Chicago
Chicago is a big-city classroom on the lake. You will find world-class museums, iconic architecture, vibrant neighborhoods, and plenty of energy for student groups. From Lake Shore Drive and the Magnificent Mile to the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum, the Windy City makes it easy to build an itinerary that’s equal parts inspiring and fun.
Whether your students are drawn to business, theater, science, finance, or the arts, Chicago offers real-world connections that can spark new interests and future goals.
Highlights
Art Institute of Chicago
This museum houses one of the world’s best art collections- with more than 300,000 works on display, representing over 40 centuries of art.
Buckingham Fountain
This fountain was given to Chicago in 1927; it still stands in the center of Grant Park and has become a major cultural landmark of Chicago.
Centennial Fountain
This fountain was built in 1989 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.
Chicago Board of Trade
Formerly known as The Chicago Butter and Egg Board, it was changed in 1919 to The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (now CME). Its members still trade futures contracts on agricultural commodities by open outcry.
Comedy Sportz
Great for all ages, two teams battle for laughs and points as they make up scenes, games and songs on the spot.
Eli’s Cheesecake Company
Groups from all over the world come and tour our award-winning bakery. Making its debut on July 4, 1980 at the Taste of Chicago, Eli Schulman created the now famous Eli’s Cheesecake.
Field Museum of Natural History
You’ll discover the astonishing diversity of life on earth and connect with cultures from every corner of the globe in this world class museum with more than 9 acres of exhibits.
Frank Lloyd Wright House Home & Studio
Restored and preserved as a museum and memorial to one of our country’s most influential and innovative architects–Frank Lloyd Wright.
Lake Shore Drive
Featured in many films, Lake Shore Drive provides a great vantage point to appreciate Chicago’s famous skyline.
Lincoln Park Zoo
One of the oldest zoos in the country, this stop offers terrific wildlife in the shadow of skyscrapers. Today the Zoo is recognized as a world leader in wildlife conservation and community education.
Magnificent Mile
North Michigan Avenue (a.k.a. Magnificent Mile) is one of the world’s most famous shopping districts, this mile boasts some of the most popular names in retail and fashion.
Museum of Broadcast Communications
The Museum is the premiere broadcast museum in America and home to the only National Radio Hall of Fame. It contains a vast library of historic television and radio programs and commercials.
Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum boldly interweaves exhibitions, performances, collections, and educational programs to excite, challenge, and illuminate visitors and to provide insight into the creative process.
Museum of Contemporary Photography
This museum, known as MoCP, presents projects and exhibitions that communicate the value and significance of photographic images as expressions of human thought, imagination, and creativity.
Museum of Science and Industry
With over 350,000 sq ft of space, the Museum of Science and Industry contains more than 800 exhibits covering diverse areas like energy, the environment, the human body, space exploration and transportation.
National Museum of Mexican Art
The purpose of the Museum is to stimulate and preserve the knowledge and appreciation of the Mexican culture as it manifests itself in and outside of Mexico.
Navy Pier
A mile long, consisting of 50 acres, this lakefront playground is a must-see for student groups. Great rides, restaurants and shopping.
Professional sporting event:
Cubs :: White Sox :: Bulls :: Blackhawks
Puerto Rican Cultural Center
Founded in 1973, the Puerto Rican Cultural Center Juan Antonio Corretjer is a non-profit, community-based umbrella institution, which seeks to serve the social/cultural needs of Chicago’s Puerto Rican/Latino community.
Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium has been a Chicago icon and a leader in the zoo and aquarium profession for more than three-quarters of a century.
Terra Museum of American Art
The Terra Foundation’s collection of American art spans the colonial era through 1945 and includes more than seven hundred paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, and sculptures.
The Loop
What locals call the historical center of downtown Chicago; it is the second-largest central business district in the United States, behind Manhattan.
