Going to Chicago

I'm going to Chicago for four or five days over spring break. I'm definitly going to Shedd's Aquarium and some other museums. Are there any places you Chicago people would recommend visiting?

I'm going to Chicago for four or five days over spring break. I'm definitly going to Shedd's Aquarium and some other museums. Are there any places you Chicago people would recommend visiting?

Depends on what your interests are, where you are staying, and what kind of mobility you have ( your own vehicle or relying on public transportation)
Some good choices are:
the Field Museum http://www.fieldmuseum.org/
MSI: http://www.msichicago.org/
The Botanic garden: http://www.chicagobotanic.org/
Lincoln Park Zoo: http://www.lpzoo.org/
The Art Institute (as seen in Ferris Bueller's day off): http://www.artic.edu/aic/index.php

Good food abounds in all price ranges, various shows and entertainment, and probably whatever else you want to do can be found.

I fully agree with James Clark above. I'm a plant fan and might add that if you have your own vehicle, I would suggest the Garfield Park Conservatory.

Only 2 replies so far, I am disappointed!

A lot depends on your age, family situation, companions, interests, where you arre staying, etc.

Here's a big thread from a rocketry forum that I frequent:
http://www.rocketryf...ead.php?t=40439

If you want something romantical, the top of the Sears Tower after dark is really cool. My wife fell for that one. Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park is another after dark wonder (but is it running this early in the season?).

Histroical/architectural: Graceland Cemetary on N Clark is truly unbelievable. The Chicago Historical Society. Old Buildings: The Rookery, the Monadnock, the Cultural center, the Tribune building, etc., etc. There is an architectural boat trip on the Chicago river (again, is it running this early in the season?).

Shopping: State street ain't what it used to be, but N Michigan avenue is great.

Nature: Indiana Dunes are fairly close (day trip). Same for Starved Rock. Canoing: www.chicagolandcanoebase.com for lots of info (they link to lots of other sites).

Night life/restaurants: I cannot say any longer, but there is plenty. You need to sample pizza, Italian beef, and a good Vienna beef Chicago hotdog. Go see a play! And Second City!

Others: Adler planetarium, Navy Pier.

Edited by bullhead, 15 March 2008 - 10:19 AM.

Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park is another after dark wonder (but is it running this early in the season?).

Still too early, especially since we still have ice on the harbors.

Don't forget the best pizza on the planet is in Chicago
Girodano's
Gino's East
PIzzeria Uno
some of my faves....

Here's a big thread from a rocketry forum that I frequent:

Bullhead, are you into HPR?

Still too early, especially since we still have ice on the harbors.

I heard that there is a 4mileX1mile iceberg on Lake Michigan right now. Apparently this is a big chunk of pack ice that broke off near Racine.

Bullhead, are you into HPR?

Not HPR, just low and mid (at least for now). I am the Kenosha county 4H rocketry project leader which satisfies my rocketry jones.

Don't forget the best pizza on the planet is in Chicago
Girodano's
Gino's East
PIzzeria Uno
some of my faves....

Don't forget Lou Malnati's. This is one of the few pizzerias where the chain stores deliver as good a product as the original.