Chicago: things to do/places to see

[sodara]

I'm going on a roadtrip from MN to Chicago, IL tomorrow (approximately 6.5 hours). It's my first time going there and first time taking the 1er out those distances.

I'd appreciate any suggestions, must do's/sees, food, shops, activities..anything. Or even some nice twisty roads

Thanks

[bradford]

Architecture tour on the river. Millenium Park. Museum Campus / Soldier Field. Mag Mile. Roof at the Wit Hotel.

[ncarter124]

Soldier Field, Navy Pier, Sears Tower (go to the top of it), Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, and if you are into shopping take a walk down Michigan Ave. All of these things are pretty much in the area which is on Lake Michigan. Pretty good area to spend a day or two.
This is on N. Lake Shore drive south of Wrigleyville, which is where Wrigley Field is btw.

[UdubBadger]

Well 1st of all, stop in Madison for Bratfest (its a lot bigger than you'd think... 20,000 people).

After that, Chicago has a lot to offer. Bradford hit on some good ones... here are a few more specifics.

Sears Tower Skydeck (no I don't call it by its new name, nobody in town does)
Art Museum
Field Museum
Shedd Aquarium
Shopping on Michigan Ave.
Second City Theater/Comedy

I highly recommend the Architecture tour on the river, love going on that one.

If you like really expensive views with food try the Signature Room/Lounge on the 95th floor of the Handcock building. If you like the best pizza in the city (besides Lou Malnati's) go to Pizzeria Uno on Ohio, still using the original oven!

If you're driving in the city make sure you do a trip on Lake Shore Drive and also one on Lower Wacker... lots of fun down there, just like in the newer Batman movies.

[bradford]

lol.

Definitely *NOT* Navy frickin Pier. Worst tourist trap evar. Completely devoid of anything interesting or noteworthy. Skip at all costs.

[SpacE82]

Millennium Park is a must. Such a great place to see. Right on the lake and you can see the whole city. I love it there, especially on a nice day. The Aquarium is pretty cool too.

[UdubBadger]

I've always thought we have one of the best aquariums in the country... especially for a city that sees 60 inches of snow every winter.

[ncarter124]

Originally Posted by UdubBadger

I've always thought we have one of the best aquariums in the country... especially for a city that sees 60 inches of snow every winter.

Yeah Shedd is awesome.

[ncarter124]

Originally Posted by bradford

lol.

Definitely *NOT* Navy frickin Pier. Worst tourist trap evar. Completely devoid of anything interesting or noteworthy. Skip at all costs.

I figured somebody would say that. I figured I would throw it in since he obviously will be new to the area. Everything else listed is better, I'll put it that way.

[SpacE82]

Yeah, Shedd is definitely one of the best in the country. I havent been since they've redone it, but apparently its supposed to be even better

[sodara]

thx guys! Chicago was great.
BTW, what is that?

[UdubBadger]

its an old draw bridge on the near south side that goes over the south branch of the Chicago river

[shadrach]

Old post, I know. But had to commeont on the drawbridge as I see it outside my condo's windows every day. It's just north of 18th street and is permently stowed up as the train tracks it serviced are long defunct.

Looks to me like you were on Stewart St. at the time: http://goo.gl/maps/2Hfd