Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Located near the South side section of town, Chicago's Chinatown area was established by Chinese immigrants arriving in the area to work on the First Transcontinental Railroad in 1869. These railroad workers built eateries, shops and markets along Chicago's Cermak and Wentworth avenues--the area that eventually became Chinatown. Attractions include Chinese restaurants and historic buildings such as St. Therese Chinese Catholic Church.
The Field Museum, on Lake Shore Drive in the Eastern section of Chicago's Chinatown, was opened to the public in 1893. Originally known as the Columbian Museum of Chicago, the museum name was changed 1905 to honor Marshall Field, a major benefactor. This popular attraction features a 42-foot tall Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil, located near the exhibition hall's North entrance. Other permanent exhibits include "Inside Ancient Egypt," which contains an excavated 5,000-year old tomb. The museum is open every day except for Christmas. Visiting hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL 60605-2496
312-922-9410
fieldmuseum.org
The John G. Shedd Aquarium, near the Field Museum, contains more than 25,000 fish in a 5-million-gallon water tank. Constructed in 1930, the John G. Shedd Aquarium was the first indoor facility to feature a permanent salt-water fish display. This Chinatown attraction draws more than 2 million tourists every year. Additional exhibits include the Waters of the World, which contains a giant octopus, blue iguanas, Nile night-fish and moon jellyfish. The Caribbean reef exhibit contains green sea turtles, moray eels, parrotfish, and tiger and sand sharks. The aquarium opens at 9 a.m., closes at 5 p.m. every weekday and closes at 6 p.m. every weekend.
The John G. Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
312-939-2438
sheddaquarium.org
First constructed in 1889 by noted architects Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan, the Auditorium Theater of Roosevelt University was the first home of both the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Civic Opera. This historic building, on East Congress Parkway, features live performances by singers such as Michael Buble, Jessie Arlen and Dakota Horvath. The Joffrey Ballet performs The Nutcracker Suite every Christmas, the State Ballet Theater of Russia holds annual exhibitions of Swan Lake. The River North Dance Company performs here on a regular basis as well.
The Auditorium Theater of Roosevelt University
50 E. Congress Pkwy.
Chicago, IL 60605
312- 922-2110
auditoriumtheatre.org