Chicago Fire Map 1871: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Introduction

Chicago, the third-largest city in the United States, has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed much of the city, but it also led to its eventual rebuilding and growth into the bustling metropolis it is today. In this travel guide, we will explore the top attractions, hidden gems, and everything in between that Chicago has to offer.

Top Attractions

The Willis Tower Skydeck

Formerly known as the Sears Tower, the Willis Tower Skydeck is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting Chicago. The Skydeck offers stunning views of the city from 1,353 feet in the air. Visitors can also step out onto “The Ledge,” a glass balcony that extends 4.3 feet from the building, for a thrilling experience.

The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. The museum has an extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, including works by Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Georges Seurat. It also has a vast collection of American art, Asian art, and modern and contemporary art.

Hidden Gems

The 606 Trail

The 606 Trail is a 2.7-mile elevated trail that runs through four Chicago neighborhoods: Bucktown, Wicker Park, Logan Square, and Humboldt Park. The trail is perfect for walkers, joggers, and bikers and offers beautiful views of the city. It also has various art installations and gardens along the way.

The Garfield Park Conservatory

The Garfield Park Conservatory is a hidden gem located on the west side of Chicago. The conservatory spans over 12 acres and contains thousands of plants from around the world. It also has various gardens, including a desert garden, a fern room, and a palm house.

Food Scene

Deep Dish Pizza

Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza, and there are many places to try it. Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, and Gino’s East are some of the most popular places to get deep-dish pizza in the city.

Hot Dogs

Chicago-style hot dogs are another must-try food when visiting the city. A Chicago-style hot dog is typically topped with mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, pickles, and peppers. Portillo’s and Superdawg Drive-In are two of the most famous places to get a Chicago-style hot dog.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Free Museums

Many of Chicago’s museums offer free admission on certain days of the week. The Art Institute of Chicago is free to Illinois residents on Thursdays from 5-8 pm. The Museum of Science and Industry is free to Illinois residents on weekdays in September and October.

Public Transportation

Chicago has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses and trains. The CTA offers a 1-day pass for $10 that allows unlimited rides on all buses and trains.

Outdoor Adventures

Kayaking on the Chicago River

Kayaking on the Chicago River is a unique way to see the city from a different perspective. Kayak Chicago offers various tours, including a sunset paddle and a fireworks paddle.

Beaches

Chicago has 26 miles of lakefront and several beaches. North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach are two of the most popular beaches in the city.

Historical Landmarks

The Chicago Water Tower

The Chicago Water Tower is one of the few buildings that survived the Great Chicago Fire. It is located on Michigan Avenue and is now a Chicago Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.

The Chicago Theatre

The Chicago Theatre is a historic theater located in the Loop neighborhood of Chicago. The theater opened in 1921 and has hosted many famous performers, including Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and Prince.

Family-Friendly Activities

The Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium is a popular attraction for families visiting Chicago. The aquarium has over 32,000 animals, including dolphins, beluga whales, and penguins.

The Field Museum

The Field Museum is another great museum to visit with kids. The museum has several exhibits, including the Sue exhibit, which features the largest and most complete T. rex ever discovered.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

The Robie House

The Robie House is a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. The house is a National Historic Landmark and is open for tours.

The International Museum of Surgical Science

The International Museum of Surgical Science is a unique museum located in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago. The museum has exhibits on the history of surgery, as well as modern surgical techniques.

Natural Wonders

The Morton Arboretum

The Morton Arboretum is a 1,700-acre outdoor museum located in Lisle, Illinois, about 25 miles west of Chicago. The arboretum has over 222,000 plants from around the world and is a beautiful place to visit in the fall.

The Lincoln Park Conservatory

The Lincoln Park Conservatory is a conservatory located in Lincoln Park. The conservatory has many different rooms, including a fern room, a Palm House, and a Show House.

Vibrant Nightlife

The Green Mill

The Green Mill is a historic jazz club located in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. The club has been open since 1907 and has hosted many famous jazz musicians, including Charlie Parker and Billie Holiday.

The Second City

The Second City is a famous improv comedy club located in Old Town. The club has been around since 1959 and has launched the careers of many famous comedians, including Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.

Local Markets

The Chicago French Market

The Chicago French Market is an indoor market located in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago. The market has over 30 vendors and offers a variety of food, including crepes, sushi, and pastries.

The Christkindlmarket

The Christkindlmarket is a German Christmas market that takes place in Daley Plaza during the holiday season. The market has vendors selling German food, ornaments, and other gifts.

Beaches and Mountains

North Avenue Beach

North Avenue Beach is a popular beach located in Lincoln Park. The beach has a beach house, a restaurant, and volleyball courts.

Mount Baldy

Mount Baldy is a 126-foot sand dune located in Indiana Dunes National Park, about an hour drive from Chicago. The dune offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and is a unique place to visit.

Cultural Immersion

The National Museum of Mexican Art

The National Museum of Mexican Art is a museum located in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. The museum has an extensive collection of Mexican art, including paintings, sculptures, and textiles.

The Chinatown Gate

The Chinatown Gate is a landmark located at the entrance to Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood. The gate was built in 1975 and is a symbol of the Chinese-American community in Chicago.

Art and Music Scene

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is one of the top orchestras in the world. The orchestra performs at Symphony Center in the Loop neighborhood of Chicago.

The Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art is a museum located in Streeterville. The museum has a collection of contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, and installations.

Walking Tours

The Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise

The Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise is a popular tour that takes visitors on a boat ride down the Chicago River. The tour highlights the city’s architecture and history.

The Historic Pullman Foundation Walking Tour

The Historic Pullman Foundation Walking Tour is a tour that takes visitors through the Pullman Historic District, a neighborhood built for Pullman Palace Car Company workers in the 1800s.

Architectural Marvels

The Chicago Tribune Tower

The Chicago Tribune Tower is a neo-Gothic building located on Michigan Avenue. The building has a famous design contest in 1922, where architects were invited to submit designs for the tower’s façade.