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provided by: Glessner House Museum Glessner House Museum: Completed in 1887, this landmark is filled with its original furnishings and is considered to be the urban residential masterpiece of architect Henry Hobson Richardson.
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Chicago weather essentials

Month
High
Low
Precip
May
67°F 19°C
48°F 8°C
3 in 9 cm
Jun
77°F 25°C
59°F 15°C
3 in 8 cm
Jul
82°F 27°C
64°F 17°C
2 in 6 cm
Aug
79°F 26°C
63°F 17°C
3 in 7 cm
Sep
73°F 22°C
55°F 12°C
2 in 5 cm
Oct
60°F 15°C
44°F 6°C
2 in 5 cm
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Traveler recommended attractions
Art Institute of Chicago
As featured in 3 days in Chicago
Art Institute of Chicago
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Ranked #1 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
4.5 of 5 stars 1,095 reviews
Owner description: This Classical Renaissance structure, guarded by two bronze lions at its entrance, boasts one of the world's great art... more » Owner description: This Classical Renaissance structure, guarded by two bronze lions at its entrance, boasts one of the world's great art collections, including the trademark "American Gothic." « less
Attraction type  Art Museums
Distance  2.5 miles from city center
Cloud Gate
As featured in 3 days in Chicago
Cloud Gate
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Ranked #2 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
4.5 of 5 stars 478 reviews

Anish Kapoor's bean-shaped sculpture is considered to be the centerpiece of the new Millennium Park. more »

Attraction type  Landmarks/ Points of Interest
Distance  2.6 miles from city center
Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier
As featured in 3 days in Chicago
Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier
Map | Photos
Ranked #3 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
5 of 5 stars 148 reviews
Attraction type  Theaters; Performances
Distance  3.6 miles from city center
Lookingglass Theatre Company
As featured in 3 days in Chicago
Lookingglass Theatre Company
Map | Photos
Ranked #4 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
5 of 5 stars 48 reviews

Lookingglass Theatre may be found in the historic Water Tower Water Works building in the Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. They produce 3-4 shows each... more »

Attraction type  Theaters
Distance  3.5 miles from city center
Million Dollar Quartet
As featured in 3 days in Chicago
Map
Ranked #5 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
5 of 5 stars 55 reviews
Owner description: The new hit musical inspired by the famed 1956 recording session that brought together legendary Rock N' Roll icons Johnny... more » Owner description: The new hit musical inspired by the famed 1956 recording session that brought together legendary Rock N' Roll icons Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley. Hear the greatest hits from these music legends like "Blue Suede Shoes", "Great Balls of Fire" and more. Wed. 2pm & 7:30pm; Thurs. 7:30pm; Fri. 8pm; Sat. 5pm & 8pm; Sun. 3:30pm & 6:30pm. « less
Attraction type  Performances
Distance  5.4 miles from city center
Lake Michigan
As featured in 3 days in Chicago
Lake Michigan
Map | Photos
Ranked #6 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
4.5 of 5 stars 330 reviews

Chicago's source of drinking water, port access to the Atlantic via the Saint Lawrence seaway, and summertime playground.  There are many beaches in the city.  Please heed... more »

Attraction type  Bodies of Water
Distance  11.7 miles from city center
Millennium Park
As featured in 3 days in Chicago and 1 other guide
Millennium Park
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Ranked #7 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
4.5 of 5 stars 1,125 reviews

Millennium Park, completed in 2004 (4 years late and enormously over budget) covers the area north of the Art Institute in Chicago built on air rights over commuter train tracks... more »

Attraction type  Parks; Scenic/ Historic Walking Areas; Landmarks/ Points of Interest
Distance  2.6 miles from city center
Museum of Science and Industry
As featured in Chicago for young kids
Museum of Science and Industry
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Ranked #8 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
4.5 of 5 stars 688 reviews

The Chicago Museum of Science and Industry is the best place to visit while you are in Chicago. They have many exhibits and lots of things for kids to do. If you are going to... more »

Attraction type  Science Museums
Distance  5.3 miles from city center
Holy Name Cathedral
As featured in Chicago for young kids
Holy Name Cathedral
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Ranked #9 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
4.5 of 5 stars 45 reviews

Seat  of the Chicago Catholic archdiocese. more »

