Founded in 1879 and built on the rubble of the 1871 Chicago fire, the Art Institute of Chicago is home to over 5,000 years worth of artistic and cultural expressions from around the globe. From contemporary art to impressionist French paintings to ancient Greek sculpture, the museum's voluminous exhibits span the continents across the centuries. With ongoing collections ranging from Georgia O'Keefe to Phidias, and new exhibits being added regularly, there is always something for everyone to learn and admire at the Art Institute.
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60603
312-443-3600
artic.edu
The Chicago Zoological Society opened the Brookfield Zoo in 1934 and it has since become home to around 450 species of animals across more than 200 acres of land. Families delight in safari rides, dolphin shows and a children's petting zoo where the kids can watch goats being milked. Winter visitors to the zoo are mesmerized by seasonal "Holiday Magic" displays including millions of lights and ice sculptures. The Brookfield Zoo is a nostalgic favorite of locals and a must-visit for tourists.
Brookfield Zoo
3300 Golf Road
Brookfield, IL 60513
708-688-8000
brookfieldzoo.org
Since 1984, Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace has been a top spot for quality productions ranging from classics like Shakespeare to hit musicals such as Ragtime. As of 2010, more than 3 million people have attended over 2,000 productions, many of which have won awards. Drury Lane Theatre is just 30 minutes from downtown Chicago and 20 minutes from both airports.
Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace
100 Drury Lane
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
630-530-8300
drurylaneoakbrook.com
Millennium Park, located in the heart of downtown Chicago on Michigan Avenue, has 24.5 acres of award-winning landscape design, architecture and art. Visitors and locals convene on the Great Lawn for free musical performances in the summer and skate at the McCormick Tribune Plaza and Ice Rink in the winter. Year-round, children gather to play at the Crown Fountain, and nature enthusiasts linger over luxurious landscapes at the Lurie Garden. Rent bikes, take a walking tour, or laugh at your changing reflection as you walk under Cloud Gate (commonly called "The bean"). Millennium Park is an exceptional place for an afternoon of relaxation and escape from the bustle of the downtown city streets.
Millennium Park
55 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
312-742-1168
millenniumpark.org
