Destination:
Illinois

Art Institute of Chicago

An impressive pair of bronze lions guards the entrance to the Art Institute of Chicago in South Michigan Avenue, housing one of the greatest art collections in the world. Works date from 3,000 BC through to the present, including a renowned collection of Impressionist art featuring numerous Monet paintings. The Institute has it all, from Japanese ukiyo-e prints and ancient Egyptian bronzes to masterpieces of 20th century sculpture. Exhibits include paintings and drawings, photographs, textiles, sculpture and architectural works. The Institute has two restaurants, one set in a garden, as well as a gift shop.

Chicago Field Museum

Chicago's wildly popular Field Museum of Natural History in Lake Shore Drive is home to 'Sue', the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil ever found. The dinosaur came to rest here after being unearthed in South Dakota when the Museum bought her remains for more than $8-million. Sue is just one of the drawcards at the museum which offers other marvels like getting a bug's eye view in an underground adventure; descending into an Egyptian tomb; watching a glowing lava flow; and getting up close and personal with the man-eating lions of Tsavo. The museum specialises in interactive and diorama-type exhibits across its nine acres of exhibition space, and is a must-visit for families on holiday in Chicago.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Home

America's most renowned architect lived and worked in the complex, which served as private residence, studio and architectural laboratory for the first twenty years of his career, between 1889 (when he was 22) and 1909. Wright's haven started out as a simple cottage and was continually added on to by the architect resulting in unusual features such as a balcony suspended on chains. The complex is administered by the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust which offers guided tours. The neighbourhood of Oak Park contains the world's largest concentration of Wright-designed buildings and self-guided exterior audio tours of the 26 structures in the area are available.

Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park, beginning at North Avenue and following the shore of Lake Michigan northwards for several miles, is Chicago's largest park. It contains several attractions, bathing beaches, a botanical conservatory, golf course, grassy meadows, formal gardens and sports fields. Pride of place is held by the standing statue of Abraham Lincoln, sculpted by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. His sitting Lincoln is in Chicago's other famous park, Grant Park. The most popular attraction within the park is the Lincoln Park Zoo, which not only houses hundreds of exotic animals in natural habitats, but offers experiences like paddle boat rides, a virtual safari trip, and the Endangered Species Carousel with 48 artisan-crafted wooden animals that accommodates up to 50 riders at a time.

Six Flags Great America

Top of the list of attractions for families on holiday in Chicago, the Six Flags Great America is a must for children of all ages. Featuring some of the country's most exciting theme park rides, such as the Dark Knight Coaster, Bedrock Boulder Roller and the Condor, the Six Flags Great America Park is a great way to spend the day with the kids, who will love meeting their favourite comic book superheroes and cartoon characters. You can also cool off on a hot day with the rides at Hurricane Harbour, the attached water park.

Shedd Aquarium

One of Chicago's best known attractions the Shedd, which opened in 1930, remains the world's largest indoor aquarium. The octagonal marble building houses more than 8,000 river, lake and sea creatures. The main attraction is the Caribbean Coral Reef exhibit and other marine habitat exhibits like a recreation of the Amazon basin and a 'Seahorse Symphony'. The aquarium also features an indoor saltwater Oceanarium housing marine mammals where dolphin shows are scheduled daily.

Rockford

Illinois' second city, Rockford, is just a hop and skip to the northwest of Chicago, set in rolling hills. It is worth a visit for culture vultures and golfers, in particular. The city is known for its 'cultural corridor' of which the highlight is the Rockford Art Museum's stunning permanent collection focusing on 19th and 20th century works. There is also a wealth of private galleries and historical museums in the city centre. Rockford is also known for its antique shops and markets, and the many golf courses in the city and vicinity that have earned it the title of Illinois' 'holey' city.

Lincoln's Home

The pretty two-storey home of Abraham and Mary Lincoln was the only home the lawyer/president ever owned. He and his wife lived in the house between 1844 and 1861 when he was elected President. The home has been restored and stands as it was in 1860 in the midst of a four-block historic neighbourhood, which the National Park Service is restoring. The neighbourhood, like the house, will also soon appear much as Lincoln would have remembered it.

Old State Capitol

The Capitol building in the Downtown Mall, Springfield, was where Abraham Lincoln tried several hundred cases in the Supreme Court, borrowed books from the state library, and read and swapped stories with other lawyers and politicians in the law library. On May 3 and 4 in 1865 Lincoln's body laid in state in the Capitol's Representatives Hall as a crowd of more than 75,000 people filed past to pay their final respects to this beloved historic figure.

Oak Ridge Cemetery

Abraham Lincoln was buried in Springfield's Oak Ridge Cemetery after his assassination in 1865. Today it is the second most visited cemetery in the United States, being the resting place not only of Lincoln but several other notable historic figures as well. Lincoln's tomb monument was designed by Larkin Mead and is one of the highlights of the Historic Monument Tour by guided audio cassette, obtainable from the Oak Ridge Cemetery office. A Civil War Retreat Ceremony is held at Lincoln's tomb each Tuesday evening during the summer.

