Chicago's Attractions

Sears Tower. Chicago's famous Sears Tower, standing at a colossal 1,450 feet and 110 stories, is the tallest building in North America and the second tallest in the world. A triumph of ingenuity and innovation, Sear Tower features more than 3.5 million square feet of office and retail space, and seven wonderful restaurants - from casual to fine dining. This attraction in Chicago's affluent financial district offers a multimedia exhibit of Chicago, murals, special displays for children, and spectacular city views. Visit www.thesearstower.com.

Adler Planetarium. Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum exhibits artifacts from the history of astronomy and is first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. The Adler fuels the imagination with state-of-the-art computer technology in the world's first StarRider Theater, while showcasing a renowned collection of historical astronomy artifacts. The first Friday of every month is Far Out Friday, 9am -10pm.,Visit www.adlerplanetarium.org.

Field Museum of Natural History. Founded in 1893, the Field Museum displays 20 million biological and athropoligical specimens, complemented by a natural history library. Discover Sue, the largest and most complete T. rex ever found. Get a bug's-eye view in Underground Adventure, descend into an Egyptian tomb, watch a glowing lava flow, be dazzled by sparkling gems, come nose-to-nose with the man-eating lions of Tsavo, and learn about the world's cultures and environments. The Field Museum offers opportunities for research and learning through exhibits and innovative educational programs. Visit www.fieldmuseum.org.  [Top]

Shedd Aquarium. Experience the world's largest indoor aquarium, featuring 19,000 aquatic animals from around the world. Exciting exhibits include: Wild Reef, Caribbean Dive, Marine Mammal Presentations, Habitat Chats & Animal Encounters, and Sea Star Quest.See all Shedd has to offer with the All Access Pass, which includes the original aquarium building, Wild Reef, Amazon Rising and the Oceanarium. Open: 9am-5pm weekdays, 9am-6pm weekends, and Summer weekdays. Call 312-939-2438.

Art Institute of Chicago. One of the world's greatest art museums and schools, the Art Institute of Chicago features 300,000 works of art, including 30 by Claude Monet, and 10 departments. The Museum collections, dating from 3,000 B.C. through the present, include world-famous French Impressionist paintings and drawings; fine and decorative arts from America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America; collections of 20th-century art; Old Master drawings; Chinese jades; photography, textiles, and architectural drawings; and medieval armor that present art of the world's diverse cultures. Visit www.artic.edu/aic.  [Top]

McCormick Place Convention Center. Chicago's McCormick Place is North America's premier convention facility, comprising the state-of-the-art South and North buildings and the Lakeside Center. The epicenter of business in Chicago, McCormick Place features: 2.2 million sq. ft. of exhibit halls, 112 meeting rooms, assembly seating for 10,000 people, three 345-seat theaters, the largest ballroom in Chicago, and the Arie Crown Theater - making it the nation's largest convention center. McCormick Place is linked by a 50,000 square-foot pedestrian promenade, the Grand Concourse, containing retail shops, restaurants/food service and Chicago attractions. Visit www.mccormick.com or call 312-791-7000.

Museum of Science and Industry. The Museum of Science and Industry, the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere, features 14 acres of hands-on fun and learning. Body Worlds features 200 authentic human specimens, including entire bodies, individual organs and transparent body slices. Play through the history, culture and future of video games at Game On. Join a full descent of the world's most dangerous river as you experience the Omnimax Film Mystery of the Nile. Located minutes from downtown Chicago, the Museum is open Mon.-Sat. 9:30am - 4pm.; Sun. 11-4. Visit www.msichicago.org.  [Top]

Chicago Children's Museum. The anchor of Navy Pier, the Children's Museum features engaging interactive exhibits and activities that make every visit unforgettable for kids. Dig deep in the Dinousaur Expedition, get wet at WaterWays, or climb to the crow's nest on the Kovler Family Climbing Schooner. Little tots have fun in Playmaze and Treehouse Trails. Hourly art workshops happen in the Kraft Artabounds Studio. Members and children under 1 are free. Permanent Exhibits: Design Your Dreams & Play it Safe. Visit www.chichildrensmuseum.org.

Museum of Contemporary Art. Steps from Michigan Ave. and the historic Water Tower, the MCA highlights today's innovative and exciting artists. Take a free, guided tour, stroll through the grand, barrel-vaulted galleries overlooking Lake Michigan, enjoy lunch at the museum's Wolfgang Puck café and shop in the fun-filled MCA Store. Catch the exhibit Universal Experience: Art, Life and the Tourist's Eye through June 5.

John Hancock Center. Located on North Michigan Avenue, John Hancock Center is the tenth tallest building in the world, measuring over 1,100 feet. This symbol of Chicago tourism has a remarkable design, and has received many awards for its unique style. Located at The Center is The Hancock Observatory, which offers stunning views of four states. Call 312-751-3680.   [Top]

Merchandise Mart. The Merchandise Mart produces trade shows, conferences, and special events. It is home to such Chicago attractions as the Antiques Fair and the Chicago Design Show. For more information, call 312-527-5181.

Water Tower Landmark. The Water Tower was built in the late 1860s to house a standpipe of 138 feet. The glamorous exterior of this Chicago attraction is a recreation of a medieval castle. The Water Tower is the only building to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, and is now an historic landmark and a modern testament of Chicago tourism. For information, call 312-744-2400.

United Center. United Center, home to the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks, is the largest arena in the US. Since 1994, the United Center has hosted over 200 events each yea,r including the 1996 Democratic National Convention, Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, U2, The Who, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Disney on Ice, the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament, the Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament, the Great Eight Classic, DePaul College Basketball and Champions on Ice. Visit www.united-center.com.  [Top]