Attractions & Things to Do in Chicago
- It's hard to imagine a visit to Chicago that doesn't include "Sue." This 20-million-year-old T-Rex skeleton is the prized possession of the Field Museum of Natural History. The museum's collection of Egyptian artifacts and taxidermy has won it international acclaim. Located nearby, the Shedd Aquarium was once the largest aquarium in the country. With a history dating back to the 1930s, this museum wows visitors with its collection of more than 2,000 aquatic species. Also of note is the Museum of Science and Industry, which is the largest science museum in the United States. This museum is famous for its working coal mine, Boeing 272 and U-505 submarine. If you are an art lover, don't miss the Art Institute of Chicago. With one of the largest collections outside the Louvre of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, this pantheon of art is unrivaled as the best art museum in the midwest.
- Chicago's vibrant theater scene rivals that of just about any other American city. With productions that have just played on Broadway or are headed there, Chicago's lucky theatergoers can get tickets to amazing productions. It would be hard to talk about theater in Chicago without bringing up the Steppenwolf Theatre Company. This company has seen a rise to fame that few have experienced. With modest beginnings in a church basement to winning Tony Awards, this Chicago institution has rightful bragging rights. Want to see where some of your favorite comedians, such as Bill Murray and Stephen Colbert, got their start? Second City is a world-renowned breeding ground for unbelievable talent. This group still exports great comedians to "Saturday Night Live." Take in a show and keep an eye on the cast members. You never know when you might be watching the next Jim Belushi or Tina Fey.
- Famed architect Frank Gehry was commissioned to design the Jay Pritzker Pavilion using his signature deconstructionist style. Looming in grand size, this pavilion offers a state-of-the-art sound system that is unique in the country. Other park features include one of the largest roof gardens in the world, 25 acres of park space and an ice skating rink, just to name a few. This park truly reflects the progressive atmosphere of Chicago's art community.
