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5 Top Tourist Attractions You Must Visit in Chicago

  • April 14, 2023
  • Robert

Often known as the windy city, Chicago lies along the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. Chicago is popularly known for its interesting architecture, excellent shopping, numerous cultural attractions, and vibrant art scenes. Thus, this city attracts tourists from all over the globe to experience its beauty. In the sporting sphere, Chicago also has much to offer, including the Chicago Bulls in basketball, Chicago Bears in American football, and the Chicago White Sox and Cubs in baseball. Also, if you love interacting with nature, you will love what the beautiful beaches stretching along the waterfront offers. While deciding where to tour in Chicago might depend on your interests, here are the top 5 attractions you must not miss visiting.

  1. The Navy Pier

Initially opened in 1916 as a shipping facility and an amusement area, the Navy Pier is currently one of the most prominent tourist attractions in the city. Currently, this destination comprises 50 acres of parks, restaurants, shops, garden attractions, and concert venues. You will find a historic carousel and a 150-foot wheel in the Navy Pier Park.

If you love nature, you must visit the Crystal Gardens, which includes a one-acre indoor botanic garden. Also, tourists can watch actors perform live at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater or watch a film at the 3D Imax Theater. You can book Chicago boat tours from here to various sightseeing excursions.

  1. The Art Institute of Chicago

This destination involves a world-class museum consisting of thousands of artworks. If you love art or are an artist, you must not miss out on this destination. The collections here span thousands of years and comprise pieces from different media, including architectural drawings, sculpture, photography, prints, paintings, etc.

  1. Water Show at Buckingham Fountain

The Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain is unique and one of the giant fountains worldwide. It was established in 1927 as a donation and is designed in the period’s iconic Art Deco style. This fountain bursts to life on an hourly basis, usually from 8 am-11 pm showcasing 15000 gallons of water each minute, creating an epic scene. Ensure you carry your phone or camera fully charged, as you will need it here.

  1. The Magnificent Mile and Michigan Avenue

Michigan Avenue is perhaps the most eye-pleasing boulevard in the US. The Magnificent Mile consists of numerous boutiques, luxury shops, and galleries, a section of Michigan Avenue. Some attractions here include theaters hosting comedy, musicals, and touring plays. Also, you will find the Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building, and John Hancock Center along this destination. Be sure to visit this destination at the end of the day to enjoy the days and the night view, all of which will blow your mind.

  1. Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park gives its visitors an opportunity to interact with nature. Lincoln Park is the largest park in Chicago, stretching for about 6 miles along the edge of Lake Michigan. This destination is home to the Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago History Museum, Lincoln Park Conservatory, and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Also, you will enjoy various pieces of public art and significant statues within the grounds of the park.

Photo by stephan cassara on Unsplash

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  • chicago boat tours
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Robert

Robert has worked in travel for over 35 years, running tour operators in Pakistan, Italy & the UK, writing guide books and articles and running a conservation charity that fights species extinction and habitat loss worldwide. He's trekked coast to coast across Borneo, climbed to 6,500 metres in the Himalayas, travelled the the length of the Silk Road and been chased out of a bar in Lesotho by a Warthog.

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