Chicago Attractions

You can get the Middle East in Chicago. I visited the Oriental Institute Museum and was surprised at the grand collections that they had on offer. Some of the pieces were from a culture that was thousands of miles of away. The presentation is suitably impressive and they have gone out of their way to create a collection that can rival some of the very best in the world. The University of Chicago is one of the major sources of the collection and it has been a winner from many different perspectives. You get to see some of the wonderful colored patterns that are associated with Israel and ancient Babylon. Some of the parts were excavated in the twentieth century.

The most amazing thing is that the Oriental Institute Museum is right in the middle of a very cosmopolitan and uniquely American city. There are about ten rooms which give you the room to explore all the things that are in focus. The collections are grouped by date and location. I find this method very easy to handle because I can work out where I last visited. The panels have lots of explanatory guides which will help you understand the history of the place. The Egyptian Collection has been a firm favorite in all circumstances. The museum attempts to rival some of the artifacts that are found in European establishments.

We were hooked by the archeology sector. The Middle East has a tradition that is almost as old as the African tradition. There is plenty of that in the Oriental Institute Museum. You will not be disappointed by your visit. The organization of the museum has been exceptional and there are plenty of plus points that you can point to when assessing its merits. You get a cultural experience on your holiday.

I was stunned by the collections in the Oriental Institute Museum. However they are not quite as impressive as their European counterparts. Therefore 4 stars out of 5 is a suitable assessment.

The Shedd Aquarium has been set up for families but the attention to detail means that virtually anyone can walk in and have a wonderful experience. The settings are just right for this sort of thing. You will find that the provision of entertainment is unique and interesting. The variety of fish is just stunning. I tried the Shedd Aquarium last summer and would honestly recommend it to anyone that is interested in Sea Life. There are whales and coral. You do not have to go out to the sea to see these species when the aquarium is providing you with some of the best facilities in the world. I like the idea that the Shedd Aquarium is part of a conservation project. That means that the natural habitat of the fish species is replicated in order to give them the best life possible. There are some free days but they are extremely popular. You are advised to arrive early.

The gift shop is about tacky but the children will love it. The Shedd Aquarium has been designed for children and therefore you can relax as they explore all the treasures that are found within the locality. It is also likely that your kids will be manageable due to the interest that they are getting from the fish species on display. The Shedd Pass can give you an extra ticket on certain days. For $26.65 you could get some stunning views of rare fish species. The twenty minute Beluga or Porpoise Whale show is one of the highlights when you visit. The shows could do with some variety but in general this is an excellent deal from all perspectives. Families will find that the provision is just right up their street. It is one of the tourist locations in Chicago that provide unique experiences.

I like the family atmosphere at the Shedd Aquarium. I also happen to think that conservation is quite a noble cause. Therefore I give them 4 stars out of 5 for their ability to bring out the habitat.

The Supernatural Chicago experience should be enjoyed as a family but my teenagers loved it to the hilt. The family will find the experience unique but you have to come without preconceptions or else you might end up hating the entire experience. The free drink coupons are a classy touch that will help to sell this experience. The show was entertaining especially if you took the time to study the specific displays. Apart from all the special effects, the show is actually quite informative. You can get your kids to learn quite a lot without having to take them too many different places.

This is the place to be if you are visiting Chicago. I was impressed by the guide Neil. There were also the gory details from the ghost tales. Of course the magic had an element of the ludicrous but that is what you get with such shows. The finale is truly spectacular and you feel as if you have been through the experiences of a lifetime. This is one of the best ways that you can spend your holiday. There is much to admire about the way that they have made arrangements to open up to the public.

My family loved the audience participation part and they said that it was likely that they would return if given the opportunity. If you have had enough of the shows then you can settle down to a nice meal. These are the things that make this one of the better options for visitors to Chicago. It is open at family friendly times and there are indicators that this is one of the most popular attractions. Of course if you come with a bad attitude you will not be able to enjoy all the attractions that are on offer. There is no doubt that there is much to be gained by this sort of attraction.

I am no whizz-kid or even that attracted to geeky stuff. However I thought Supernatural Chicago was rather cool. I give them 3 stars out of 5 for new experiences.

The Field Museum has those dinosaurs that are presented in ways that you have never experienced before. I started off with the building which is a work of art in its own right. If you are in the summer, the cool breeze on the entrance will be a very welcome addition to your experiences. The stuffed animals are not to everyone’s but they do the best that they can do on this level. It was only when we went to the dinosaur section that we saw the real potential of what this museum could represent in the right circumstances. The dinosaurs acquired an almost lifelike attitude under the masterful displays. This was a unique location in Chicago and we were grateful for the possibility of seeing some of the great stuff that they had on offer.

