Chicago is primarily associated with gangsters, but that era has passed. The modern city is perfect for tourism: a clean beach on Lake Michigan, a water taxi on the Chicago River, sparkling skyscrapers, special Chicago pizza and unusual museums. Welcome to tourist Chicago! In this article you will learn about the free attractions of this city.
1. Millennium Park is located in downtown Chicago. Admission is free, and there is a lot to see! The park is open from 6 am to 11 pm.
In the TV series, you might have seen a curved mirror sculpture of a strange shape, similar to a bean. Officially it is called Cloud Gate,
and the residents simply call her Bean. The polished surface of the surrounding skyscrapers and square is intricately distorted, which constantly attracts attention, so this sculpture has become one of the symbols of Chicago.
Nearby is a very unusual Crown Fountain. It doesn’t have the splendor of Peterhof’s fountains, but the idea of the Catalan master Jaume Plensa is truly impressive: on two 15-meter columns made of small cubes, pixelated images are obtained – on one a huge male face, on the other a female one. Their faces alternately frown and smile, and periodically release streams of water from their mouths, which is why children love to splash around here.
The park also features modern sculptures, a bridge overlooking the lake, a garden and a large green field with an outdoor stage – Jay Pritzker Pavilion, designed by architect Frank Gehry. This field can accommodate about 7,000 people! There are many events happening here, including free music festivals.
Also in the park is the Millennium Monument, a replica of a Greek-style colonnade that stood on the same site in the first half of the 20th century, but was destroyed due to weather conditions.
On the pedestal of the monument are written the names of 115 sponsors who donated at least a million dollars each for the construction of Millennium Park.
2. Michigan Avenue, which runs along Millennium Park, is a landmark in itself. It is called the Magnificent Mile because of the abundance of beautiful buildings and shops (460!),
restaurants, hotels. The view of the Chicago River with turquoise water and passing ships makes you forget about the bustle and noise of the city.
On this avenue is another symbol of Chicago – the Chicago Water Tower,
built in 1869 from large blocks of limestone and thus similar to a medieval castle. Inside it is the free City Gallery, presenting the work of local photographers and artists (the gallery is open from 10:00 to 18:30).
Among the stores, the Nordstrom department store is extremely popular, as well as its outlets – Nordstrom Rack; There are several of them in Chicago, we recommend checking them out.
3. Admission to the Lincoln Park Zoo is free, but they gladly accept donations. Founded in 1868, it is one of the oldest American zoos and houses 1,200 animals representing 230 species on 14 hectares. Here you will find pink flamingos, scary-looking reptiles, monkeys including Japanese macaques, aardvarks, cute pygmy hippos, fluffy alpacas and many others. The most notable of the plants is an old oak planted in 1830.
Social life is also in full swing: the annual United Run marathon is held here, photography competitions, singing competitions, parties, yoga classes, and overnight stays in tents are organized. Amazing place!
Among the attractions available are a ride on a small train and a carousel. As a souvenir, you can buy a soft toy (many different animals) at a local store,
costume jewelry, handmade items or a T-shirt with the zoo logo. They didn’t forget about food either – there are 6 cafes to choose from.
Also on schedule, the following opportunities are offered: touch animals, watch an activity with gorillas and chimpanzees, see how seals are trained.
Regular opening hours: from 10:00 to 17:00, seven days a week.
Zoo website: http://www.lpzoo.org
4. Lake Shore Drive is also noteworthy: as the name suggests, it is adjacent to Lake Michigan and runs along beaches, parks, museums and the Lincoln Zoo. Divided into northern (North) and southern parts (South).
We strongly recommend walking or cycling along the shore (there are plenty of paved paths there). You will see rows of yachts clanking in the wind, flocks of seagulls and Canadian geese and much more, except perhaps the opposite shore; after all, Lake Michigan is the largest of the Great Lakes in the United States, its area is 57.75 thousand km2, and its depth reaches 281 m. Its name comes from the Indian word mishigami, which translates as “big water.”
Don’t forget to check out the beach – although Chicago seems like a cold northern city, there are palm trees and great sunbathing! The combination of opposites is stunning: the power of nature – if you face the lake –
clear water, sand; and the greatness of man – if you turn to the city – skyscrapers, highways, etc. Only the water temperature can upset you, but there are still more advantages; If you like to relax actively, do not hesitate to join the Americans playing volleyball or frisbee.
5. If you want to move somewhere from the center of Chicago, go to China Town. You can get there, for example, by water taxi. An all-day ticket with unlimited rides costs $8.
Naturally, many Chinese live in this area, so this is the best place to try a variety of Chinese dishes, buy traditional clothes, medicinal potions and souvenirs. Authenticity guaranteed! At the fish market, big, hulking lobsters and huge shrimp attract attention; It’s worth a look there too.
Everything here is strikingly different from “American” Chicago: no skyscrapers, Chinese-style roofs, lots of red, signs with hieroglyphs, Chinese decorations. If you’re lucky, you’ll witness a national-style procession where a dragon is carried along the streets.
Come, Chicago will surprise you more than once!
Convenient hotel booking service – OneTwoTrip.
Recommended reading: Vacation vs. Social Media: How to Enjoy Traveling
