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Activities, Locations, and Destination Spots

July 15th, 2005 by Administrator

Millennium Park, Chicago
Three square blocks of open lakefront complete with a Ferris Wheel, outdoor music pavillion and ice skating rink; expected to become one of the city’s most popular sites.

Field Museum, Chicago
One of America’s premier natural history museums, the Field’s “Live over Time” exhibit carries you on a journey from ancient civilizations through modern times, viewing remnants of bygone cultures and traditions. Get the inside story on Sue, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton ever discovered, and thousands of other preserved animals, including the infamous man-eating lions the Ghost and the Darkness.
For a less harrowing experience, try the Underground Adventure, an exhibit dedicated to soil and how it sustains life.

Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
Currently on exhibit is the world famous Body Worlds, featuring more than 200 authentic human specimens, including entire bodies as well as individual organs and transparent body slices. Using the revolutionary process of plastination invented by Dr. Gunther von Hagens, the body specimens are preserved with special plastics that allow observers to view the many layers and systems under our skin. The Body Worlds exhibit offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see and understand our own physiology and to gain new appreciation for what it means to be human.

Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago
This Classical Renaissance structure, guarded by two bronze lions at its entrance, boasts one of the world’s greatest collections of art, including the iconic “American Gothic.” Spanning centuries of human creativity, exhibits include a distinguished collection of prints and drawings, an internationally acclaimed collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, sculptures, photographs, architectural drawings, Asian, African and American arts, textiles and more.

Sears Tower, Chicago
A ride to the 110th floor observatory deck at the top of North America’s tallest building gives you a panoramic view of the architecture, neighborhoods and Lake Michigan that make Chicago unique. The Skydeck Tour also includes a multimedia presentation and an exhibit with information on the Sears Tower and other architecturally significant buildings.

Navy Pier, Chicago
This family entertainment complex extending into Lake Michigan offers daylong fun with more than 50 acres of parks and gardens, shopping, restaurants and exciting attractions. Navy Pier features a 15-story Ferris wheel, world-class performers at the Skyline Stage and Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and three floors of interactive fun at the Chicago Children’s Museum.

Shedd Aquarium, Chicago
When you visit Shedd, you can experience environments around the world. See Caribbean coral reefs, Amazon and Pacific rocky coasts. These extensive exhibits take you closer to the natural wonders of some of the world’s richest ecosystems. The recreated environments of the Amazon River and Philippine coral reefs at the Shedd Aquarium are only outdone by its newest exhibit, “Wild Reef - Sharks at Shedd,” one of the largest and most diverse shark exhibits in North America.

Wrigley Field, Chicago
Wrigley Field, one of the great icons of American Sports, opened April 23, 1914, and is home to the Chicago Cubs. The second-oldest major league ballpark in the country (second only to Boston’s Fenway, 1912) holds a special place in the heart of many a ball fan.

John Hancock Center, Chicago
Visitors to Chicago’s third tallest building can visit the 94th-floor observatory for a spectacular view of the city.

Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago
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.

Marshall Field’s, Chicago
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Marshall Field’s flagship store offers complimentary audio tours daily and guided seasonal tours of the flagship store (Memorial Day-Labor Day Sat. 1pm) Holiday Traditions (Nov.-Dec. Sat. 11am) and the annual flower show (Mar/Apr. selected days daily 11:30am, Thurs. 5:30pm). Audio Tours Complimentary sefl-guided self-paced audio tours of Marshall Field’s flagship store and stories of the man and the retailer who built a 150 year old legacy to retailing and Chicago. Available during store hours. Holiday Traditions Tour Complimentary guided tour of Marshall Field’s renowned State Street windows and Walnut Room 45′ Great Tree. Includes narrative on Uncle Mistletoe andSanta Bear, Marshall Field’s holiday icons. Flagship Field’s Tour Complimentary, guided tour of Marhsall Field’s flagship store, listed on the National Register and included the world’s largest Tiffany ceiling, the State Stree columns and windows and great clocks.

Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago
This center houses three attractions in one - a visitors’ center, the Museum of Broadcast Communications and a performance venue.

Magnificent Mile, Chicago
Representing the spirit of American shopping, this well-known stretch of Michigan Avenue has something for everyone in hundreds of trendy stores, unique galleries, souvenir shops and an assortment of bakeries and cafes selling anything and everything. Be sure to check out the decorations during the holiday season that make the mile look even more magnificent. Hard-core shoppers will want to start at the north end, a cluster of three malls: Chicago Place Mall, Water Tower Place and the 900 North Michigan Shops. 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.

Chicago Architecture Foundation, Chicago
The foundation’s two locations are both in unique Chicago structures - the Hancock Building and the Santa Fe Building.

American Girl Place, Chicago
American Girl Place Chicago is located across the street from the historic Water Tower and overlooks Lake Michigan. American Girl Place is where the magic of the past and present come to life in dazzling ways. Much more than a store, it’s the place where imaginations soar—from boutiques to special events, from the Cafe to the Theater and beyond. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or you’re back for more—we’re glad to see you!

Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, Chicago
The Adler has a prime location on the lake, but keeps its eyes on the stars.

Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago
This museum’s contemporary yet classical design keeps the focus on the art, not the building.

Chicago Historical Society, Chicago
This museum brings the Second City’s long and colorful history to life, with exhibits on everything from the Great Fire of 1871 to the city’s rich background in sports.