Best Sightseeing in Chicago

Cemetery hours don't allow guests to verify whether a green-eyed ghoul really howls at the moon. The story of the statue of six-year old Inez Clark disappearing during storms also remains a legend, but a walk through the historical 1860 graveyard during the day is still a worthwhile experience. Inexpensive maps and guides are offered to help visitors identify famous gravesites including the father of skyscrapers and modern masters. The resting place is also home to many of the city's most popular public figures, baseball and boxing greats, merchants and inventors. The grounds were designed in 1861 by prominent landscape architect H.W.S. Cleveland with the intent to create a park-like ambiance. Another landscape architect, Ossian Simonds, added to the plan by using native plants to create the cemetery's pastoral landscape, making the "Cemetery of Architects" one of the most beautiful places in Chicago to visit.

After 40 seconds in John Hancock's elevator, visitors are transported 1,000 feet above Chicago. From there, the city's third-largest building offers views that stretch out to 80 miles on a clear day. Food and drink are available in the restaurant and lounge, and informational exhibits are on display in four different languages. Pop an extra $8 for a ticket to TILT, an enclosed moving platform that tilts you out over Michigan Avenue from the 94th Floor. Should you be around in February, you may want to skip the elevator ride and run to the top with other participants who "Hustle up the Hancock" to benefit charity. Make reservations in advance for dinner or stop for a drink at the famous The Signature Room at the 95th where you can continue to enjoy the spectacular views.

[Due to national security concerns, only pre-arranged group tours are allowed to visit the viewing gallery. The lobby visitor center is, however, open to the general public.] The Chicago Board of Trade, the largest exchange in the world, holds court in an impressive Art Deco building. Visitors may watch the frenzied action of futures and options trading from the 5th-floor viewing center and be enlightened by guides about the seemingly-cryptic gestures used by traders. A small museum and a film offer more insight into the business of trading. While you're there, note the rooftop aluminum statue of Ceres (Roman goddess of harvest) and look for the lovely painting of her that was once on the trading floor and now occupies a place of prominence in the atrium addition.

One of Chicago's most unique neighborhoods, Chinatown offers Far Eastern charm in the Midwest. Featuring scores of terrific Chinese and Cantonese restaurants and bakeries, the neighborhood has a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of folks who visit. Shoppers also enjoy cozy, family-owned bookstores and gift shops. If you're lucky, you'll visit Chinatown during one of its lively festival and perhaps even the colorful Chinese New Year celebration. Within Chinatown is Ping Tom Memorial Park which isn't easy to find but worth the effort. Ask for directions and once you find the entrance you'll be transported to a quiet sanctuary filled with wildflowers, willow trees, trails and the Chicago River. There is a water taxi stop which visitors can pickup and head into the Chicago Loop.

Since 1916, Navy Pier has been home not only to the military but to scores of special attractions. Now purely commercial, the Pier offers everything from an IMAX theater to performances by a Shakespeare troupe. You can view dancing in a grand ballroom, ride the splendor of a fifteen-story Ferris Wheel (a replica of the one at Chicago's 1893 World's Fair), or relax to the sounds of waves quietly lapping on the lakeshore. The Chicago Children's Museum is on the second floor and there are dining options on the premises. A series of special events happen throughout the year including seasonal celebrations, festivals and cultural events to public shows in the exhibition hall space. The website has an up-to-date calendar worth checking out in advance of a visit.

The architectural genius of Frank Lloyd Wright is showcased on this variety of tours. Eager visitors learn about Wright's background and his design philosophies while touring the interior of his home and studio. The guided home tours showcase his studio and its chain-hung balcony, along with a playroom designed for his children that offers treetop views. The architect's signature style and taste are clearly evident throughout the intricately designed home. Other tour options promote an exploration of Oak Park itself, which has a preponderance of homes that Wright designed. The historic neighborhood also showcases Prairie-style homes and Victorian structures. Oak Park, where the home and tours are located, is just west of Chicago.

A highlight of any trip to Chicago, this museum is home to one of the best and most diverse art collections in the world. People are drawn first to the vast Impressionist collection, including the world's largest group of Monet paintings. But treasures abound, including the haunting "American Gothic" and Seurat's groundbreaking Pointillist work. The contemporary section has been expanded and now includes pieces by Picasso, Matisse, Dali, Pollock, and Warhol. The temporary shows are also well known and always receive critical acclaim. Kids particularly enjoy the Thorne Rooms, 68 miniature room models with intricately detailed European interiors from the 16th century through the 1930s as well as American furnishings from the 17th century to 1940.

Standing 1454 feet high, this skyscraper is easily Chicago's most dominant structure and still holds the title of tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors can shoot to the top of the 110-story building via a 70-second elevator ride and catch magnificent views into Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin from the 103rd floor Skydeck. If you are looking for thrill, step out onto "The Ledge," glass boxes extended from the side of the Skydeck with views 1,353 feet straight down. Informational exhibits for both adults and children teach the history of Chicago, the construction of the tower and interesting "did you know" facts.

The city really comes alive when the weather warms up enough for its residents to hit the Lakefront Path. Located east of Lake Shore Drive, the Lakefront Trail is an 18.5 mile linear path that stretches from the far north part of the city to the south side. Neighborhoods dot the path as well as notable cultural landmarks including the Museum of Science and Industry; the Field Museum of Natural History; Shedd Aquarium; Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum; the Chicago Children's Museum; the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum; Lincoln Park Zoo, and the South Shore Cultural Center. The paved path is very popular among walkers, joggers and bicyclists and it will and does get crowded during the warm weekends. Expect to slow down around Navy Pier, one of the most congested points on the trail. Still, the Lakefront Path is one of Chicago's best and free sightseeing attractions.

Seeing Chicago's architectural beauty from the decks of a river cruiser is a must for both locals and visitors. One of the city's most unique tours, the CAC River Cruise takes visitors along the north and south shores of the lake. Guests will learn about more than 50 buildings and their significance to Chicago's architectural landscape as well as general history about Chicago and how it grew from a small back-country outpost to one of the world's most important crossroads of today. Tours are available late April through mid-November and run about an hour and a half in length. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance as they often sell out.