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East of Downtown
Chicago, IL 60610
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Lake Michigan, a 22,000 square mile body of water, is the only one of the Great Lakes that is totally inside the United States, and it’s the fifth largest lake in the entire world. On the sandy shores east of downtown, one of the most popular spots to beat the heat is North Avenue Beach, which has become a haven for sun worshippers, volleyball players, and basically anyone else who can sneak away from work during the day. This is one of a whole series of beaches in this part of town, all connected by a bike and foot path that runs parallel to Lakeshore Drive. In summertime, it’s a great walk from here to the Oak Street Beach to the south.
Lincoln Park Conservatory
2400 N. Stockton Drive
Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: 312-742-7736
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Known for its many statues, Lincoln Park is a twelve hundred acre oasis with a relaxed atmosphere that makes it just the spot for an afternoon stroll or bike ride. Just north of the zoo is the Lincoln Park Conservatory, a domed botanical garden with exotic flowers, ferns, and palms inside, and lovely landscaping all around. Come winter, it’s about the only green locals get to see until St. Patrick’s Day.
Millennium Park
Michigan Ave. & Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: 312-742-1168
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Millennium Park is the Loop’s newest, flashiest, and most expensive attraction. It’s tough to choose, but probably the most eye-catching part of the park is the Crown Fountain, right at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Monroe Street. This multi-media masterpiece is something else. The artist, Jaume Plensa, gave the old idea of a gargoyle spitting water a 21st century update. Here, two fifty-foot glass towers have huge screens where the faces of local Chicagoans are projected, and when the fountain starts to flow, it’s a mixture of beautiful, funny, and creepy. There are two more post-modern touches that make Millennium Park unique. The first is the Pritzker Pavilion, an amphitheatre designed by noted architect Frank Gehry. The band shell is a symphony of stainless steel and curves, and there’s seating here for 4,000 people, plus another seven thousand or so can fit on the lawn behind the seats. The whole Pavilion is open to the public all day for strolling and picnicking. The last major attraction in the park is right next to the amphitheater’s grassy lawn. It’s a huge sculpture known as Cloud Gate. This 110-ton piece is the creation of British artist Anish Kapoor, who says he got his inspiration from liquid mercury.
Ogden Slip (Near Navy Pier)
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312-222-1525
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On one of Shoreline Sightseeing's Architecture Cruise, visitors can experience all the wonders of downtown Chicago. Among the highlights on the cruise are Bertrand Goldberg’s futuristic Marina City Towers, the Wrigley Building, and 333 West Wacker Drive, with its distinctive curved facade. In addition to its Architecture Cruise, Shoreline also offers cruises on Lake Michigan, as well as a combination cruise which hits the highlights both on the Lake and along the River.
Soldier Field
1410 South Museum Campus Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
Phone: 312-235-7000
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Soldier Field home the NFL’s Chicago Bears since 1971. Actually this stadium was built way back in the 1920s, and was called Soldier Field to honor local heroes from World War I. By the turn of the new century, Soldier Field was really showing its age, so the stadium was totally renovated, and now, the new stadium sort spills out of Soldier Field’s classic exterior.
US Cellular Field
333 W. 35th Street
Chicago, IL 60616
Phone: 312-674-1000
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When you’re talking about Chicago, there is no starker dividing line between the north side and the south side than baseball loyalty. Nobody south of Madison Street roots for the Cubs, and no self-respecting fan on the north side ever makes the trip to the home of the White Sox, U.S. Cellular Field. This stadium opened in 1991, and was a replacement for the old Comiskey Park, which was right next door.
Wrigley Field
1060 West Addison
Chicago, IL 60613
Phone: 773-404-CUBS
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This 40,000-seat stadium was built way back in 1914, and while every other team in the big leagues seemed to be going from one ball park trend to the next, the Cubs have stuck with Wrigley through thick and thin, even steadfastly refusing to install lights until 1988. Every year over three million fans watch the home games here, and it’s not so much that they expect a championship. Instead, they're just expect the Cubs. And on that score, they’re never disappointed.