Lincoln Library and Museum

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library opened in October 2004, with the Museum opening on 19 April 2005. They are part of a $115 million complex dedicated to the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln and form the largest presidential library complex in the nation. The Library houses the world's largest collection of Lincoln material, with more than 46,000 items. Included in this collection are nearly 1,500 documents written or signed by Lincoln, including handwritten copies of the Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural Address. The collection also contains important family documents and artefacts, including the Lincoln's marriage license, a tablecloth from their wedding reception, the nameplate from their front door, and Mr. Lincoln's shaving mirror. The museum has been designed to be an amazing experience, using creative 'immersive' exhibits taking visitors through phases of the president's life from his boyhood cabin in Indiana to his 'homecoming' funeral in Springfield.

Navy Pier

Situated on the lakefront, Navy Pier has developed into one of the city's main tourist destinations, offering year-round attractions, events and entertainment for the whole family. Navy Pier encompasses acres of parks and gardens, shops, restaurants, and numerous attractions and rides, as well as serving as an embarkation point for tour and excursion boats. Its 150ft (46m) Ferris wheel attracts more than eight million people annually; other main attractions include an IMAX theatre, Chicago's Children's Museum, and the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows. Other special attractions are offered throughout the year.

Sears Tower (Willis Tower)

'You haven't seen Chicago until you've seen it from the Skydeck' is what many visitors will hear from locals and other tourists in the city. The iconic Sears Tower was renamed on 16 July 2009 to the 'Willis Tower', and located on its 103rd floor the Skydeck is 1,353 feet (412m) above street level and one of Chicago's most famous tourist attractions. Elevators whisk visitors up to the observation deck where the views stretch out across the city and Lake Michigan, and as far as neighbouring states on a clear day. Inside, there are some interesting, interactive exhibits and computer information terminals for a tour of the city's landmarks. The Willis Tower, standing at 110 stories high, is the tallest building in North America and one of the tallest in the world.

Millennium Park

Millennium Park is one of Chicago's most popular destinations and is seen by Chicagoans as the crowning glory of their city. The award-winning park is famous for its innovative architecture and landscape design, featuring the work of several prominent artists, architects and designers. The park's most outstanding feature is the state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, which seats more than 4,000 people and hosts regular concerts. Another fascinating piece of architecture is the polished stainless steel Cloud Gate, shaped like a 66-foot (20m) long bean with a 12-foot (4m) high archway. Other interesting features include the Crown Fountain, the Lurie Garden, BP Bridge, and the Millennium Monument. Visitors can also enjoy changing exhibitions, local art works, and ice skating in winter.

Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum

Located on Lake Michigan, the Adler is America's first planetarium and is the only museum in the world with two full-size planetarium theaters. The night sky has been visible from the historic Sky Theatre since 1930, while the all-digital StarRider Theatre is the first of its kind in the world and affords a virtual outer space experience in its 55-foot (17m) wide and three story high area. The Adler is also home to numerous exhibits including antique astronomical instruments dating back to 12th-century Persia and interactive displays.

Hancock Observatory

The John Hancock building is Chicago's third highest skyscraper with a distinctive x-bracing exterior skin, and its Observatory competes with the facilities of the Sear's Tower Skydeck across town in the Financial District. Located on the 94th floor 1,000 feet (305m) above street level, the Observatory boasts the city's only open-air skywalk, as well as 360-degree views, a talking telescope, audio Skytours that provide an overview of the city with 16 stops, and the History Wall, with more than 100 photos featuring Chicago's history. Visitors can also have fun with some unique 'daring' photo opportunities. An annual 'Hustle up the Hancock' stair climb race up the 94 floors is held every February; the record time is nine minutes 39 seconds.

Chicago Children's Museum

The Chicago Children's Museum is a must for kids of all ages. Located on Navy Pier, the museum offers three floors of interactive exhibits offering plenty of hands-on fun. The main attraction at the museum is without a doubt the three-storey tall replica of a 1850s Schooner. The 'Inventing Lab', 'Waterways' and Dinosaur attractions are also highly popular with the little ones.

Chicago Botanic Gardens

A great place for families to unwind and relax with a picnic, is the Chicago Botanic Gardens. With plenty of wide-open space for kids to run around, the Botanic Gardens is one of Chicago's most tranquil and beautiful attractions. During the summertime, the Rose Garden, where over 7,750 plants are in full and glorious bloom, is a must and an unforgettable experience to wander through. There are also children's programmes available during the summer, check the website for information.

