Laura Schofield's Chicago Recommendations
Ranked #9,512 in Travel & Places, #244,696 overall
Talk to a Chicagoan for the best tips on what to do and see in the windy city
There are tons of publications about what to see in Chicago. There are all the old stand-bys. I mean, who doesn't know about Willis (Sears) Tower and the Shedd Aquarium? BUT, do you know how to see Chicago on a budget? Where are the child-appropriate things to do and places to eat? Where can you eat if you're a vegan and into local or organic food? Where are the coolest neighborhoods? I'm a young-at-heart, vegetarian, locally-minded, 38-year-old mother of 4 kids. If you like the things I write about, chances are you might be interested in some of my favorite places in Chicago too!
If you're in the area, planning a trip to Chicago, or even live in the city and are just trying to do something different for . You might even show me a new place!
If you're in the area, planning a trip to Chicago, or even live in the city and are just trying to do something different for . You might even show me a new place!
What you'll find here
(Just at this lens, not in Chicago)
If you're in a hurry to find some info on where to go or how to get there in Chicago - use these quick links.
- Important Chicago Phone Numbers
- Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
- John G. Shedd Aquarium
- Science Museums & Attractions
- The Field Museum
- Culture - History and Art Museums
- Shopping
- Movie Theatres and Cinemas
- Cool Places to Eat
- Using Public Transportation
- Parking in Chicago
- Lincoln Park Zoo
- North Avenue and Oak Street Beaches
- The Chicago River
Important Chicago Phone Numbers
Everything from the CTA Chicago Transit Authority, major airlines serving Chicago, the Police & Fire Departments and more
Chicago's Chinatown
In the South Loop
Old Chinatown in Chicago focuses on Wentworth Avenue, but has also grown to include the marketplace between 22nd Street and Archer Avenue. This Sunday, January 29, I'm taking my kids down to the Chinatown Chinese New Years parade. This will be the first time that we've gone down there to check this out. We're even having one of my daughter's friends around tomorrow to do some Chinese New Year Dragon Crafts. Specifically, we'll be making dragons out of egg cartons. And don't worry, I'll give a review of the parade next week!
The largest influx of Chinese to Chicago came in the 50s and 60s, with the move to communism in China and more lenient immigration laws in the US. During these two decades the Chinese population in Chicago doubled itself from 7,000 to 14,000. By 1970, Chicago ranked fourth in Chinese population in America.
The present South Chinatown consists of 8 city blocks, bounded by Cermak Road, the railway embankment, Wentworth and 26th Street.
For Chinese-Americans, Chinatown is a center of cultural identification and heritage. They will come for Chinese groceries, food and publications. To the larger community, it is a tourist attraction, serving as an introduction to the Chinese culture and cuisine.
The largest influx of Chinese to Chicago came in the 50s and 60s, with the move to communism in China and more lenient immigration laws in the US. During these two decades the Chinese population in Chicago doubled itself from 7,000 to 14,000. By 1970, Chicago ranked fourth in Chinese population in America.
The present South Chinatown consists of 8 city blocks, bounded by Cermak Road, the railway embankment, Wentworth and 26th Street.
For Chinese-Americans, Chinatown is a center of cultural identification and heritage. They will come for Chinese groceries, food and publications. To the larger community, it is a tourist attraction, serving as an introduction to the Chinese culture and cuisine.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
The Peggy Notebaert Museum
Fomerly the Chicago Academy of Sciences, the Peggy Notebaert Museum was founded in 1999. The Chicago Academy of Sciences, however, was founded in 1857, being moved to its present Lincoln Park location in 1894 (after having been devastated by the Chicago Fire). It boasts the only year-round butterfly haven and is a fascinating example of green building technology.
INSIDER TIP
Fomerly the Chicago Academy of Sciences, the Peggy Notebaert Museum was founded in 1999. The Chicago Academy of Sciences, however, was founded in 1857, being moved to its present Lincoln Park location in 1894 (after having been devastated by the Chicago Fire). It boasts the only year-round butterfly haven and is a fascinating example of green building technology.
