Allana Mortell 2023-01-12 06:24:19
A variety of our city’s attractions, from flower-filled conservatories to landmark museums, are free to see and explore. We’ve rounded up a list of standouts to get you started. The Pullman National Monument showcases the first planned industrial community in the United States, and was designated a National Monument by former President Barack Obama. See where Pullman train car employees lived and worked in the 1800s. Spanning a full city block, the Chicago Cultural Center is a Loop landmark. Home to the world’s largest Tiffany stained-glass dome, it features gallery exhibits, music and dance performances, and building tours of its outstanding architecture. Big Marsh Bike Park is a 297-acre bike park on the southeast side of the city that includes more than five challenging tracks for biking (with bike rentals available), nature trails for hiking, and a beloved birdwatching spot. Whether you’re taking selfies at Cloud Gate (also known as “The Bean”), splashing around in Crown Fountain, strolling through Lurie Garden, or seeing a concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, there are endless opportunities for fun in Millennium Park. For music lovers, check out the park’s free festivals, including the Chicago Gospel Music Festival, Chicago Blues Festival, Chicago Jazz Festival, Grant Park Music Festival, and Millennium Park Summer Music Series. Dance lovers won’t want to miss the Chicago SummerDance series. Whether you want to learn how to salsa or two-step, this series features dance lessons and live music at parks across the city. For a deep dive into the artistry of Mexican culture, the National Museum of Mexican Art is a must-visit in Pilsen. The museum showcases everything from photography collections to film and paintings. Both the Lincoln Park Conservatory and Garfield Park Conservatory highlight the best of botanicals, featuring thousands of palms, plants, and flowers. These lush indoor gardens transport you to a tropical environment that can’t be beat. Scan here to find more free things to do in Chicago. AUTHOR’S TIP The Harold Washington Library Center, one of the largest public libraries in the world, features the sun-filled Winter Garden that makes for a picturesque place to stop and recharge as you’re exploring the Loop. Scan here to find more free things to do in Chicago. 28 choosechicago.
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