Chicago Loop Art Tour

The Loop Art Tour is a great way to see the stunning public art that adorns downtown Chicago, created by world-renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Joao Miro, Alexander Calder, Marc Chagall, Henry Moore, and David Smith. This walking tour is accompanied by a free audio guide that can be downloaded from the Chicago Loop Alliance and includes visits to some of the city's best-known works of art, including the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, the Aon Center Plaza, Thompson Center, Daley Center, Chase Plaza, Federal Plaza, the Chicago Board of Trade Building, and Sears Tower. The entire tour takes about two hours, and is a good way to see the most scenic parts of the downtown Chicago Loop.

Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry is by far one of the best attractions for children in Chicago. Featuring an exciting array of interactive exhibits, kids will love exploring all the museum has to offer. With an IMAX Theatre showing new films and educational documentaries, the learning experience is made fun.

Buckingham Fountain

Located alongside Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago in Grant Park, often referred to as the city's front yard, Buckingham Fountain is one of the city's most popular attractions and was the official starting point of US Route 66. Donated to the city by Kate Buckingham in memory of her brother on 26 August 1927, Clarence Buckingham, the fountain represents Lake Michigan and each sea horse symbolises a state bordering the lake. Water shows run every hour on the hour and last for 20 minutes. The last show of the night is at 10pm.

Magnificent Mile

This stretch of Michigan Avenue in Chicago that runs from Chicago River to Oak Street is known as the Magnificent Mile. Famed for its nightlife, it also served as the main thoroughfare between Chicago's Loop business district and the Gold Coast. Visitors will love discovering everything the Magnificent Mile has to offer, from over 460 exclusive stores and boutiques to over 200 restaurants such as Spago, there is also fabulous architecture to be admired on a boat or trolley tour, including the Wrigley Building and the John Hancock Center. Indulge in a deep dish pizza, stroll past media houses like the Chicago Tribunenewspaper, stop to enjoy the local street performers, or watch the ambience of the Magnificent Mile change with the seasons where everything from tulips and lush gardens to weekly fireworks displays.

Harpo Studios

The world loves Oprah Winfrey and a visit to her production studios, Harpo, is a must for anyone visiting the windy city. While her famous talk show is no longer filming there, the television diva still uses the studios as one of the bases for her OWN tv network, and Rosie O'Donnell is now set to film her show for the channel at Harpo Studios.

Route 66 Sign

The world-famous Route 66 is colloquially known as the 'Main Street of America' or the 'Mother Road' as it originally ran from Chicago, Illinois, through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, before ending in Los Angeles. The stretch of highway has been immortalised by famous singers such as Nat King Cole and even the Rolling Stones and it has undergone some changes in the last few decades. The starting point in Chicago has moved a few times over the years and in 1933, the start (and end) was moved to Jackson and Lake Shore Drive. To cut a very long and complicated story short, the starting point remained here, so even while Adams Street at Michigan Avenue is marked as the starting point, Route 66 never actually departed from there. The recognised end of Route 66 is located at the intersection of Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue (which is marked as the terminus).

The Original Playboy Mansion

Designed by architect David Adler and built in 1899 for Dr George Swift Isham, the original Playboy Mansion was a 70-room classic French brick and limestone residence in Chicago. Playboy founder and editor in chief, Hugh Hefner, bought the mansion in 1959 and adorned the front door with a brass plate that read in Latin, Si Non Oscillas, Noli Tintinnare- If you don't swing, don't ring. Playboy is one of the most recognised and popular consumer brands in the world, and although the Playboy Mansion is now located in Los Angeles, the original Playboy Mansion is still a popular attraction for those visiting the city. Playboy's Corporate Headquarters are still located in Chicago.

Chicago History Museum

Chicago has a colourful and fascinating history, ranging from devastating fires to gangster assassinations and more. The Chicago History Museum has fascinating collections of artefacts from the city's past, including the first passenger car to operate on the Chicago L system, Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls jersey, and every postcard ever made of Chicago.

Chicago Beaches

While Chicago is not well-known as a beach holiday destination, its position on the shore of Lake Michigan gives the city access to an extensive network of waterfront recreational areas operated by the Chicago Park District. There are over 26 miles (42km) of open and free lakefront to enjoy, including popular spots like Oak Street Beach and North Avenue Beach, the most fashionable places to see and be seen while enjoying the sun of a Chicago summer. The Rogers Park Beaches are also excellent: Howard Beach has a playground for children, while Pratt Beach offers tennis courts and jogging paths. Kathy Osterman Beach (formerly Hollywood Beach) is popular with is a great place for beach volleyball and has child-friendly shallow waters at the north end.

Knights Action Park and Caribbean Water Adventure

Knights Action Park is a family entertainment centre outside of Springfield, Illinois. Featuring an arcade, driving range, batting cages, go karts, mini golf, kiddie rides and a ferris wheel, the park is a great place to let children run around after touring historic Springfield. Caribbean Water Adventure is a water park with attractions for the whole family, including bumper boats, water slides, a wave pool, pedal boats and a lazy river. An added attraction to the theme parks is the Route 66 Twin Drive-In Theater, offering nightly double features.