DAY 2 OUTSIDE THE LOOP MORNING For bird’s-eye views, head to 360 CHICAGO on the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Center. Visitors can step onto the TILT platform that angles over the edge of the observation deck 1,030 feet (.31 kilometers) above The Magnificent Mile. Afterward, head to the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art to see revered works dating from the 1920s to the present. Arrange for your group to go on a private, customized tour. You can also attend an informative art talk or cultural program. EVENING Tonight, more exciting entertainment is on tap for your group. Choose from a concert, comedy, or theatre. Attend a concert at The Salt Shed in a historic setting. The venue features both indoor and outdoor events on the site of the former Morton Salt complex, located on the North Branch of the Chicago River. Laughs abound at The Second City , known as the birthplace of improv. Catch tomorrow’s comedy stars in unscripted, interactive shows in the Old Town neighborhood. Famous alumni include Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, and Bill Murray. The award-winning Steppenwolf Theatre Company , featuring an ensemble cast, offers critically acclaimed productions in Lincoln Park. Actors, directors, and playwrights contribute their expertise for small and large shows in three theatres. See the Blue Man Group , a trio of hilarious bald men painted blue who entertain with a unique brand of performance art at the Briar Street Theatre. It’s a multisensory experience that combines a live band, dazzling lights, and creative technology. AFTERNOON Iconic Navy Pier offers a variety of attractions, activities, and events year-round, surrounded by breathtaking Lake Michigan views. Take off on a simulated flight for an immersive adventure that soars high above some of Chicago's most magnificent sights with Flyover . Board a leisurely City Cruises Chicago brunch or lunch cruise. Or opt for the Chicago Seadog Extreme Thrill Ride speedboat tour. Experience 360-degree city views on the soaring Centennial Wheel or ride the old-fashioned carousel in Pier Park . Then, take a relaxing stroll and watch free cultural performances at Polk Bros Park . End the afternoon on a sweet note at the Museum of Ice Cream . Discover how ice cream is made, play ice cream-themed games at 14 different installations, and eat as many ice cream treats as you like. Group bookings are available. DAY 3 NEIGHBORHOODS MORNING Explore a storied Chicago neighborhood this morning. Choose either leafy Lincoln Park or collegiate Hyde Park as your destination. LINCOLN PARK Get close to wildlife on a self-guided tour at the Lincoln Park Zoo , where admission is always free. Sign up for the Malott Family Penguin Encounter, which includes a behind-the-scenes tour and a chance to be greeted by the African penguins in their habitat. See nature-inspired exhibits at the nearby Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum , which features outdoor walking trails. You’ll be surrounded by over 1,000 free-flying butterflies in the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven greenhouse. Delve into local history at the Chicago History Museum . Groups can explore fascinating artifacts, interactive displays, and exhibits with themes such as the Great Chicago Fire and the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Join a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum or take a walking tour and visit area neighborhoods. HYDE PARK Discover two of the city’s leading museums in Hyde Park. The massive Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is home to hundreds of interactive exhibits that include an actual World War II U-505 German submarine that you can walk through, plus the five-story wraparound Giant Dome Theater. At The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center , view African American artworks and historical exhibits, and attend a lecture or workshop focused on diversity. Navy Pier Explore the grounds of the historic, ivy-covered University of Chicago . See fascinating collections at the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum . Take a guided group tour of the works at the Smart Museum of Art that aim to spark conversation. See the best example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie-style architecture on a docent-led tour of the 1910 Frederick C. Robie House , a National Historic Landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s flush with modernism details such as iridescent leaded glass 4 choosechicago.com/tools RANVESTEL PHOTOGRAPHIC
Chicago Travel Professionals Guide 2025: Page 4
