Things To Do In Chicago In August

August is a great time to explore the city of Chicago, Illinois. From its iconic architecture, beautiful beaches, and spectacular skyline to the popular restaurants and bustling nightlife, there is no shortage of things to do and see in Chicago during this vibrant month. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, August is the perfect time to visit the Windy City.

A Brief History of Chicago

Chicago is one of the most visited cities in the United States, with over 9.5 million visitors in 2019 alone. Located on the southwestern tip of Lake Michigan, the city is known for its unique architecture, cultural attractions, and vibrant nightlife. Founded in 1837, Chicago was first incorporated as a city in 1837 and quickly became an important port city, with the advent of the railroad in the mid-1800s accelerating its growth into the largest city in Illinois.

The city has a rich history, from hosting two World Fairs in 1893 and 1933 to enduring the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. As one of the most important transportation hubs in the country, Chicago is home to a flourishing economy and has become a major center for finance, industry, manufacturing, and technology. The city is also renowned for its art and architecture, with some of the most iconic skyscrapers in the world including the Willis Tower and John Hancock Center.

Popular Sights in Chicago

Chicago has a wide variety of attractions for visitors to explore. From the magnificent art institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Art to the popular Navy Pier and Millennium Park, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the most popular sights in Chicago:

The Magnificent Mile

The Magnificent Mile is one of the most famous sights in downtown Chicago. Stretching from the Chicago River to Oak Street Beach, this 8-block stretch is packed with high-end shops, restaurants, and hotels. Visitors can also explore the impressive museums located along this stretch such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Chicago History Museum.

The John Hancock Center

The John Hancock Center is one of the most iconic skyscrapers in Chicago and stands out amongst the rest with its unique design. Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, this 100-story building offers 360-degree views from its observation deck on the 94th floor. Visitors can also enjoy fine dining in the Signature Room located on the 95th floor.

Navy Pier

Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions. Located on Lake Michigan, this 3,300-foot-long pier offers a variety of activities and attractions including a Ferris wheel, an Imax theater, boat rides, and more. Visitors can also enjoy delicious food at its many restaurants and shops.

Millennium Park

Millennium Park is one of the most popular parks in Chicago. This 24.5-acre park features landscaped gardens, performance venues, public art installations, an ice rink, and an outdoor amphitheater. It is also home to one of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks – The Cloud Gate sculpture or “the Bean” as it is affectionately known by locals.

Things To Do In Chicago In August

From outdoor activities to unique events and festivals, there’s no shortage of things to do in Chicago during August. Here are some of the best activities for visitors to enjoy:

Hit The Beach

Chicago is home to some beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan’s shoreline. During August, these beaches are perfect for swimming and soaking up some sun. Popular beaches include Oak Street Beach, Montrose Beach, North Avenue Beach, and Rainbow Beach.

Explore The Arts

Chicago is home to numerous world-class art institutions including The Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and The Field Museum. Visitors can enjoy a variety of cultural events such as theater performances, music concerts, and art exhibitions throughout August.

Take A Boat Tour

A boat tour is one of the best ways to see Chicago from a different perspective. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of some of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks such as The Cloud Gate sculpture (The Bean), Navy Pier, and Willis Tower from the water. There are many boat tour companies operating in Chicago offering various types of tours from sightseeing cruises to dinner cruises.

Go Shopping

Chicago is a great place to go shopping with its many stores and boutiques offering an array of items from designer fashion to locally sourced goods. Popular shopping destinations include The Magnificent Mile, Water Tower Place, State Street Shopping District, and Oak Street Shopping District.

Sample The Cuisine

Chicago is known for its delicious cuisine ranging from classic American dishes to international cuisine such as Mexican, Italian and Asian food. Popular restaurants include Girl & The Goat, Alinea and XOCO. Additionally, there are many food festivals throughout August including Taste of Chicago and Chinatown Summer Fair offering visitors a chance to sample various types of cuisine from all over the world.

Popular Tours

Chicago Architecture River Cruise

The Chicago Architecture River Cruise is one of the most popular tours in Chicago. This 1-hour cruise takes visitors on a journey along the Chicago River where they can learn about the history and architecture of some of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks such as The Merchandise Mart, Wrigley Building, Willis Tower, and more. Guests will be guided by knowledgeable tour guides who will provide interesting facts about each landmark along the way. Book your Chicago Architecture River Cruise here!

Chicago Food Tour

Another popular tour in Chicago is the Chicago Food Tour which takes visitors on a journey through some of the city’s best restaurants and bars where they can sample delicious dishes from classic American cuisine to international cuisine such as Mexican, Italian and Asian food. Guests will be guided by knowledgeable tour guides who will provide interesting facts about each restaurant along the way. Book your Chicago Food Tour here!

Conclusion

August is an excellent time to visit Chicago and explore everything this vibrant city has to offer from its iconic architecture to its world-class art institutions and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, there’s no shortage of things to do and see in Chicago during this vibrant month. From outdoor activities to unique events and festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during their stay in this historic city.