The layout of the Field Museum makes it easier for younger kids to grasp some of the concepts that they are displaying. The underground exhibits brought a new dimension to the experience. You could not be bored by the type of things that they were putting up for viewing. You can sit down and do some private work such as coloring. It is a great way to learn about dinosaurs without getting too fixated by the stuffed animals. It pays if you take the time to study the displays before visiting.

Surprisingly the Field Museum was quiet given the great items it had in the dinosaur section. Of course it might that the visitors are going to the Shedd and leaving this to the connoisseurs. In any case the absence of crowds gives you peace of mind. You can explore all the displays at your leisure. There is no pressure in all the things that you are doing. It is even possible to find alternative routes to secure the best vantage points.

The good news is that the dinosaurs are to die for. The bad news is that the stuffed animals are rather tacky. I am going to be rather mean and give them 3 stars out of 5 for not being innovative enough.

The Willis Tower is one of the best ways to see Chicago in action. There are different parts of the city that you cannot in one day. This tower gives you the freedom to look at them as if you were a bird. The Sky Deck has been set up specifically to give you the flexibility to see the various localities within Chicago. Although it can get very cold in the winter, you get to see some of the best sites in the locality. The ledges can be dangerously fascinating. If you are one of those amateur photographers, this is manna from heaven. We certainly took some amazing photographs of the Chicago skyline. The enclosure can protect you from the biting cold that can become part of this city within a matter of minutes. The low visibility and storms are part of the problem. If there are storms then the visibility will be affected. Therefore you need to look for the best times to visit the area.

There is something special about seeing Chicago from the vantage point of the Willis Tower. You can get a free train service to the O’Hare area. The night is the best time to see the wonderful views of the city. The Sky Deck members of staff might help you to take photographs that you can use as souvenirs. It is important that you take the time to look at all the things that are on display. There is a side to Chicago which the tourist brochures will not do justice to. You need to find the vantage points that will give you unfettered access to the things that are on display in Chicago. This is not an experience for people with vertigo. I have a fear of heights but on this occasion I was too taken up by the views.

The Willis tower is an interesting concept and I was enamored by the members of staff. They all seemed so polite. I am happy to give them a whopping 4 stars out of 5 for the sheer dedication to customer care.

I tend to love water so you can imagine my excitement when I decided to use the Navy Pier. It was a bit like all those old days on the Thames River back in England. Even the kids will love it but you will need to watch for them on the decks. You can choose a romantic ride without the kids. The location is just exceptional and you are not likely to forget it quickly. If manage to come in during the night there are some wonderful fireworks that will certainly attract your attention. There are free nights where you can bring a large family. If you want to use it as a base, it is within the vicinity of other tourist attractions within Chicago. I liked the fact that if I was late for some of the other attractions I could still use the Navy Pier at night. That gave me flexibility in the way that I planned my day.

The fireworks display is really spectacular. For fifteen minutes you might think that you are on the Sidney Harbor on New Year’s Eve. The views on the city of Chicago are just brilliant. The eating places are affordable and yet they provide some different types of cuisine. This is definitely a well planned attraction. The Chicago Pizza is a unique experience which you should not forget. The stained glass museum is along the Navy Pier so you can get two attractions for the price of one. A carnival completes the fun atmosphere within the locality. This is Chicago at its best. There is a lot of window but a jacket will be enough to keep away the elements. You get plenty of exercise from the walks. It is possible to sit along the harbor and just enjoy the wonderful views.

The Navy Pier offers the Thames experience without the stuffy elements. I like the concept of mixing Chicago with the river. Therefore a generous 4.5 stars out of 5 is just fine.

If you are looking for an educational trip for the kids then the Museum of Science and Industry fits the bill perfectly. It is able to handle large parties. The last time I visited we were able to travel with my cousins and their families. The area is primarily targeted towards kids and they will be absolutely thrilled with the displayed. Sometimes you might be able to book a free day where your costs will be minimal. It pays to look at all the information booklets that they have offer. They will give you the kind of insight that might make the trip more enjoyable. The kids certainly like this sort of museum. Of course some adults might feel that they have seen it all. The Museum of Science and Industry offers a unique part of Chicago that cannot be seen in other sectors.

The Museum of Science and Industry has business sectors which are interesting for certain kids. You take kids right from the age four. The Idea factory is impressive in the way that persuades kids to think about the science behind the things that they use in their daily lives. You can visit the coal mine exhibit and get a sanitized version of the real thing. I visited the Museum of Science and Industry with little preconceptions given the fact that I had never taken the kids there.