INSIDER TIP
With its location across the street from the Lincoln Park Zoo and its affordable admission ($9 for adults and $6 for seniors and children over 3), The Notebaert Museum makes an ideal add-on to a day out at the zoo.
John G. Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium
"In 1930, 20 railroad tank cars made eight round trips between Key West and Chicago to deliver 1 million gallons of seawater for Shedd's marine exhibits."
The history of Shedd Aquarium is part vision and part ingenuity. Our founder, John G. Shedd, retired president of Marshall Field & Company, was a marketing genius and just as bold and ambitious as his city. He was determined to transform Chicago into a world-class metropolis.
INSIDER TIP
"In 1930, 20 railroad tank cars made eight round trips between Key West and Chicago to deliver 1 million gallons of seawater for Shedd's marine exhibits."
The history of Shedd Aquarium is part vision and part ingenuity. Our founder, John G. Shedd, retired president of Marshall Field & Company, was a marketing genius and just as bold and ambitious as his city. He was determined to transform Chicago into a world-class metropolis.
INSIDER TIP
Free general admission days at the Shedd Aquarium draw LARGE crowds. If this is the case, be prepared to wait in line for hours before getting entry. Also, your "free" admission DOES NOT include the "Wild Reef" Sharks exhibit or the Polar Play Zone (penguins, beluga whales and white-sided dolphins). You will need to still pay admission fees for these exhibits as well as for the 4d theatre and Fantasea show.
Science Museums & Attractions
- Adler Planetarium
- Chicago's Adler Planetarium was founded in 1930 by Max Adler, a Chicago businessman. Located on a former man-made island in Lake Michigan (Northerly Island), it was designed by Ernest Grunsfeld. Mr. Grunsfeld's grandson, John Grunsfeld, is now a NASA engineer.
- Museum of Science & Industry
- Take part in live science experiences, view films at the Omnimax and 3d Theatres and tour both the permanent and traveling exhibits at Chicago's Museum of Science & Industry. Some of the more famous attractions at this museum are The Great Train Story, The Coal Mine, All Aboard The Silver Streak: Pioneer Zephyr and the U-505 Submarine.
The Field Museum
The Field Museum
The Field Museum was founded to house the biological and anthropological collections assembled for the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893. These objects form the core of the Museum's collections which have grown through world-wide expeditions, exchange, purchase, and gifts to more than twenty million specimens. The collections form the foundation of the Museum's exhibition, research and education programs, which are further informed by a world-class natural history library of more than 250,000 volumes.
INSIDER TIP
The Field Museum was founded to house the biological and anthropological collections assembled for the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893. These objects form the core of the Museum's collections which have grown through world-wide expeditions, exchange, purchase, and gifts to more than twenty million specimens. The collections form the foundation of the Museum's exhibition, research and education programs, which are further informed by a world-class natural history library of more than 250,000 volumes.
INSIDER TIP
The Field Museum is HUGE so be sure to plan a full day for it. Also, the interactive dinosaur display is well worth the extra admission cost.
Culture - History and Art Museums
From World Class Museums to Local History
Chicago has plenty of museums. Here is a listing of museums dealing with local history, world history, art and culture.
- Chicago Cultural Center
- As one of the most comprehensive free arts showcases in the United States, this landmark building is the setting for hundreds of programs and exhibitions presented annually by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.
The nation's first free municipal cultural center, the Chicago Cultural Center is one of the city's ten most popular attractions and is considered one of the most comprehensive arts showcases in the United States. Each year, the Chicago Cultural Center features more than 1,000 programs and exhibitions covering a wide range of the performing, visual and literary arts.
Chicago's India Town
Devon Avenue in Rodger's Park
Looking up Devon Avenue, or "India Town", in a search engine brings lots of restaurant reviews and culinary journals of visits to this area. Located in Rogers Park, Devon Avenue is home to many of the city's Indian and Pakistani residents. Travel further west on the same street and the flavor changes to Russian and Orthodox Judaism.
