Fun Things To Do In Chicago Suburbs

The city of Chicago and its suburbs are some of the most exciting places to visit in the United States. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, the city of Chicago is the third-largest city in the US and a major hub for tourism, culture, and finance. The beautiful skyline of the city, bustling nightlife, and world-renowned museums make it an alluring destination for visitors from all over the world.

The suburbs of Chicago are home to many unique attractions, activities, and events. From a day spent exploring the museums and galleries in the city to a night out enjoying the music and theatre scenes in the suburbs, there is plenty to keep visitors entertained. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Chicago’s suburbs offer a wide range of activities and attractions to explore.

History of Chicago

Chicago was founded in 1833 by fur traders and was incorporated as a city in 1837. It was originally known as Fort Dearborn and was located on an important transportation route between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. Over the years, Chicago has become a major hub for transportation, industry, and commerce.

In the mid-1800s, the city saw a huge influx of immigrants from Europe, leading to its nickname as the “Windy City.” This influx of immigrants has transformed the city into one of the most diverse cities in the US and have given it a unique cultural identity.

In 1893, Chicago hosted The World’s Columbian Exposition, a world’s fair that drew millions of visitors from around the world. The fair introduced many new technologies to the world and showcased many of the city’s attractions. Many of these same attractions can still be visited today.

Today, Chicago is home to over 2.7 million people and is one of the most populous cities in the United States. It is home to world-renowned museums, theaters, restaurants, music venues, and more. It is also home to some of the world’s most famous sports teams, including the Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago White Sox.

Popular Attractions

Chicago has plenty of attractions to explore and things to do. Some of the most popular attractions in the city include:

The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world’s most famous art museums. It is home to an impressive collection of works from artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. The museum also hosts rotating exhibits from modern and contemporary artists.

Millennium Park

Millennium Park is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions. Located in downtown Chicago, it offers stunning views of the city’s skyline and Lake Michigan. The park is also home to many interactive attractions such as the Cloud Gate sculpture (also known as “The Bean”) and Lurie Garden.

The Magnificent Mile

The Magnificent Mile is one of Chicago’s most famous shopping destinations. This stretch of Michigan Avenue is lined with high-end retailers, restaurants, and attractions. It is also home to some of Chicago’s most famous landmarks such as The Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, and Water Tower Place.

Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions. Located on Lake Shore Drive, it is home to interactive exhibits on science, technology, and industry. It also features an IMAX theater and a planetarium.

Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field is one of America’s oldest baseball stadiums and is home to the Chicago Cubs. It is one of Chicago’s most iconic attractions and offers visitors an up-close look at America’s pastime. A visit to Wrigley Field includes a tour of the stadium, a chance to view batting practice or a game, and plenty of memorabilia.

Popular Activities

Chicago has plenty of popular activities for visitors to enjoy. From food tours to bike rides along Lake Michigan, here are some popular activities to check out while visiting:

Food Tours

Chicago is known for its diverse culinary scene, so it’s no surprise that food tours are one of the city’s most popular activities. From deep dish pizza tastings to taco crawls, there are plenty of delicious options for visitors to explore. During these tours, guests will sample dishes from some of the city’s best restaurants while learning about their unique histories and cultural influences.

Architecture Tours

Chicago is renowned for its impressive architectural feats and its stunning skyline. Architecture tours are a great way to learn more about the city’s architectural history while taking in some of its most impressive sights. Tours may take visitors through Chicago’s downtown area or even farther out into the suburbs where they can admire some of Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous designs.

Bike Tours

Biking along Lake Michigan’s shoreline is one of the best ways to experience Chicago. Bike tours offer visitors an opportunity to explore the city at their own pace while taking in some breathtaking views along the way. Tours typically start in downtown Chicago and take riders along some of the city’s scenic lakefront paths before heading into one of its picturesque neighborhoods.

Brewery Tours

Chicago has become one of America’s craft beer capitals over the past few decades. Brewery tours offer visitors an up-close look at some of the city’s top breweries while sampling some delicious brews along the way. Tours typically take guests through a brewery’s production facility before heading into its taproom for tastings or samples of some limited-edition beers.

Popular Tours

Chicago offers plenty of unique tours for visitors to enjoy. Here are two popular tours that are sure to be memorable experiences:

Chicago River Cruise

The Chicago River Cruise offers visitors an up-close look at some of the city’s most iconic landmarks while taking in its impressive skyline from a different perspective. Guests aboard this tour will learn about Chicago’s history while cruising past some of its famous buildings such as Willis Tower and Navy Pier. The tour also has several stops along the way where guests can disembark for a closer look at some iconic landmarks or take photos from different angles. Book a Chicago River Cruise here.

Chicago Gangster Tour

The Chicago Gangster Tour offers visitors an inside look at some of the city’s most notorious criminal activity over the past century. This two-hour tour takes guests through some historic neighborhoods once ruled by infamous mobsters such as Al Capone and John Dillinger while learning about their notorious crimes and hearing stories from local guides who have lived through this period in history. Book a Chicago Gangster Tour here.