The time passed without us noticing that we were absorbed by the displays and all the wonderful facts that were run out. The fact that the displays are interactive is another attractive feature in terms of helping to add interest to the experience. Some people might the displays rather juvenile but I certainly found then interesting yet I am on the wrong side of twenty.

There is a serious side to the Museum of Science and Industry. I like the way that they have made it all about the kids and will therefore score it 4 stars out of 5.

The Millennium Park is all about innovation and traditional tourism. I liked the aesthetics as well as the general structure of the place. They have some design pieces that are worth your attention if you happen to visit. This building only came into being in 2004 but it does not look out of place when compared to historical Chicago. The kids love the mirror ball. It gives some unique perspectives on your face and body. There is a relaxing atmosphere at the Millennium Park which lends itself to visitors that are tired of the bustle of the main tourism centers. At the same time you can have a very stylish experience. You can get your exploratory glasses on and see the things that they have on offer at this venue.

I have to say that I liked the park at the Millennium Park. There were none of the hassles that are associated with popular tourist attractions.  You can use the location as a link to the Art Institute. There is also the attraction of Gehry’s Pritzker pavilion. The Crown Fountains offer the kids an ideal opportunity to play in open spaces. There is a challenge for drivers because they have to come up with $25 as the minimum for parking. That is one hefty price to pay for the privilege of keeping your car in a specific area. There are four attractions at the Millennium Park and therefore you might decide that the parking charges are worth your while. On the other hand you might decide to walk to the location. It is a good idea to walk around the Millennium Park. This is good exercise and there are plenty of monuments to attract your attention. In the end you have to make the most of the ambience as well as the facilities on offer.

The Millennium Park reminds me of those cheesy end-of-century parties. I also hate the parking fee but they are quite interesting. A 4 stars rating out of 5 is quite appropriate here.

I had the pleasure of visiting one of the most unique buildings in Chicago by way of the Marina City. There is often quite a lot that is going on in the city and this is a unique opportunity to sample some of the great forms of entertainment that are open to the general public. Look out for all the photo opportunities as well as the high towers which provide a vantage point that is almost unrivaled. I love the views of the River North. You can walk through the great restaurants if you are looking for a meal. The trip to the Marina City might also include some shopping. There are plenty of bargains to be made at all the entry points. We also enjoyed photographing the unique architecture.

If you have some money it might be worth your while to buy some of the apartments near the towers. You will have the Chicago River to wake you up every morning. You can also walk out to the Lake Michigan area.  This is prime property given the location and the amenities that are within the vicinities. The tourism factor might be somewhat intimidating but it should not put you off the basic charms of Chicago. You are well within the major transport routes and there is a vibrant commercial center.

After some time the views of Chicago can become monotonous and therefore the Marina City provides the right contrast. Seeing the area from above is not quite the same as seeing it on ground level. You will find that you appreciate the area in a whole new context. That is the benefit of looking from these vantage points. Moreover the tourism sector has been important in taking the area to the next level. This is an up and coming area of Chicago.

Without a doubt the Marina City would be a favorite with Sea lovers. I am one of those and will be happy to score it 3.5 stars out of 5.

Chicago has not yet been included in the “real America” as defined by certain controversial politicians. The Wrigley Field gives you the kind of experience that will make you look at Chicago in a new light. There are baseball games that are typically of that country. The drinks and food are rather expensive but the atmosphere is the best attraction that you can find. The rules of baseball are not too complex and therefore foreigners can easily catch up. The Chicago Cubs are present on many occasions. You can also see the White Sox. The tickets are surprisingly affordable starting at about $10.00. If you want to get the premium seats then you might have to pay considerably more. You can let your imagination ride as you see a traditional part of Chicago.

There are some quirky bits that add to the experience. For example there is no video scoreboard so that you get the feeling that you are running back in time. The older amenities are another aspect that makes you think that traditional Chicago is not interested in the creature comforts. I happened to visit the Cubs dressing room and it is an interesting adventure given the fame that is associated with the team. Make sure that you book in time for the high profile games. The Wrigley Field is just one of the attractions in Chicago and you can complement other visits with this one. You will need to try and book tickets for live games because the atmosphere cannot be replicated. I found that the games where quite enthusiastic especially when the star teams were on show. You might have to queue for seats if it is a busy night but that is just part of the American tradition. Make sure that you take the kids because they will love it.

This was a highlight for sports fans. If you are looking for real America in Chicago then this is the place to be. I have no hesitation in giving them the full 5 stars out of 5. They are simply perfect.