Attraction type  Architectural Buildings; Religious Sites
Distance  3.4 miles from city center
Chicago Cultural Center
As featured in 3 days in Chicago and 1 other guide
Chicago Cultural Center
Map | Photos
Ranked #10 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
4.5 of 5 stars 206 reviews
Owner description: The Chicago Cultural Center is the nation’s first free municipal cultural center and one of the most visited attractions in... more » Owner description: The Chicago Cultural Center is the nation’s first free municipal cultural center and one of the most visited attractions in Chicago. The stunning landmark building, opened in 1897 as the city’s first public library, is home to two magnificent stained-glass domes, and annually presents hundreds of free cultural exhibits and performances. The building also houses a Visitor Information Center, gift shop, and café. Admission is free. « less
Attraction type  Architectural Buildings; Art Galleries
Distance  2.6 miles from city center
Michigan Avenue
As featured in 3 days in Chicago and 1 other guide
Michigan Avenue
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Ranked #11 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
4.5 of 5 stars 633 reviews
Owner description: This main downtown thoroughfare includes the Magnificent Mile, a stretch full of every store imaginable and several of the... more » Owner description: This main downtown thoroughfare includes the Magnificent Mile, a stretch full of every store imaginable and several of the city's landmark buildings. « less
Attraction type  Landmarks/ Points of Interest
Distance  2.6 miles from city center
The Rookery
As featured in 3 days in Chicago and 1 other guide
The Rookery
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Ranked #12 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
4.5 of 5 stars 36 reviews
Owner description: Set in the heart of Chicago’s financial district, at 209 South LaSalle Street, Daniel Burnham and John Root’s Rookery... more » Owner description: Set in the heart of Chicago’s financial district, at 209 South LaSalle Street, Daniel Burnham and John Root’s Rookery Building is a Chicago landmark, containing a luminous and brilliantly articulated central light court remodeling by Frank Lloyd Wright.When completed in 1888, The Rookery was one of the most expensive and largest commercial buildings in Chicago, housing more than 600 offices. The building’s name was carried over from a nickname given to the structures that occupied The Rookery site prior to its design. These buildings, Chicago’s temporary city hall and a water tank, were known popularly as “the rookery” because of the many birds that nested there and the likelihood of being “rooked” by the politicians in residence.In 1898, when Frank Lloyd Wright opened his studio in Oak Park, he rented space in The Rookery Building to serve as his downtown Chicago office. In 1905, Wright was commissioned to update the interior design and plan of the light court and lobbies. He realized a stunning balance between Burnham & Root’s ornamental ironwork and his own vision to create a spectacular environment – one of his most dramatic interior compositions.Learn about the building’s fascinating history and the unique contribution of one of America’s greatest architects on the Preservation Trust’s guided tours Monday through Friday at noon. « less
Attraction type  Architectural Buildings
Distance  2.2 miles from city center
Wrigley Field
As featured in 3 days in Chicago and 1 other guide
Wrigley Field
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Ranked #13 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
4.5 of 5 stars 537 reviews
One of America's smallest, oldest, and best-loved ballparks, Wrigley is home to the Chicago Cubs.
Attraction type  Arenas/ Stadiums/ Fields; Sports Complexes
Distance  6.8 miles from city center
John Hancock Center / Observatory
As featured in 3 days in Chicago and 1 other guide
John Hancock Center / Observatory
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Ranked #14 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
4.5 of 5 stars 826 reviews
Visitors to Chicago's fourth tallest building can visit the 94th-floor observatory for a spectacular view of the city.
Attraction type  Observation Decks/ Towers; Architectural Buildings
Distance  3.6 miles from city center
Lyric Opera of Chicago
As featured in 3 days in Chicago and 1 other guide
Lyric Opera of Chicago
Map | Photos
Ranked #15 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
4.5 of 5 stars 54 reviews
Attraction type  Operas
Distance  2.3 miles from city center
Richard H. Driehaus Museum
As featured in Chicago off the beaten path
Richard H. Driehaus Museum
Map | Photos
Ranked #16 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
5 of 5 stars 19 reviews
Owner description: Take a step back in time to the Gilded Age with banker Samuel Nickerson's mansion. Explore all three floors of the museum and... more » Owner description: Take a step back in time to the Gilded Age with banker Samuel Nickerson's mansion. Explore all three floors of the museum and discover how the Nickerson family lived and socialized. The museum is closed on Mondays. Tours are an extra $5, but well worth it. « less
Attraction type  Museums
Distance  3.3 miles from city center
Oriental Institute Museum
As featured in Chicago off the beaten path
Oriental Institute Museum
Map | Photos
Ranked #17 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
4.5 of 5 stars 54 reviews

The word "oriental" in the name might confuse some.  The collection has nothing to do with China, Japan or India, but instead is a huge archelogical collection of objects from... more »

