Short Getaway Ideas for Chicago

North Side Chicago Tour - Chicago, IL

Chicago River & Skyline

Be guided through Chicago's business section, travel the famous Loop, tour historic State Street, visit the Richard J. Daley Plaza where you can see the gift Picasso gave to Chicago.

If you're only visiting for a short period of time, you'll want to be sure to make time to take the following tours and visit the following attractions. You're sure to have a great time and get the most out of your visit.

For Everyone...

Spirit of Chicago. Take a lunch or dinner cruise aboard the Spirit of Chicago where you will dine in style. Enjoy your exquisite meal while you take in the spectacular views of the city. After dinner enjoy dancing or just enjoying the sights of the Chicago skyline.

Sears Tower and Skydeck. Sears Tower is the tallest building in North America, standing 110 stories high at over 1,400 feet. The Skydeck is located on the 103rd floor standing at 1,353 feet. On a clear day you can see Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana from the Skydeck. The building features the Elevators to the Stars, containing 50-inch screen monitors that make it seem as though you're going straight through the top of the Tower and into outer-space. While in the Skydeck, take advantage of the high-powered telescopes that will give you an even greater, detailed view of the city. Shopping and dining are available right in the Tower.

Richard J. Daley Center. This skyscraper was once known as the Chicago Civic Center. When it was first built, it was the tallest building in Chicago, though that is no longer the case. Outside of the center you will find a sculpture by Picasso, given to the City of Chicago as a gift. Take a North Side Chicago Tour and you'll see the Daley Center, Lincoln Park, and a whole host of Chicago landmarks.

Lincoln Park Zoo. Lincoln Park Zoo is home to hundreds of animals including penguins, bears, wolves, tigers, elephants and more. Admission to the zoo is free of charge, and is one of the few free zoos remaining in the country.

Museum of Science and Industry. This is an attraction the entire family will enjoy, and can learn from. Learn about how trains and planes work. Descend into a coal mine and learn all about the history of mining. Visit the Fairy Castle, the jeweled dollhouse of every little girls dreams, which features over 2000 miniatures and is a must-see. At this museum, you can also enter a genuine U-505 that was captured in battle in 1944. There are so many exhibits at this museum, that the entire family is sure to find their favorite.

Navy Pier. Navy Pier opened in 1916 and has been a favorite for tourists and locals alike. You can find numerous attractions at the park including a Ferris wheel, carousel, miniature golf, a cliff climb, Chicago Children's Museum, Navy Pier IMAX Theatre as well as shopping and dining venues. You can take a dinner cruise from the Pier on the Spirit of Chicago.

For The Nature Lover...

Grant Park. This park is home to the breath-taking Buckingham fountain. The fountain is surrounded by bronze sculptures of sea horses and is made up of three layers with the fountain rising over 20 feet into the air. Grant Park is built on what was once a landfill for the debris of the Great Fire of 1871. The park, located between Michigan Ave. and Lake Michigan displays beautiful lawns, bridges and monuments. Grant Park is also the site of the recently renovated Soldier Field, home to the Chicago Bears. The Land and Lake Tour will take you past Grant Park, the Field Museum, and more.

Lincoln Park Conservatory. The gardens here reach their peak in September, so if you're visiting during that time of year, you definitely have to make this a stop on your itinerary. The conservatory consists of 4 acres with 19 propagating houses.

For the History Buff...

The Field Museum of Natural History. This museum has such a vast amount of exhibits you won't know where to begin and can probably spend a full day here. See the skeletal remains of real-life dinosaurs, exhibits with Native American artifacts and exhibits of the Egyptians. This is a must-stop spot for any history buff.