Sightseeing in Chicago

Inside Chicago: Grand Tour & Hancock Building - Chicago, IL

Sears Tower

If there's one stop that you absolutely have to make while in the Chicago area, it's the Sears Tower, and this tour takes you there.

Chicago isn't just a city; it's a way of life filled with culture, history and personality, and offers the perfect place to visit for an action-packed vacation that everyone is sure to remember. Whether you want to visit museums, appreciate artwork or observe live marine life; Chicago has it all.

For Everyone...

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.

Adler Planetarium. At the planetarium you can see the famed Sky Theatre, a 68-foot dome where you will observe a recreation of the stars in the evening sky. You can learn to use a telescope and visit the new "Stranded in an Alien Lab" interactive exhibit where you can find clues about an alien scientist and her work. The Inside Chicago Tour will take you to see the famous Loop, State Street, the plazas, yacht harbor, lakefront parks and beaches and the museums and includes a brief stop at the Adler Planetarium.

Shedd Aquarium. This is the largest aquarium in the world. Here you can see the Wild Reef, which is home to the most diverse shark display in North America. The sharks swim side-by-side with other predators of the water in a 400,000 gallon display. The aquarium is also home to creatures such as anaconda, piranhas, dolphins, sea otters, whales and more.

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 boats such as the Spirit of Chicago or take a sightseeing cruise on one of the other tour boats.

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. To see Chicago's business section including Daley Plaza and the Loop as well as the Lincoln Park area, take the North Side Chicago Tour.

Lincoln Park Zoo. Lincoln Park zoo is home to hundreds of animals including penguins, bears, wolves, tigers, elephants and more. The zoo is divided into four different trails; the Blue Trail, the Gold Trail, the Red Trail and the Green Trail. The zoo has a strong conservation program. While it is run by the Park District, it is mostly supported by private funds. Admission to the zoo is free of charge, and is one of the few free zoos remaining in the country.

For Nature Lovers...

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. 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 and the Joseph Petrillo Band Shell. The band shell is host to evening concerts in the summer. The Land and Lake Tour will show you the sights of Chicago from the water. You'll go to Grant Park, Adler Planetarium, the Joseph Petrillo Band Shell, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Shedd Aquarium, Orchestra Hall, the Field Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Science and Industry, the loop and exclusive shopping areas and neighborhoods. You'll also view, by water, the locks, Navy Pier, the Coast Guard Station and the Chicago River.

For Museum Lovers...

The Art Institute of Chicago. This institute is home to both an art museum and a school of art. The museum features over 300,000 works of art including 33 paintings by Monet. You can also see Grant Park, South Commons, the Art Institute, Lakepoint Towers and stop by the Adler Planetarium with the South Shore Tour. If you want to tour in style, take advantage of the Ship and Shore Tour. You'll travel by deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach and then board the Spirit of Chicago for a luxurious luncheon cruise complete with entertainment and a narrated tour of the Chicago skyline.

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.

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, one of the museums most popular exhibits. This amazing doll house took the work of over 700 individuals to finish, to a tune of $500,000. The jeweled dollhouse of every little girls dreams features over 2000 miniatures and is a must-see for every little girl. 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.

For Dining Entertainment...

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.

Roaring 20s Dinner Tour. Enjoy a meal at Tommy Gun's Garage. This 1920 speakeasy will entertain you with musical comedy featuring gangsters and flappers of the era. Enjoy the sights of a 1928 Ford Model A Car, pictures of gangsters and police of the 20s. While enjoying the atmosphere you can dine on your choice of vegetarian lasagna, butt steak or boneless chicken. When dinner is over, you will visit a local music spot and enjoy your choice of a beer, wine or soft drink.