A day out on Devon Avenue is a treat for adults and children alike. The smells are almost as delicious as the food. You can pick up some specialist groceries for your own take on Indian cuisine. And, finally, little girls will love looking at the gorgeous jewelry and saris on display in the windows and shops. If you're going out to India town for a meal, be sure to check out Groupon Now
Pick up some home decor with some exotic flavor, some intricate Indian gold jewelry, or even visit a local salon for some eyebrow threading and henna treatments.
Chicago's Greektown
In the West Loop
Highlighted in the film "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", Chicago's Greek Town is a vibrant community. Although many other nationalities both work and reside in this neighborhood, it still resounds with Greek culture.
Greektown is part of the Near West Side, made up of several neighborhoods. It runs mainly north and south on Halsted Street in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood, bounded on the north by Lake Street, on the south by Congress Parkway, on the east by the Kennedy Expressway and on the west by Racine Avenue.
Greektown is part of the Near West Side, made up of several neighborhoods. It runs mainly north and south on Halsted Street in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood, bounded on the north by Lake Street, on the south by Congress Parkway, on the east by the Kennedy Expressway and on the west by Racine Avenue.
Shopping
From the Magnificent Mile to Chicago's Neighborhoods
Chicago has plenty of shopping, world-class shops and independent boutiques abound. Check here to see what is where.
- SeeMore Shopping
- SeeMore Shopping is an excellent portal for shopping in the Chicago area. Choose to view shops by the category of shop, the area you will be shopping in, who has sales going on, etc... Even shopping malls and shops in the Chicago suburbs are listed.
- The Magnificent Mile
- With a special section for visitors & travel, definitely check this out if you're a visitor to Chicago and want to see Chicago's Michigan Avenue. The site also lists seasonal events, not-to-be-missed offers and tours, photographs and more information concerning hotels, shopping, dining and culture on Chicago's Michigan Avenue.
- Water Tower Place
- "At the pinnacle of Chicago's famed Magnificent Mile, Water Tower Place is Chicago's premier shopping destination. Its stunning eight-level atrium features more than 100 of your favorite stores and restaurants plus a mix of distinctive specialty shops and boutiques. It offers a unique, high-energy urban shopping experience you simply won't find anywhere else in the city. In short, Water Tower Place is the place to shop."
Michigan Avenue
Movie Theatres and Cinemas
What's playing where
You're probably a local if you'll want to see a film while in Chicago. I find it handy to know where to look up what's playing and prices for movie theaters. If you're coming in to town to visit family with children, this could be ideal. AND, tourists would definitely enjoy a trip to the IMAX theatre at Navy Pier. So maybe movie listings and times isn't such a bad idea. Here it goes!- IMAX Theatre at Navy Pier
- For a larger than life cinematic experience, head over to the Navy Pier IMAX Theatre. See what's playing and even buy your tickets online.
- AMC River East
- Located at 322 East Illinios St., AMC's River East Cinema is in Chicago's Loop, near the NBC Tower and the Tribune Tower. It features stadium seating and hosts numerous films.
Note about parking: Get your parking ticket validated at the cinema when you purchase your tickets in order to get $14 parking at the AMC lot. This lot is located on the same side of Illinois St. (north side of the street) with the entrance directly to the west of the cinema. After you're out of the movie, go to the main lobby of the theater to pay for your ticket at a machine.
** After paying for your ticket, you have 10 minutes to get to your car before additional charges are incurred. Be sure you know EXACTLY where you parked as this is a big and busy lot and you might get lost.. **
This cinema has a bowling alley in it too! Makes for an entire evening out! - AMC Loews
- Located at 600 North Michigan Ave., AMC's Loews Cinema is right near the Lake in the heart of Chicago's Loop. Between Ontario and Ohio on Michigan Avenue, this theatre show numerous films and has accomodations for the disabled.
- Kerasotes City North
- Located at 2600 N Western Ave., Kerasotes City North will have more of a local crowd, being near Logan Square, Bucktown and other primarily residential areas. Many films are shown and this theater offers stadium seating.
