Chicago

[rockyracoon]

I've booked a city break to Chicago for October half term. Is there anything that I absolutely should do/see, or, avoid?

Ta

[Guilbert53]

Loads of info here on TripAdvisor

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g35805-Chicago_Illinois-Vacations.html

[rockyracoon]

Thanks Guilbert. I was looking for a more personal perspective.

[emeritus]

I would recommend the Arts Institute well worth a visit. Also the Architectural Boat Tour.

And if you have a head for heights a trip up to the top of Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) gives amazing views of the City and surrounding area, and you can stand on a glass platform over the street !

[emeritus]

As with most Cities Chicago do a hop on/off bus tour with commentary around the city. A good way to find your bearings and I found it very informative

[angie55]

Architectural cruise and/or lock and lake cruise. On the latter you get to see great views of city from Lake Michigan. Take a trip on the L, the Loop metro train. Walk along the newly created riverbank. Go in the bridge museum on Michigan Avenue by DuSable Bridge, you can go up one of the bridge towers. The bridges themselves are a joy to see. Navy Pier is well worth a visit. Willis Tower as described has good views. John Hancock Tower also excellent views as it's nearer the lake. Also has a tilting glass floor, not as frightening as it sounds. Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium are all excellent. Soldier Field, home of Chicago Bears well worth a tour. Grant Park is great. You must see Cloud Gate, the giant peanut that is a giant mirror. Shopping on Michigan Avenue. In terms of architecture, Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Water Tower, etc. Walk along the lake front to Lincoln Park where there is a great zoo. Enjoy, it's a great city.

[rockyracoon]

Thanks all. I hate heights, so the thought of a tilting glass floor fills me with horror, though Mr R will want to go up there. I'll wait in the bar!

I'm glad you both mentioned the Architectural Boat tour as it still runs in mid Oct. A lot of the boat trips I've looked at only seem to be booking up to 2nd or 3rd.

Thanks again. If you think of anything else, let me know.

[237SJ]

I have been to some good blues clubs in Chicago. Always worth a visit.

[rockyracoon]

A Facebook friend posted a video of the tilting floor. It's safe to say, I won't be going anywhere near it.

[mikey4444]

Rocky...try one of the Frank Lloyd Wright tours.....

http://flwright.org/tours

[rockyracoon]

Thank you, Mikey. I'll have a look at the link.

[mikey4444]

Rocky....Chicago is a great city. I started my Route 66 trip there, 23 years ago, right on East Jackson Drive, alongside the Lake !

You won't be disappointed by any of the FLW tours. Chicago probably has more FLW buildings than anywhere else in America

[rockyracoon]

Route 66 is one of my dream trips. It's just convincing the OH that it's a good idea. Maybe this visit will help.

[campbellking]

Shedd Aquarium was my favourite.

[RobNorth]

The real stars are the museums - the Field is great for all the family, and is usually showing something good in the really impressive 3D theatre. The Museum of Science and Industry is not to be missed, with a one time opportunity to go through a real WW2 German submarine, experience a blast off into space in a shuttle simulator, a Carrier take- off and landing in a fighter simulator, a trip through a coal mine....

[Rango]

How about exciting things to do instead?

1-The birth of baseball at Wrigley Field

2-Al Capone and John Dillinger, Chicago’s Roaring ‘20s museum.

3-Singing the Chicago blues at Buddy Guy’s Legends

4-Cheeseburgers at the Billy Goat
immortalized on Saturday Night Live by late comedian John Belushi.

5-A river tour of Chicago’s skyscrapers

6-Shopping at Macy’s

7-Deep dish pizza where it all began

8-Old Chicago at the Museum of Science and Industry

9-An afternoon in Grant Park

10-Tour Chicago’s ethnic heritage

https://uk.hotels.com/articles/ar000548/top-10-historic-things-to-do-in-chicago/

[avinash26593]

Whoa! So, you have chosen to be here in October. Trust me, you are going to have the best moments of your life as Autumn in Chicago is one of the most alluring and ravishing times. Although the weather in Chicago is unpredictable, most of the time it’s cooler here, and this ensures less number of people around. Therefore, as it is said “When everything is silent and calm, there is just perfection and nothing to fill the air”, you will enjoy a pleasant condition while exploring the city’s major attractions. You can explore them on : http://www.triphobo.com/places/chicago-united-states/things-to-do.

Now, coming to your question, these are few things to do in Chicago that I would recommend-
Keep in mind that some of city’s top attractions such as Navy Pier and Lincoln Park Zoo might have already reduced the visiting time for the winter session. Plan your visit accordingly.
Well, I haven’t experienced more than dusting of snow in Chicago in October, but I advise you to carry some warm clothing including hats and gloves.
If your travel plan involves O’Hare International Airport, please avoid. You may get late, especially, if the weather is bad. Rather, take Midway International Airport, and save some time for sightseeing.