CONTENTS 10 REASONS TO MEET CHOOSE CHICAGO IS HERE TO HELP EXPLORE WHAT’S NEW FESTIVALS & EVENTS CONVENTION FACILITIES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS ACCESSIBLE CHICAGO FEATURED PARTNERS TAP INTO CHICAGO’S DIVERSE BUSINESSES RESOURCES ACTIVE TEAM BUILDING IDEAS UNMATCHED PRIVATE DINING IN CHICAGO ICONIC CHICAGO EVENT VENUES GUIDE TO THE McCORMICK PLACE AREA MEET SUSTAINABLY CHICAGO HOTEL COLLECTIONS SEE CHICAGO IN 24 HOURS SEE Experience what a city that’s never outdone feels, tastes, sounds, and looks like — check out our exciting one-day itinerary for a whirlwind tour of Chicago’s must-see attractions. CHICAGO IN 24 HOURS neighborhood in the nation. In Bronzeville, Chicago’s historic Black Metropolis, learn about influential African American civil rights, music, and arts pioneers. Tours customized to your interests can last from two to four hours and are offered in over a dozen languages year-round. Register at least two weeks in advance of your visit to Chicago. Or spend your morning exploring the storied Hyde Park neighborhood, home of the lauded University of Chicago . Get hands-on at the massive Griffin Museum of Science and Industry , 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. Nearby, wander the peaceful paths of the Japanese-inspired Garden of the Phoenix in Jackson Park, dotted with koi ponds and scenic bridges. Tour the magnificent Frederick C. Robie House with a docent from the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best examples of Wright’s signature Prairie style, which sparked a revolution in residential architecture when it was built in the early 1900s. At The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center view exhibits that trace the history and culture of African Americans in Chicago and across the diaspora. board the award-winning Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard First Lady and see more than 50 of the city’s architectural gems on a 90-minute tour narrated by trained local volunteers from mid-March through November. Then, spend some time along the postcard-perfect Chicago Riverwalk . See attractions like the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial , shop for artisan goods at the Community Marketplace , and grab a bite to eat paired with a glass of wine or locally brewed beer at one of the charming waterfront cafes. There are also plenty of ways to get on the water, from renting a kayak or captaining your own Chicago Boat Company boat (including the unique wintertime hot tub boat) to boarding a cruise with one of the many tour companies docked at the Riverwalk. At night see the dazzling Art on THE MART , the largest permanent digital art projection in the world. Check ahead for seasonal business hours. Get a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the city at one of Chicago’s awesome observatories. On the lower level of the Willis Tower begin with The Skydeck Experience , an interactive museum of Chicago history that playfully touches on everything from Chicago foods to famous Chicagoans. Afterward, you’ll be whisked up to the 103rd-floor Skydeck Chicago , the highest observation deck in the U.S. The star of the show is The Ledge , a series of glass-enclosed observation boxes that jut out from the side of the Willis Tower, offering Instagram-worthy city views. Or head over to The Magnificent Mile and take a speedy elevator ride up MORNING Start your day with a walk, run, or bike ride along Chicago’s scenic Lakefront Trail , with the beautiful waters of Lake Michigan on one side and the city’s spectacular skyline on the other. You’ll pass picturesque harbors, lush green parks, and miles of sandy beaches. From spring through early winter, rent a set of wheels and pedal off on your own or join a guided bicycle tour with Bobby’s Bike Hike Chicago or Bike and Roll Chicago . Nearby is Millennium Park , the city’s glorious oasis in the heart of the Loop that’s beautiful in any season. Make your first stop the shiny Cloud Gate sculpture (affectionately known as “The Bean”) and snap the quintessential Chicago selfie. If the weather is warm, dip your toes in the multimedia Crown Fountain , which features video images of everyday Chicagoans. Be sure to stroll the flower-filled path of the all-seasons Lurie Garden . In the evening you can catch a free summertime concert on the lawn of the architecturally stunning Jay Pritzker Pavilion . Or go skating during winter at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink . Next, head indoors to the world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago . You can easily spend hours exploring the galleries of this famed art museum that holds the largest collection of Impressionist paintings outside of France. And be sure to see the Modern Wing, with works by greats like Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso. Join a free daily Gallery Tour to see iconic pieces and lesser-known art treasures with a knowledgeable guide. Then, join a free Chicago Greeter neighborhood tour led by a friendly local volunteer who will share interesting facts and insider tips. Explore The Legacy Walk and LGBTQ+ history in Northalsted, the first officially recognized gay LEFT TO RIGHT: KATHLEEN HINKEL PHOTOGRAPHY; @TEGUILAGRAPHICS AFTERNOON Learn how Chicago rose from the ashes of the Great Chicago Fire to become the groundbreaking architecture powerhouse it is today at the Chicago Architecture Center . Wander two floors of galleries that feature exhibits such as the dynamic Chicago City Model Experience, which showcases more than 4,000 buildings to illustrate fascinating stories of the city. On the Chicago River just steps away,
Chicago Meeting Professionals Guide 2026: Page 58
