My family and I are going to Chicago. I wanted to know some spots to hit while there. we will be on state st.?

Answer 1

Assuming you'll be on State Street in the heart of downtown, then you'll have PLENTY to see.

1. Marshall Field & Company at State and Randolph -- it's worth visiting the long time retail institution; you just might be able to get a hint of its previous glory as THE place to shop for gifts. Field's was known for its courteous, professional service as well as its quality offerings

2. The Chicago Theatre just a half-block north of Field's -- you won't be able to go inside, but seeing the exterior might take you back in time to when theatres were a spectacle; believe it or not it faced demolition 20-something years ago. Fortunately it was refurbished and live performing returned (it had been a movie theatre for some years). When it returned to live performing I recall seeing live performances from Bob Hope and Melissa Manchester. Quite interesting.

3.From there, walk west one block underneath the "L" on Lake street. At Dearborn you'll pass the Goodman Theatre. A LONG time ago it was the Michael Todd Theatre (I think). Continuing west one more block you'll come to the James R. Thompson State of Illinois Building. You can walk through this and admire its spaciousness. There was some controversy when it first opened as to its energy efficiency, but it's still a building to marvel. Shortly after it was opened scenes from RUNNING SCARED were shot there (a movie starring Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines).

4. Coming out on the south side of the buiilding you're back on Randolph and across the street from City Hall. Continue south on Dearborn to the Richard J. Daley Center. Scenes from the BLUES BROTHERS starring Dan Akroyd and John Belushi were shot here. The open plaza may have a market of some kind and, depending onthe time of day, a live performance. Admire the Picasso in the Plaza and rest a bit at the pool of bubbling water.

5. At the south of Daley Plaza is Washington street. Proceed east and pass the south part of Marshall Field and Company. Continue east to Michigan Avenue. You will see Millenium Park. But before you go there, stop in at the Cultural Center, which will be on your left. At the north end is a tourist information center. You can pick up brochures and ask questions about other things to do. But before you leave, plesae go upstairs and visit the Hall of the Grand Army of the Republic. It's quiet and a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the city (incidentally, scenes from THE UNTOUCHABLES were shot there). When you're done, exit back on Washington and cross Michigan to Millenium Park. Hang out there a bit, then walk a little further to Lake Michigan. From here you have a choice: turn left to go north and walk to Navy Pier or turn right to go south to the museum campus, where you can choose between visiing the John G. Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium or the Field Museum of Natural History (scenes from THE RELIC were shot here).

6. From there walk back north and pause at Buckingham Fountain.

If the Taste of Chicago is still on, buy a few tickets and eat there. Yes, it's overpriced, but you can still find a few deals. If the Taste is over, then cab to Greek Town and have a hearty lunch.

Other things to do:
You simply MUST take a Chicago Architecture tour along the Chicago River. It's absolutely breathtaking, especially on a beautiful summer day.

Walk north up Michigan Avenue (which you'll have to do to get to the water tours anyway. By the way, the bridge you cross is the same bridge used in THE UNTOUCHABLES, where Elliott Ness first met Malone). After the tour, continue your walk up Michigan. To your left is the Wrigley Building. Across the street on your right is the Tribune Tower, the Equitable Life Insurance Building and behind that, the NBC Tower.

There are lots of shops and boutiques along Michigan, so you can enjoy yourself quite a bit. Consider stopping at GARRETT Popcorn on the west side of Michigan Avenue north of Ohio. They're a local institution. Get the cheddar-caramel popcorn mixture. It's pure heaven and oh so bad for you! Just north of Chicago Avenue is the Water Tower and Water Tower Place. On Chicago, turn left and walk a half-block if you want to visit the American Girl Store.

There's a WHOLE LOT MORE to see and do. This is just an afternoon to a day, depending on how much you want to take your time.

Welcome to the Windy City and have a great time there!

Answer 2

Hi! Chicago is a great city and there are plenty of family-friendly things do to there. I recommend getting a Go Chicago Card if you plan on seeing the Field museum and Shedd aquarium. The card is also good for orientation tours which go throughout the city there is the 2-day Hop on Hop Off Trolley which takes you throughout the city and you can hop on and hop off at a site, investigate it, then get back on when the next trolley comes. You can also glimpse the famous Chicago Coastline taking the Skyline Tour from the water. Navy Pier can be fun for the family if you have younger children who like Carnival rides.

Answer 3

The King Tut exhibit is about $30 per person but experience of a lifetime at the field museum South of the loop. If you rent a car you will need to pay for parking. I saw the exhibit about 30 years ago but it is now twice the size but worth it if you are into Egyptian history. Also a horse buggy ride in the evening when traffic is minimal near water tower place around the north loop. And Chicago river boat tour is nice- they give you an architectural historical tour of the tall buildings. The name Chicago has to do with Indian name for wild onions which grew near the lake Michigan.

Answer 4

Make sure you go up and down Michigan Ave and stop by Millennium Park, The Water Tower, John Hancock and the Buckingham Fountain. Then Also go to Navy Pier. If your coming between June 30 and July 9 it is a must to go to the Taste of Chicago. I believe Michigan Ave is just two blocks from State and Navy Pier won't be hard to find.

Answer 5

you need to get a Chicago dog and hit Pizzaria Uno. The aquarium & the Natural History Museum are nice. Go to the Water Tower & shop on Michigan Ave.

Answer 6

Field Museum for the King Tut exhibit, first time back in US since 1971!! Also, the new Millenium Park water features are a blast!! Check them out, and prepare to get all wet!! Navy Pier, of course....endless possibilities.

Answer 7

Go to Navy Pier. of course. they have an awesome ferris wheel and a build a bear workshop. and basically about anything else. it's a really fun time. my family went to chicago last summer. DO NOT GO TO THE ART MUSEUM. it's neat, but it's a lot bigger than it looks. Sheds Aquarium is REEEEAAALLY crowded. you pay money to get in and you can't even get close enough to see the animals.

Answer 8

Go to the Museum of science and Industry and to the Shedd Aquarium and Navy Pier.

Answer 9

You should go to the fountain in down town especially at night, and also go to Navy Pier and take a boat ride they are always fun.

Answer 10

Go to the Aquarium and the Museum for sure... If you're in to Shopping you should check out the shopping district too.