SPEND 3 DAYS IN CHICAGO These themed full-day itineraries will help your group make the most of their time in Chicago with ideas for the best places to experience the city’s architecture, outdoors, and culture. DAY 1: ARCHITECTURE MORNING Start your day with spectacular city views from Skydeck Chicago , located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (the second-tallest building in the country), and treat your group to breakfast on The Ledge , a thrilling glass-floored balcony. At the Chicago Cultural Center , take a free private group tour (advance booking required) and marvel at the world’s largest stained-glass Tiffany dome. Don’t miss the free classical Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts, held every Wednesday afternoon. Across the street at Millennium Park , take a selfie in the reflection of Anish Kapoor’s mirrored Cloud Gate sculp-ture (nicknamed “The Bean”). Splash around in the multimedia Crown Fountain , then check out the breath-taking Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion . Urban Kayaks Go behind the scenes of iconic per-forming arts venues by bringing your group on the Marquee Tour at The Chicago Theatre or the Backstage Tour of the Lyric Opera of Chicago , which explores the Art Deco-style theatre. On the enhanced Rookery Light Court + Burnham Library Tour led by the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust, explore Daniel Burnham and John Root’s 1888 Rookery Building, with its light-filled Frank Lloyd Wright-designed lobby. You’ll also see the Burnham Library, where architects met to discuss plans for the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. AFTERNOON Choose one of the many architecture-themed walking tours offered by the Chicago Architecture Center , such as Art Deco Skyscrapers or Tiffany Treasures. From March through November, glide past Chicago’s stunning cityscape on an architecture boat cruise with the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady (90 minutes), Mercury Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline (90 minutes), Shoreline Sightseeing (60 minutes), or Wendella Tours & Cruises (45–90 minutes). Spend some time shopping on The Magnificent Mile while passing landmark structures such as the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, and DuSable Bridge. Continue on to historic State Street to visit Macy’s State Street , housed in the turn-of-the-century Marshall Field and Company Building. Or, head out of the city for the after-noon with a trip to west suburban Oak Park’s Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District . This architectural treasure trove is home to the storied Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio where the architect lived and created his famed Prairie style of design, as well as the striking Unity Temple . EVENING At night, enjoy a unique view of the summer Navy Pier fireworks from TILT at 360 CHICAGO , an exhilarating experience that tilts you over the edge of the observation deck, 1,030 feet above The Magnificent Mile. Or, bring your group to experience the magic of the theatre. Watch original plays and literary adaptations at Lookingglass Theatre Company on The Magnificent Mile. In the Loop, catch a concert at the Auditorium Theatre , or a dance performance by the Joffrey Ballet at the Lyric Opera House . Or venture outside of downtown and into the neighborhoods to experience fast-paced improv comedy at The Second City in Old Town, or see headliner stand-up comedians at the Laugh Factory in Lakeview. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: RANVESTEL PHOTOGRAPHIC (2 PHOTOS); GRAHAM CHAPMAN 6 choosechicago.com/tools
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