Hidden Treasures in Chicago

It's not hard to believe there are some lesser-known activities to do and sights to see in a vast city like Chicago. We've gone undercover to search the nooks and crannies of the city to optimize your play time in Chi-town. Feel free to share these secrets with others.

Pay homage to a great American leader by visiting the "Standing Lincoln" sculpture. The bronze statue depicts the 16th President rising from a chair to give a speech. It is considered one of the most significant sculptures of Lincoln.

Address: 2001 North Clark St., Chicago IL 60614 - MAP

Get a 360-degree view of Chi-town from the John Hancock Observatory. The view spans across 80 miles, and you can see four neighboring states from the lookout. For those not afraid of heights, venture out onto Chicago's only open-air skywalk and dare to look down.

Address: 875 N Michigan Ave., Chicago IL 60611 - MAP
Phone: (312) 751-3681
Web: www.hancockobservatory.com

Step into a piece of Chicago history and a structure that was built to survive. The Old St. Patrick's Church was built in the 1850s and is one of the few buildings that survived the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. The building reflects the architectural design of the Celtic Revival and is a magnificent piece of Chicago architecture.

Address: 700 W Adams St., Chicago IL 60661 - MAP
Phone: (312) 648-1021
Web: www.oldstpats.org

Find some peace, quiet and books at the Harold Washington Library Center. The main branch of Chicago Public Libraries offers 750,000 square feet of WiFi, art, exhibits and, of course, books.

Address: 400 S State St., Chicago IL 60605 - MAP
Phone: (312) 747-4300
Web: www.chipublib.org

Visit the Monument to the Great Northern Migration and gain a new respect for the millions of African-American men, women and children who traveled far to make Chicago their home in the early 20th century. The statue depicts a traveler with worn luggage, waving toward Chicago.

Address: 26th Street & King Dr., Chicago IL 60616 - MAP

Stroll through downtown Chicago's Grant Park to see the beautiful Buckingham Fountain. The fountain operates from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and features streams of water accompanied by dancing lights and music.

Address: 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago IL 60601 - MAP
Phone: (312) 742-7648
Web: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

Also...

Ravinia Festival

Address: 200 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park, IL 60035 - MAP
Phone: (847) 266-5100
Web: www.ravinia.org

Willis-Sears Tower Skydeck

Address: 233 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago IL 60606 - MAP
Web: www.theskydeck.com

International Museum of Surgical Science

Address: 1524 N Lake Shore Dr., Chicago IL 60611 - MAP
Phone: (312) 642-6502
Web: www.imss.org

Chicago, IL

Hidden Treasures in Chicago

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