Updated last: August 29, 2019.

Originally published June 25, 2014.

This post came from finding ways to squeeze in a little Chicago sightseeing when I was headed to a conference that would be split between the massive McCormick Place convention center and hotels a few miles away, along the Chicago River. 

Now that I’m getting ready for another quick trip to Chicago, I’ve updated information and added to it.

Let me know what you like to do in the Windy City!

–Steph

I had been to Chicago O’Hare. But the airport doesn’t count. I had driven by Chicago on the interstate. That doesn’t really count either. The first time I was really in the city of Chicago, it was for a conference. Which just barely counts.

A conference can be like its own self-contained universe. You can eat, sleep, socialize, work, learn, and be entertained for days without ever leaving its confines. Or ever talking to someone who isn’t wearing a lanyard. Whether you’re there for knowledge or networking, you want to get as much as you can out of the conference itself. But it’s also nice to see some of the area outside the convention center.

As I prepared for the 2013 BlogHer Annual Conference, I also looked into what was near the downtown convention centers and hotels where I would be starting from and how I could see a small slice of Chicago if I found a spare hour or two.

Make the Most of Museum Visits

Quick trips to museums can be particularly tricky!

• They’re often only open 9-to-5-type hours, so it can be hard to fit into a full itinerary.
• Admission is typically for a full day – worth it, but it can feel a bit pricey if you’re pressed for time and can’t stay long.

While I couldn’t exactly find any special I’m-here-for-a-conference-and-only-have-an-hour discounts, here are some things to keep in mind to make the most of your museum visits…

1. Reciprocal memberships: Do you have a membership to a science center or museum where you live? Find out whether it’s part of the ASTC Travel Passport Program (like The Field Museum) or offers other reciprocal privileges (like the Art Institute) that grant you free general admission. Remember to bring along your membership card and photo ID!
2. Check for special events during the dates you’re in town. You may be able to take advantage of extended hours and/or discounts. However, the monthly or weekly Free Admission Days you’ll often see listed are specifically for Illinois residents.
3. Find out what you can see for free. A full Soldier Field tour may not fit your schedule, but you can explore the Colonnade level of the stadium at your own pace. If the stars haven’t aligned for a visit to Adler Planetarium, you can scope out the Doane Observatory anytime the doors are open.

Starting from McCormick Place

McCormick Place is the largest conference center in the U.S. It feels isolated from the rest of downtown, but you’re a short cab ride away from all the sights.

• Map (PDF)
• Hotels on-site: Marriott Marquis Chicago + Hyatt Regency McCormick Place (which is where I stayed – it was really nice!)

Burnham Park

Burnham Park runs along Lake Michigan. Locals hang out, picnic, and enjoy lake views.

• It’s just outside of McCormick Place, but it still took me 15 minutes to wind my way through the convention center’s labyrinth of expo halls and walkways out to daylight. It’s that massive of a complex!
• Lakefront Trail – Take a walk or run — if you haven’t already gotten enough exercise hoofing it over there. These bike and pedestrian trails go the length of Burnham Park — and beyond it!
• Divvy Bike Share – You can purchase a Single Ride pass at Divvy Kiosks. $3 for 30 minutes.

McCormick Bird Sanctuary

To get your wildlife fix, visit this 6-acre grassland preserve created as a habitat for migrating birds.

• Many locals don’t seem to know this place exists, including the McCormick information desk staff – even though the bird sanctuary is just south of the conference center and literally built on top of one of their parking garages.
• For best results, get directions out to the Lakefront, and then follow the signage and/or Google Maps to get the rest of the way there.
• It’s part of the larger Burnham Wildlife Corridor.
• PDF map + info

Museum Campus Sights

If you have a little more time, there’s a lot to see at the nearby Museum Campus!

Adler Planetarium

Planetarium that seeks to connect people through the wonder of space science. Museum entry $19.

• Doane Observatory: Large telescope outside of the planetarium with an open-door policy. Open daily 10am – 1pm or whenever conditions permit.
• Doane at Dusk: Monthly telescope viewings and discussions with Adler Astronomers after museum hours. Free and open to the public on a first come, first served basis, weather permitting. Upcoming dates: 9/27 at 7:30pm, 11/22 at 7pm, 12/20 at 7pm
• Adler After Dark: Evening event for adults (21+) every third Thursday of the month from 6-10pm. Includes full access to museum exhibits, unlimited sky shows, special guests, hands-on programs, access to Doane Observatory, live entertainment, and new themes every month. $20 advance / $25 at the door
• ASTC Travel Passport Program participant.

The Field Museum

Natural and cultural history museum, including the fossil skeleton of T-Rex Sue. Basic admission $26.

