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111 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: 312-443-3600
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The Art Institute of Chicago is probably the jewel in the crown of Grant Park, right between Millennium Park and the Buckingham Fountain. Although most visitors probably don’t realize it, the Institute started out life as an Art School in 1866. But as the Institution’s reputation as a first-rate school grew, its exhibition space did, too. These days, the Institute’s massive collection fills three different buildings, and there is so much amazing art on display that you’re tempted to put on hiking boots and pack a lunch before you go inside. The highlights here are many, but the museum’s most famous treasures include its fine collection of Impressionist paintings, such as George Searaut’s pointillist masterpiece “Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte”. What else can you say about this museum, but that it’s simply one of the best Fine Art Collections in the world.
Buckingham Fountain
Grant Park
Chicago, IL 60601
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If the goings-on in nearby Millennium Park are a bit too “avant-garde” for your tastes, then you might prefer to relax at the classically styled Buckingham Fountain, to the south. This local landmark was patterned after a fountain at the Palace of Versailles, but it’s actually twice the size of its model. Every hour, there’s a twenty-minute water display that’s one of the best you’ll see anywhere. For over eighty years, this beauty has been a symbol of Grant Park, and a source of Pride for the whole city of Chicago.
Chicago History Museum
1601 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: 312-642-4600
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This collection was completely revamped in 2006, so even those of us who come here often are seeing something new this time around. The exhibits here cover the waterfront, highlighting nearly ever facet of the sometimes rough and tumble history of the city. Two favorite with many visitors are the museum’s Costume and Textile Gallery, which showcases both historical clothing and high fashion, and the exhibit dealing with Chicago's contribution to the world of Music. Other parts of the museum focus on some of Illinois’ favorite sons, and on Chicago’s unique position as a crossroads of America. Put these exhibits together with the museums more kid friendly features, and you’ve got the makings of a pretty enjoyable day.
175 N. State Street
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 312-902-1500
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Located on North State Street is the Chicago Theatre, whose neon sign has become an icon in this city – a town that has embraced live theater like few others. In the area right around the Chicago are some of the city’s most popular theatres, which showcase everything from Broadway-style mega-musicals to gritty modern dramas. Other major stages in the area include the Oriental Theater, the Cadillac Palace (both operated by Broadway in Chicago) and the Goodman Theatre.
Ernest Hemingway Birthplace
339 N. Oak Park Avenue
Oak Park, IL 60302
Phone: 708-848-2222
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Two homes are associated with Oak Park’s favorite son, writer Ernest Hemingway. Though the home where he spent most of his boyhood is still privately owned, his birthplace a few blocks away is open for tours. This lovely Queen Anne house was actually the home of Hemingway’s grandparents, but it was here that the writer was born in 1899. To be honest, young Ernest was a bit too restless for life in Oak Park, and he left here to start his career shortly after high school. He even once famously referred to his old hometown as a place with wide lawns and narrow minds, but it seems most folks here in Oak Park are willing to let bygones be bygones. It’s amazing what a Nobel Prize can do.
Field Museum of Natural History
1400 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
Phone: 312-922-9410
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For over a hundred years, this gigantic museum has been bringing the world back to Chicago, and it’s got six acres of exhibit space to prove it. Here you can see everything from dinosaur bones to Egyptian mummies and back again. This massive museum is one of the true highlights of any visit to Chicago.