Chicago Sightseeing on a Conference Schedule

Updated last: August 29, 2019.

Originally published June 25, 2014.

Chicago shore and skyline

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


McCormick Place exhibition hall

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.

McCormick Place in Chicago
Part of the massive McCormick Place convention center in Chicago.

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.

McCormick Place window

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.

 

Floor clock
Floor Clock II by Vito Acconci in Ogden Park Plaza.

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.

navy pier stained glass

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.

 

Lakefront Trail signage in Chicago

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.

 

Hyatt hotel at McCormick Place in Chicago

 

Lakefront Trail in Burnham Park

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 Place bird sanctuary map

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

 

view of downtown Chicago from McCormick Place
View of Museum Campus and Downtown Chicago from McCormick Place.

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.

 

Lake Michigan

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.

 

Chicago hot dog
Chicago dog with the works.

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.

 

Navy Pier in Chicago
Lake Michigan from Navy Pier.

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.

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 at night

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…

 

architecture on the Magnificent Mile
The Marina City apartment towers in Chicago’s Magnificent Mile.

Magnificent Mile

High-end retail district on and around Michigan Avenue.

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 entrance

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.]

 

downtown Chicago
Downtown Chicago buildings, as seen on the ride from the airport.

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.

Canoe sculpture at Navy Pier
Monochrome II sculpture by Nancy Rubins. (This was at Navy Pier, but I’m not sure if it’s still there.)

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!


 

Chicago skyline

– More Chicago Info –

 

Flora + Fauna:

 

Stained glass window in Chicago

Stained Glass Windows in the Underground Pedway:

 

Burnham Park in Chicago

Snapshots from Chicago (Whirlwindy City Photo Hunt results)

Sailboats on Lake Michigan.

3 days.

16 sessions/keynotes.

5 Friday night parties. (Yes, 5.)

A whole pile o’ business cards exchanged.

With a super busy BlogHer conference schedule, I didn’t have time to see all much of Chicago.* But, the key question: Did I finish the Whirlwindy City Photo Hunt?

Oh, yes, I did.

Here is what I captured for each of the 10 Chicagoey items on my photo scavenger hunt list:

 

1. Windy city 

 

2. Sears (Willis) Tower 

 

3. Chicago hot dogs 

Saw this stand after dinner…

 

Chicago hot dog at O'Hare Airport.

…and got an actual Chicago dog at the airport and ate it at a phone charging station. It was surprisingly good, even though I usually don’t put yellow mustard on hot dogs. Or onions. Or unidentified diced peppers approximately the color of green jello. Somehow, it all worked.

 

4. Lincoln (Park)

Lincoln parked at O’Hare, waiting for his flight. Hope he gets a seat with extra leg room.

 

5. Wrigley field and the Chicago Cubs.

This is as close as I got to Wrigley Field (and most of those sites).

 

It’s hard to tell, but the girl in the background is wearing a Cubs hoodie. And struggling to carry like 4 mega-packs of toilet paper around the hotel lobby. Not sure why. It was a nice hotel. They provided toilet paper.

 

6. L Train

L Train as viewed from el shuttle.

 

7. Art institute(d)

Passed by the actual Art Institute in a cab but did do an art project at BlogHer’s Fly DIY party.

 

8. Lake Michigan

Now I’ve seen one of the Great Lakes! My friend asked if that was on my bucket list. I hadn’t thought of it that way. Maybe more like part of my duty as an American. Or something.

 

9. …And all that jazz.

Queen Latifah, known in Chicago as Mama Morton, emceed the Voices of the Year readings.

 

10. One more thing: Chicago River

Nighttime cityscape of Chicago River

It was really beautiful just sitting out by the river at night, watching the boats and feeling the breeze.

 

Melissa Lanz of The Fresh 20 found this on her Whirlwindy Photo Hunt:

Navy Pier.

 

…And there you have it! The #whirlwindyphotohunt!

 

The conference itself was amazing.  And exhausting. I have a lot I want to write (and have started writing), but I am still processing it all. I’m also getting ready for our Colorado trip, which is just around the corner. So, with all these thoughts and ideas in my head, I’m not sure what will be ready to post next. I guess it’ll be a surprise for all of us.

 

*Just to warn you: Before you say “Awww, you didn’t get to see/go to _____?!”, you should know that there’s also a post in the works about just those types of comments.

Whirlwindy City Photo Hunt

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I am writing this from seat 12D, en route to Chicago to attend the BlogHer blogging/writing conference. In the past, I’ve driven by Chicago and had a layover at O’Hare, but I’ve never really been to Chicago.

20130724-214201.jpg

 

Since the BlogHer conference agenda is so packed, I’m not going to have a lot of time for sightseeing while I’m there this time either. I’ll be staying right by Museum Campus, but there’s a good chance I won’t be able to visit any of the museums. Or go to the top of the Sears Willis Tower. Or see a taping of Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me.

So I thought it’d be fun to make a list of Chicagoey things to photograph, whether I get to visit the actual site or not. I know I’ll see Lake Michigan, for example. But will I get a chance to go up to Lincoln Park? If I make it there, I’ll Instagram it. If I don’t, I’ll Instagram a more broad interpretation – maybe a penny face-up in some other park or a Lincoln in a parking lot. See where I’m going with this? So I’ll hopefully capture everything on my Chicago list in one form or another.

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It’s a whirlwind tour of the windy city in photo scavenger hunt form. I’m calling this my Whirlwindy Photo Hunt.

If you’re going to BlogHer, maybe you’d like to join in. See how many things on the list below you can find, whether you interpret it literally or get creative. Tag your Instagram or Flickr* photos with #whirlwindyphotohunt and the item’s hashtag (#lincoln, for example). That way, you can check out everyone’s Lincoln photos or everything from the photo hunt.

  1. Windy city #windycity
  2. Sears Tower, technically now called “Willis tower,” but even Siri still calls it Sears Tower. #searstower
  3. Chicago hot dogs #chicagodog
  4. Lincoln Park #lincoln
  5. Wrigley field – Sneak in Cubs (or Blues Brothers) references here, if you’d like. #wrigleyfield
  6. L train #ltrain
  7. Art institute #AI
  8. Lake Michigan #greatlake
  9. …And all that jazz – this could refer to Jazz music or Chicago the musical. #allthatjazz
  10. Something else awesome that is quintessentially Chicago but not on the list. #1morething

Bonus points for reenacting anything from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. #bueller

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*If you’re not on Instagram or Flickr, just do a blog post next week with your shots and you can still link to the #whirlwindyphotohunt wrap up post.

[photo of me with suitcase by Phillip.]