- Kerasotes Webster Place
- Again hosting many films, Kerasotes Webster Place is located at 1471 W. Webster Avenue, near DePaul University and Lincoln Park. You will find many students frequenting this cinema. Accomodations are available for the disabled.
- Landmark Century Centre Cinema
- At 2828 N. Clark Street, just south of Wrigleyville, the Landmark Century Centre Cinema might be a good bet if you plan on spending the day out shopping, people-watching or dining nearby. Accomodations are available for the handicapped.
- AMC Loews Pipers Alley
- AMC Loews Pipers Alley shows 5 major motion pictures, with accomodations for the handicapped. Located at 1608 N. Wells St., this cinema is just around the corner from the Chicago Historical Society (also near Lincoln Park Zoo) in Lincoln Park.
- ICE Chatham 14
- ICE Chatham 14 Cinema shows many new releases and is located at 210 W 87th Street, on Chicago's South Side. It is easily accessible off the Dan Ryan Expressway.
- Century Evanston 18
- Located at 1715 Maple Ave in Chicago's North Shore area, the Century Evanston 18 shows a good selection of new releases, with stadium seating and even has rocking chairs and love seats available!
- The Logan Theatre
- If you don't mind seeing releases that have been out for a few weeks, and an older theatre atmosphere, the Logan Theatre is the place for you. Located at 2646 N. Milwaukee Ave (in Logan Square). $3 for a movie - not luxurious but an affordable experience!
Cool Places to Eat
Unusual or Not-To-Be-Missed Restaurants
Sometimes you eat at one restaurant, then walk past one a few blocks down that you wish you would've stopped at instead. Here's a listing of unique Chicago restaurants - some for their location, some for their history, and some for their food.
- Oak Street Beachstro
- The Oak Street Beachstro offers the best views of Lake Michigan in town - its right on the beach! Just steps away from Michigan Avenue - it is probably one of the best al fresco dining venues in the city. A breakfast buffet is offered, as well as lunch and dinner menus. Because of its location, it is only open during the summer. Packages are offered for the Chicago Air Show and other events. Click through for a menu, directions, photos and hours.
- Castaways
- If you're with kids, or just being casual at the beach, you may opt for Castaways rather than the slightly more formal (and slightly more expensive) Oak Street Beachstro. This is also more of a place for young adults having a wild time on the beach in the evening. A quick walk from Lincoln Park Zoo or the Peggy Notebaert museum and again right on the beach, Castaways offers a snack bar and ice cream snacks. A full bar is available, and it features live music as well as volleyball tournaments on the beach ocassionally.
- The Signature Room at the John Hancock Tower
- Cheaper than visiting the observation deck at the John Hancock Tower, you can have a drink in the Signature Room's Lounge and enjoy the view from just under the Observation Deck (no refreshments provided up there BTW!). For an impressive dinner, the Signature Room boasts a full service restaurant and even features buffets occasionally.
- Superdawg
- This is a really cool local (and still family run) business that's been around since the 1940's. The last time I took the kids here, the people in the car next to us had a visitor from Denmark with them who apparently always insists they take him here on visits to Chicago ("it's the best"). The atmosphere is authentic, with car hops and all. The food is fantastic - (try the Pineapple Super Soda with your meal!) - Slightly off the beaten path, its not near any city attractions, but perfect if you've gone out to the suburbs for the day and are returning to the city.
Chicago Cruises
Even though you're not on a coast, you can still get nautical.
Whether you opt for a tour down the Chicago River, a dinner cruise on Lake Michigan or a quick water taxi ride, there are cruising options available in Chicago. Here's a listing.
- Odyssey Dinner Cruises
- Not only offering dinner cruises, the Odyssey also offers brunch and moonlight cruises as well as catering private events. Odyssey cruises depart from Navy Pier and range in price from around $40 per person to over $100 per person.