Attraction type  Art Museums; History Museums; Museums
Distance  5.0 miles from city center
Lincoln Park Zoo
As featured in Chicago For free and 1 other guide
Lincoln Park Zoo
Map | Photos
Ranked #18 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
4.5 of 5 stars 466 reviews
Owner description: Established in 1868, this 35-acre, beautifully landscaped zoo is one of America's last free-admission zoos. The Great Ape... more » Owner description: Established in 1868, this 35-acre, beautifully landscaped zoo is one of America's last free-admission zoos. The Great Ape House has one of the best assemblages of gorillas and chimpanzees in the world. « less
Attraction type  Zoos
Distance  4.9 miles from city center
Blue Man Group
As featured in Chicago For free and 1 other guide
Blue Man Group
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Ranked #19 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
4.5 of 5 stars 206 reviews
Owner description: It’s new. It’s cool. BLUE MAN GROUP has updated the wildly popular theatrical show at its Chicago venue. Taking a closer look... more » Owner description: It’s new. It’s cool. BLUE MAN GROUP has updated the wildly popular theatrical show at its Chicago venue. Taking a closer look at the technology that both surrounds and isolates us, BLUE MAN GROUP showcases technogeek ingenuity while uniting the audience in primal, collective exhilaration. Signature BLUE MAN GROUP moments combine with breathtakingly fun new pieces for an explosive evening of entertainment. « less
Attraction type  Performances
Distance  6.1 miles from city center
Goodman Theater
As featured in Chicago For free and 1 other guide
Goodman Theater
Map | Photos
Ranked #20 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
4.5 of 5 stars 56 reviews
Acclaimed local theater productions and theater education.
Attraction type  Theaters
Distance  2.6 miles from city center
The Field Museum
As featured in 3 days in Chicago
The Field Museum
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Ranked #21 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
4.5 of 5 stars 565 reviews
Owner description: One of America's premier natural history museums, the Field's "Live over Time" exhibit now houses "Sue," the largest and most... more » Owner description: One of America's premier natural history museums, the Field's "Live over Time" exhibit now houses "Sue," the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered. « less
Attraction type  Natural History Museums; Museums
Distance  2.0 miles from city center
Garfield Park Conservatory
As featured in Chicago For free
Garfield Park Conservatory
Map | Photos
Ranked #22 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
4.5 of 5 stars 51 reviews

Large historic conservatory (primarily indoor but some outdoor displays) located near an el stop in Garfield Park, one of the cities largest parks.  Conservatory is operated by... more »

Attraction type  Historic Sites; Gardens
Distance  4.3 miles from city center
Tommy Gun's Garage
As featured in Chicago For free
Tommy Gun's Garage
Map | Photos
Ranked #23 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
4.5 of 5 stars 28 reviews
Attraction type  Dinner Theaters
Distance  1.3 miles from city center
Symphony Center - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
As featured in Chicago For free
Symphony Center - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Map | Photos
Ranked #24 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
4.5 of 5 stars 32 reviews
Attraction type  Symphonies
Distance  2.4 miles from city center
North Michigan Avenue
As featured in Chicago For free
North Michigan Avenue
Map | Photos
Ranked #25 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
4.5 of 5 stars 26 reviews
From the Wrigley Building to the Drake Hotel, this boulevard runs the gamut of wealth and privilege.
Attraction type  Landmarks/ Points of Interest
Distance  2.9 miles from city center
Willis Tower
As featured in 3 days in Chicago
Willis Tower
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Map | Photos
Ranked #26 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
4.5 of 5 stars 800 reviews
Owner description: No trip to Chicago is complete without a visit to the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and The Ledge at... more » Owner description: No trip to Chicago is complete without a visit to the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and The Ledge at Skydeck Chicago! Treat yourself to, “one stop Chicago” experience on your journey to the 103rd floor. Enjoy 360 degree views spanning up to 50 miles and 4 states and our most spectacular view…1,353 feet straight down! “Dare to Stand Out” on The Ledge - glass balconies extending 4.3 feet outside the building provide a thrilling, once in a lifetime experience! « less
Attraction type  Architectural Buildings; Observation Decks/ Towers; Landmarks/ Points of Interest
Distance  2.1 miles from city center
Michigan Avenue Bridge
As featured in 3 days in Chicago
Michigan Avenue Bridge
Map | Photos
Ranked #27 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
4.5 of 5 stars 74 reviews

The view from the bridge is one of the best vistas the city has to offer.  The friezes on the bridgetender towers are well executed but the subject matter would nowadays be... more »

Attraction type  Bridges
Distance  3.0 miles from city center
TimeLine Theatre
As featured in 3 days in Chicago
Map
Ranked #28 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
5 of 5 stars 9 reviews
Attraction type  Theaters
Distance  6.0 miles from city center
The Magnificent Mile
As featured in 3 days in Chicago
The Magnificent Mile
Map | Photos
Ranked #29 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
4.5 of 5 stars 118 reviews
Owner description: This upscale shopping district on North Michigan Avenue sparkles during the holiday season with the Magnificent Mile Lights... more » Owner description: This upscale shopping district on North Michigan Avenue sparkles during the holiday season with the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, featuring street sales, holiday music and entertainment. « less
Attraction type  Neighborhoods; Landmarks/ Points of Interest
Distance  3.2 miles from city center
Ravinia Festival
As featured in 3 days in Chicago
Ravinia Festival
Map | Photos
Ranked #30 of 322 Attractions in Chicago
4.5 of 5 stars 67 reviews
The 11-week summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra offers both pavilion and lawn seating.
Attraction type  Concerts; Symphonies
Distance  22.2 miles from city center
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