You’ve heard of Chicago, maybe seen it in movies, but whether it’s your first or tenth visit, you’ll need a plan to truly experience its beauty. Chicago, the “Windy City,” is famous for its unique architecture, magnificent skyscrapers (they practically invented them!), a rich history, vibrant atmosphere, diverse neighborhoods, and countless other attractions. It might seem overwhelming, but don’t worry, the excellent public transportation system makes getting around easy.
Chicago isn’t just a city on land; just look out at Lake Michigan and you’ll understand! Or the historic Chicago River flowing through the city center. If you want to explore this magnificent city and enjoy fun on the water, whether it’s Lake Michigan or the Chicago River (and on land too), you’ve come to the right place. This article will introduce some of the top attractions and best things to do in Chicago, Illinois, with a special focus on its renowned craft breweries.
Enjoying Chicago on Lake Michigan
Chicago Seadog speedboat tour on Lake Michigan
Chicago Seadog Lakefront Speedboat Tour: If you’re an adrenaline junkie and love adventure, there’s nothing better than a speedboat tour on Lake Michigan. On the Chicago Seadog Lakefront Speedboat Tour, you’ll admire Chicago’s iconic skyline from a completely different perspective. Departing from Navy Pier, this tour will speed you across the water, providing an unforgettable experience. Seadog is family-friendly (even pet-friendly!), combining speed with fascinating information about Chicago’s architecture. Plus, Seadog allows you to BYOB to enjoy on the water, just remember no glass containers!
Exploring Chicago on the Chicago River
Chicago Seadog River & Lake Architectural Tour boat on Chicago River
Chicago Seadog River & Lake Architectural Tour: Want to admire Chicago’s famous skyline in a more relaxed and leisurely way? Then the Chicago Seadog River & Lake Architectural Tour is the perfect choice. This tour will take you along the Chicago River, exploring the city’s unique architecture and famous landmarks. Departing from Navy Pier, this 75-minute journey will give you an up-close look at Chicago’s impressive architecture. Plus, you’ll hear fascinating stories about the city’s history and architecture. And of course, you’ll still experience the speed of Seadog during a short speedboat ride on Lake Michigan.
Other Fun Things to Do in Chicago
The Bean (Cloud Gate): You’ve probably seen this picture before, and while it might seem a bit “touristy,” if you haven’t taken a photo next to this amazing sculpture, you definitely should! Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, it’s one of the most popular attractions, reflecting the skyline and surrounding green space. Moreover, it’s located in Millennium Park, which features fountains, tranquil gardens, free events, street art, an ice rink, and much more.
Millennium Park with the Cloud Gate (The Bean) sculpture in the background
Wrigley Field: Stopping by this famous ballpark is a great idea. Wrigley Field is the oldest park in the National League and the second-oldest in Major League Baseball, recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 2020. Even if you can’t catch a game, you can still explore the surrounding Wrigleyville neighborhood, full of sports bars, restaurants, and other fun things.
Museums: If you want to explore culture, Chicago has many famous museums. You can visit the Art Institute of Chicago, home to nearly 300,000 works of art, or the Field Museum, with its massive collection of nearly 40 million artifacts and specimens.
Discover Chicago’s Food and Craft Beer Scene
Chicago is a foodie paradise with countless incredible restaurants, famous for Chicago Italian Beef, deep-dish pizza, and hot dogs. Besides that, the city also has plenty of stylish cocktail bars, classic pubs, and distilleries.
But if you’re a beer lover, Chicago is a must-visit destination. This city has many world-renowned craft breweries, often pet- and kid-friendly (check before you go!). Here are a few suggestions:
- Revolution Brewing: One of the largest and most famous breweries in Chicago, Revolution Brewing is known for its bold IPAs and creative seasonal beers.
- Maplewood Brewery & Distillery: Combining a brewery and distillery, Maplewood Brewery & Distillery offers a variety of craft beers and spirits.
- Dovetail Brewery: Dovetail Brewery specializes in classic European-style beers, such as German lagers and Belgian ales.
These craft breweries are not just places to enjoy delicious beer, but also places to experience local culture and meet other beer enthusiasts. Take time to visit a few of these breweries to discover the unique flavors of Chicago.
Chicago Seadog mascot dog
Chicago – The Fun Never Ends
Chicago is a city full of excitement, history, culture, and fun. If you’ve never been or are planning a trip, take advantage of this list of fun things to do, including Seadog boat tours on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, to make the most of your time in the “Windy City.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are other fun outdoor activities in Chicago?
Fun outdoor activities in Chicago depend on the time of year. In the summer, you can enjoy boat cruises, boat rentals, and water activities. In the winter, you can ice skate or enjoy indoor activities.
What are other fun indoor activities in Chicago?
Fun indoor activities in Chicago include exploring museums or visiting famous buildings like Willis Tower or the Chicago Theatre.
What else is Chicago famous for?
Chicago is famous for many things, including architecture, music, and food.
What are some family-friendly activities in Chicago?
Family-friendly activities in Chicago include visiting The Bean, Willis Tower, museums, or riding the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier.
What “things to do” does City Cruises offer in Chicago?
City Cruises offers many cruise options, including Seadog speedboat tours, dining cruises on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River, and architectural tours from the water.