- Mystic Blue Cruises
- Mystic Blue Cruises offer brunch, lunch, midday, dinner and cocktail cruises on Lake Michigan, ranging in price from around $30 per person to nearly $75 per person. Mystic Blue Cruises depart from Navy Pier.
- The Spirit of Chicago
- Cruising with the Spirit of Chicago takes you over Lake Michigan for the standard brunch, lunch, happy hour, dinner, cocktail cruises. They also offer narrated cruises focusing on Chicago's architecture and skyline, Gospel cruises and other special themes and events. The Spirit of Chicago departs from Navy Pier and prices range from around $30 per person to nearly $90 per person, depending on the cruise and season.
- Seadog Cruises
- Chicago's Seadog Cruises offer speedboat lake tours, river and lake architectural tours, and the 30-minute long "Seadog Extreme" 'thrill' cruises (about $20 for children, $30 for adults). All cruises provided by Seadog are under $30, with infants cruising for free. Seadog cruises depart from Navy Pier.
Using Public Transportation
Skip the Parking, Go Green and See Chicago
If you're on holiday, Chicago's public transportation is the best option for getting around the city. During the summer, the city even provides a free "trolley", transporting people between museums and sight-seeing attractions. Two companies independently serve Chicago's public transportation: the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) and the Metra (longer journeys connecting the city with the suburbs or Union Station and Amtrak trains for further travel).Both sites below have interactive functions where you can plan your journey when giving a starting and ending location, system maps, information on buying tickets and more. Even as a local, I use these resources regularly.
ChicagoNow even has a blog on the CTA trains by line as well as covering the bus. Its called Going Public. Check it out to find out about delays, reroutes, new cars, goings on at the station, trivia and more. Seriously, it is useful and interesting.
- Chicago Transit Authority
- Your source for using public transportation in the city of Chicago. Information is available on city buses and 'El' trains. Use the trip planner to get expert advice on how to get from A to B (you can even state preferences on maximum walking distances, if you'd prefer a more direct route or a quicker route, etc...)
- Chicago Metra Rail
- Metra is THE way to get between the Chicago suburbs and the city. They are also the providers of the free downtown Chicago trollies during the summer. The Metra website offers system maps, advice on parking, and ticket prices. You can also get coupons, free rides and more when you request information from them. Check them out.
- Going Public (Chicago Now)
- Wondering about celebrity sightings on the CTA? Which stations have the most graffiti? What other CTA riders have been spotted reading? More practical information exists too, like reroutes, delays, new equiptment, etc.. Give this a look.
Chicago's Metra Trains
Connecting Chicago with the suburbs and Amtrak
If you're travelling by train outside of Chicago, chances are you'll be riding on a Metra train. Visit this page to find out everything you need to know about Metra trains.
Parking in Chicago
Determined to drive?
Don't say we didn't warn you! Chicago has horrible problems with traffic. That being said though, if you need to be somewhere by a specific time, driving is probably your best bet. While the public transportation is good here, its not regular. If you can't afford to be late, you'd better drive.
Parking in Chicago is expensive and in short supply at any of the public garages or car parks. Be careful if parking in any residential areas too - many require a permit to park there for ANY amount of time, and you WILL get a ticket (meter maids are all over the place here - they're quick too!). 'Permit Only' areas are marked with signs - have a look around.
If you still haven't been swayed to take a bus, train or taxi, read on to explore your parking options.
Parking in Chicago is expensive and in short supply at any of the public garages or car parks. Be careful if parking in any residential areas too - many require a permit to park there for ANY amount of time, and you WILL get a ticket (meter maids are all over the place here - they're quick too!). 'Permit Only' areas are marked with signs - have a look around.
If you still haven't been swayed to take a bus, train or taxi, read on to explore your parking options.
- PILMC - Chicago Parking Map
- This java-enabled site takes a few minutes to load up, but it's very good for finding parking garages in the Chicago area and going directly to their websites. Shop around for the best rate before you get there.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo
The Lincoln Park Zoo is a perfect day out in Chicago! Located right in the middle of things and with free admission, you'll look at the exhibits and animals, see fantastic views of the skyline, and take in some nearby sights. A Lake Michigan beach, garden, arboretum and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum are all within walking distance.
