daily 9am to 5pm; last admission at 4pm; Admission: General admission: $12 (adults), $7 (children 4-11). Various ticket packages and concessions are available
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Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum |
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Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum Located on Lake Michigan, the Adler is America's first planetarium and is the only museum in the world with two full-size planetarium theaters. The night sky has been visible from the historic Sky Theatre since 1930, while the all-digital StarRider Theatre is the first of its kind in the world and affords a virtual outer space experience in its 55-foot (17m) wide and three story high area. The Adler is also home to numerous exhibits including antique astronomical instruments dating back to 12th-century Persia and interactive displays. 
Address: 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive;
Telephone: (312) 922 7827;
Website: www.adlerplanetarium.org;
Transport: Bus 12 or 146;
Opening time: Daily 9.30am to 4.30pm, open until 6pm from May to September;
Admission: $10 (adults), $6 (4-17). Including a show and audio tour: $19 (adults), $15 (children) |
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Hancock Observatory |
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Hancock Observatory The John Hancock building is Chicago's third highest skyscraper with a distinctive x-bracing exterior skin, and its Observatory competes with the facilities of the Sear's Tower Skydeck across town in the Financial District. Located on the 94th floor 1,000 feet (305m) above street level, the Observatory boasts the city's only open-air skywalk, as well as 360-degree views, a talking telescope, audio Skytours that provide an overview of the city with 16 stops, and the History Wall, with more than 100 photos featuring Chicago's history. Visitors can also have fun with some unique 'daring' photo opportunities. An annual 'Hustle up the Hancock' stair climb race up the 94 floors is held every February; the record time is nine minutes 39 seconds.  Address: 875 N. Michigan Ave;
Telephone: (312) 751 3681;
Website: www.hancock-observatory.com;
Opening time: Daily 9am to 11pm;
Admission: $12 (adults), $8 (children 5-12) |
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Millennium Park |
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Millennium Park Millennium Park is one of Chicago's most popular destinations and is seen by Chicagoans as the crowning glory of their city. The award-winning park is famous for its innovative architecture and landscape design, featuring the work of several prominent artists, architects and designers. The park's most outstanding feature is the state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, which seats more than 4,000 people and hosts regular concerts. Another fascinating piece of architecture is the polished stainless steel Cloud Gate, shaped like a 66-foot (20m) long bean with a 12-foot (4m) high archway. Other interesting features include the Crown Fountain, the Lurie Garden, BP Bridge, and the Millennium Monument. Visitors can also enjoy changing exhibitions, local art works, and ice skating in winter. 
Address: On Michigan Avenue between Randolph and Monroe Streets;
Telephone: (312) 742 1168;
E-mail:
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Website: www.millenniumpark.org;
Opening time: Daily 6am to 11pm;
Admission: Free |
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Navy Pier |
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Navy Pier Situated on the lakefront, Navy Pier has developed into one of the city's main tourist destinations, offering year-round attractions, events and entertainment for the whole family. Navy Pier encompasses acres of parks and gardens, shops, restaurants, and numerous attractions and rides, as well as serving as an embarkation point for tour and excursion boats. Its 150ft (46m) Ferris wheel attracts more than eight million people annually; other main attractions include an IMAX theatre, Chicago's Children's Museum, and the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows. Other special attractions are offered throughout the year.  Address: 600 East Grand Ave;
Telephone: (312) 595 7437;
E-mail:
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Website: www.navypier.com;
Opening time: Open daily, but hours vary according to the season. Summer hours are Sunday to Thursday 10am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday 10am to 12am;
Admission: Admission to the Pier is free, but many of the attractions require separate fees. Ferris wheel: $6; other rides $5. Children's Museum: $9 |
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Lincoln Park |
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Lincoln Park Lincoln Park, beginning at North Avenue and following the shore of Lake Michigan northwards for several miles, is Chicago's largest park. It contains several attractions, bathing beaches, a botanical conservatory, golf course, grassy meadows, formal gardens and sports fields. Pride of place is held by the standing statue of Abraham Lincoln, sculpted by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. His sitting Lincoln is in Chicago's other famous park, Grant Park. The most popular attraction within the park is the Lincoln Park Zoo, which not only houses hundreds of exotic animals in natural habitats, but offers experiences like paddle boat rides, a virtual safari trip, and the Endangered Species Carousel with 48 artisan-crafted wooden animals that accommodates up to 50 riders at a time. 
Address: 2001 N. Clark Street (zoo);
Telephone: (312) 742 2000 (zoo);
Website: www.lpzoo.com;
Transport: CTA bus routes 151 or 156 both serve the zoo. A free trolley service is available linking the different Park attractions;
Opening time: Daily 9am to 6pm, weekends until 7pm (summer); daily 9am to 5pm (November to March);
Admission: There is no admission charge to the zoo |
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