• ASTC Travel Passport Program participant.

Shedd Aquarium

Aquarium with a wide variety of aquatic creatures that also does Great Lakes conservation projects. Regular daytime admission is $40.

• After Hours: Normally closing by 5 or 6pm, Shedd sometimes has extended-hours events for adults (21+). Upcoming 2019 dates: September 12 + 27 from 6-10pm. $25 admission.

Soldier Field

Stadium built in 1924 with capacity to seat over 100,000 people. It is on the National Register of Historic Places, was the site of the first International Special Olympics Games in 1968, and is the current home of the Chicago Bears.

• Public tours are available on weekdays, subject to event schedules. You can book an advance ticket online or walk up (if space is available). Tickets $15.
• Groups of 10 or more can book a private tour at least 2 weeks in advance.
• Free: The Colonnade level of the stadium, with the original columns from 1924, is open to the public 6am-11pm on non-event days Spring through Fall. They are lit up each night with multi-colored LED lights.
• Surrounding Soldier Field is a 17-acre park with features such as the Children’s Garden and Memorial Water Wall.

Chicago River Area (Near North Side)

For conference-goers staying on the Near North Side of downtown, there are a lot more options in walking distance.

The Art Institute of Chicago

Perusing art museums can be good for the soul.

• What to see in an hour: List of museum highlights, which are also marked on the PDF Visitors Guide Map (except, weirdly, for American Gothic, which is in gallery 263 with #8 Nightlife).
• Terzo Piano restaurant is open to the public with views of the downtown cityscape.
• Has reciprocal membership agreements with select art museums around the U.S.

Chicago Cultural Center

Known for its architectural features and event spaces, the building was originally opened in 1897 as Chicago’s first public library. Free.

• Hours: Monday-Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am–5pm
• 1st Floor: public restrooms, pedway access elevator, information desks and Welcome Center (for Millennium Park, Harris Theater, Lurie Garden, Maggie Daley Park, and The Art Institute of Chicago).
• 3rd Floor (Washington Street Side): Tiffany Dome, the largest dome made out of Tiffany glass in the world.
• Public wifi network “Chi-Fi.”

Chicago River

Walk along it, take a river cruise, or just sit and watch boats go by.

A commenter suggested taking an architectural boat tour. A couple I found…

• Chicago’s First Lady Cruises is partnered with the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC).
• Chicago’s Best 90-Min Architecture Boat Tour currently has a Living Social deal or a $15 discount with code SUMMER.

Magnificent Mile

High-end retail district on and around Michigan Avenue.

• Shopping
• Architecture

Millennium Park

Iconic Chicago park just outside the Art Institute. Free.

• Hours: 6am–11pm.
• Take a photo under Cloud Gate, the large silver sculpture also known as “The Bean.”
• Walk through Lurie Garden. Free 5-25 minute tours are offered on a first, come/first serve basis May to September on Thursdays and Fridays (11am – 1:15pm) + Sundays (11am – 2:15pm).
• Catch a free concert.
• The park has free wifi (!) Log in at “Park WiFi.”

Navy Pier

Rides, food, shows, and this random (but lovely) little stained glass museum when you’re ready for a quiet moment.
[Update: the stained glass museum has closed. Some of the works are on display in a corridor of Chicago’s underground Pedway.]

• Free events and public programs
• Public art – including a Bob Newhart sculpture with a couch where you can tell him your problems.
• International and cultural dining
• Chicago Shakespeare Theater

West Side

Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) with its famous Sky Deck is about a mile inland. If you just have to go up but are short on time, they offer a Fast Pass with an elevator express lane for double triple the regular admission price. (Regular $25 / Fast Pass $75.)

For public radio fans, WBEZ’s Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me sells nonrefundable tickets ($30) to Chase Auditorium tapings 6 weeks in advance. Otherwise, you’ll have to take your chances the day of the show with the Wait Wait waiting list.

Finally, you may not be able to do everything you’d like. But keep your eyes and ears open, and you might be able to catch a few glimpses of life in the city!

– More Chicago Info –

• Free tours with Chicago Greeters
• Mobile-friendly visitors guide

Flora + Fauna:

• 12 secret parks and gardens
• Bird sanctuaries in Chicago
• Shedd Gardens: outside of the aquarium are a dozen different gardens designed for the area’s climate and native habitats to be both beautiful and sustainable.

Stained Glass Windows in the Underground Pedway:

• The Story of Chicago’s Pedway
• Macy’s Pedway with Installation of American Victorian Stained Glass Windows 
• Pedway by Macy’s Brightened By Stained Glass Windows from Smith Museum