INSIDER TIP
The Lincoln Park Zoo is a perfect day out in Chicago! Located right in the middle of things and with free admission, you'll look at the exhibits and animals, see fantastic views of the skyline, and take in some nearby sights. A Lake Michigan beach, garden, arboretum and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum are all within walking distance.
INSIDER TIP
The best way to see the Lincoln Park Zoo is on an early morning jog. I arrive down there at 7am and usually can find free parking on Stockton Drive. At this time, the zoo is empty and the animals are just waking & hungry. They're looking at you and wide-awake instead of you having to battle a crowd to see them sleeping!
North Avenue and Oak Street Beaches
Chicago's Beaches
This website, maintained by the Chicago Park District, lets you know when its safe to swim in Lake Michigan and when its not, which beaches are open, which beaches are closed, where the swimming beaches are with lifeguards on duty, maps of the lakefront trails and also a guide to other indoor lakefront attractions.
curated content from Flickr
The Chicago River
Find out more about the Chicago River at this page devoted entirely to it.
Chicago River Cruises
Amusement Parks
Something for the kids or the young at heart.
Chicago's weather is brutal in the winter. During the late spring and summer, and going through Halloween usually, amusement parks are open though. Here are some of the more popular ones.
- Kiddieland Amusement Park
- Unfortunately, Kiddieland had its final season in 2009. Read all about its history on a page I've written devoted entirely to Kiddieland and its history.
- Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor
- If water parks and big thrill rides and roller coasters are your idea of a good time, you won't want to miss Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor. Look for coupons to reduce the admission price - I've gotten some from Dunkin Donuts and even for being on Chrysler.com's mailing list! Although not located in Chicago (its in Gurnee, slightly to the north of the city), its a manageable drive.
Kiddieland
Spanning the generations
Chicagoland lost an iconic amusement park in 2009, Kiddieland. Visit this tribute page I put together for the vintage park
Book your flight!
Getting there by air
Ready to visit? Check out Orbitz for airfare to Chicago - via either O'Hare or Midway airports.
Get a few guidebooks
Something to take with you
The internet is a great resource for planning your trip. Things like guidebooks and pocket maps are indispensable though when you actually hit the road. Shop eBay and find some Chicago guide books.
What did you think?
Chicago is a big town, and maybe this lens needs to grow too!
If I waited to publish this lens until I covered everything Chicago has to offer, it would never get done! Please let me know if I've left anything out that you think just can't be missed. Maybe you'd like more advice on parking options, getting around the city, hotel recommendations, etc...
Or - maybe you think I've done a good job so far... Whatever you want to say about this insider's guide to Chicago - here's the place! Leave a quick note for all to see by just submitting it below.
Contact Laura Schofield
*If you would like to suggest any links or have your own photos and / or stories published, please send me an email. I can be contacted through my personal homepage, laura-schofield.com. If you enjoy the work I've done here, I do offer professional copy writing, photo restoration / manipulation, search engine optimization and web design services. I can again be contacted for any of these services through my website.
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datecheats
Aug 20, 2010 @ 6:07 am | delete
- Wonderful Lens
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daybreak
Jul 21, 2010 @ 8:25 pm | delete
- Well done! Thumbs up on this lens.
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JenOfChicago
Apr 14, 2009 @ 3:48 pm | delete
- Great lens, very comprehensive! Thanks for joining the All Things Chicago group at http://www.squidoo.com/groups/allthingschicago
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Apr 11, 2009 @ 10:48 am | delete
- I love Chicago! 5*
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drifter0658
Feb 28, 2009 @ 7:12 pm | delete
- Very nice..I really loved that town. Is that German restaurant still out on Halstead?
And thanks for the congrats ;)
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by LauraSchofield
Laura Schofield is a web developer, computer programmer, freelance journalist and mother to four children. She writes on a wide variety of subjects, from... more »
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