Welcome to the Windy City: A Guide to the Free Places to Go in Chicago

Chicago is a city that has been around for more than 175 years. It’s the third most populous city in the US, with an estimated population of 2.7 million people. Chicago is known for its vibrant culture and numerous attractions, such as the world-famous Skydeck Chicago, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Navy Pier. It’s also a hub for business and industry, with some of the nation’s largest companies based in the city.

Chicago has something for everyone, and there are plenty of free places to go and explore. From breathtaking lakeshore views to expansive parks and gardens, there’s something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll cover some of the best free places to go in Chicago and tell you what each place has to offer.

Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is one of Chicago’s most popular destinations for visitors. It’s a sprawling 1,208-acre park located on the city’s North Side that offers miles of lakefront views, a variety of recreational activities, and stunning gardens. The park is named after Abraham Lincoln and houses several monuments dedicated to him.

A popular spot in Lincoln Park is the Lincoln Park Zoo. It’s one of the oldest zoos in the US and it’s free to enter. There are over 1,100 animals from all over the world, including lions, tigers, elephants, gorillas, and more. The zoo also features attractions such as the carousel and a small amusement park.

Also in Lincoln Park is the Lincoln Park Conservatory. It’s a stunning glass-domed Victorian-style conservatory that houses a variety of plants from around the world. The conservatory is open year-round and offers guided tours.

Millennium Park

Millennium Park is another popular destination for visitors to Chicago. Located in the Loop on the city’s downtown lakefront, it offers plenty of green space and spectacular views of the city skyline. The park is home to several iconic attractions, including the Cloud Gate sculpture (more commonly known as “The Bean”), Lurie Garden, Crown Fountain, and Jay Pritzker Pavilion—all free to explore.

One of the highlights of Millennium Park is the Lurie Garden. It’s a 5-acre garden featuring stunning flowers, trees, shrubs, and other plants. The garden also offers special events throughout the year such as concerts and educational programs.

The Crown Fountain is another popular attraction in Millennium Park. It features two 50-foot glass towers that project images of Chicago residents onto their surfaces. Water cascades down from the towers and into a shallow reflecting pool at their base.

Garfield Park Conservatory

The Garfield Park Conservatory is another free place to explore in Chicago. Located on the city’s West Side, it’s one of the largest conservatories in the US and houses more than 2,000 species of plants from around the world. The conservatory also offers various educational programs and events throughout the year.

The Garfield Park Conservatory also features a variety of gardens including a Desert Garden, Fern Room, Orchid House, Palm House, and more. There’s also a Children’s Garden with activities designed specifically for kids. The conservatory also offers guided tours for visitors who want to learn more about its exhibits and collections.

Free Tours

If you’re looking for a more structured way to explore Chicago, there are several free tours available. One popular tour is the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise aboard the Chicago’s First Lady Cruise Ship. The tour takes visitors along the Chicago River and provides fascinating information about the city’s architecture and history. You can book this tour with Viator using this link.

Another popular tour is the Chicago History Museum Tour. This tour takes visitors through the museum’s exhibits and collections and provides an overview of Chicago’s history from its founding in 1833 to present day. You can book this tour with GetYourGuide using this link.

Finally, there’s the Free Tours by Foot Tour which takes visitors through some of Chicago’s top attractions including Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, Lincoln Park Zoo, Cloud Gate sculpture, Garfield Park Conservatory, and more. You can book this tour with GetYourGuide using this link.

Conclusion

Chicago is a vibrant city full of unique attractions and activities for visitors to explore and enjoy—and many of them are free! From stunning lakefront views to expansive parks and gardens, there are plenty of places to explore without spending any money. Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll or join a guided tour, there’s something for everyone in Chicago. So get out there and explore the Windy City!