20 Attractions to Explore Near The Merchandise Mart

The Chicago Theatre is America’s oldest and largest still-standing authentic atmospheric theatre, built with majestic Baroque-style architecture in 1921. Including balconies and other ornate features, it offers a unique experience for visitors who desire to be awed by its beauty as well as entertained by world-class performers. It has hosted an impressive array of talent over the years – from silent films and vaudeville acts during the 1920s all the way up to today's biggest recording artists.

The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum is an exciting destination for those interested in local history and science. Located on the Chicago River, this museum showcases five levels of the iconic movable bridge, which can be seen operating from a unique Glass Gallery located on the fifth level. The first and second levels contain exhibits about Chicago River history and engineering, with interactive displays guiding visitors through the city’s changing landscape.

The Wrigley Building, is an iconic building that is a must-see for architecture and history lovers. The building began construction in 1920 and was completed only two years later in 1922. Designed with inspiration from Spanish baroque style, the Wrigley Building features an ornately decorated exterior including white terracotta walls and marble accents. Inside its lobby you can find an intricately painted ceiling made of Guastavino tiles where famous artists have held concerts in the past.

The DuSable Bridge is a monument of rich history. First constructed as a toll bridge in 1859, it served to bridge a physical gap between the northern and southern sides of the Chicago River. In 2010, after 150 years of service and over 3 million cars crossed, the beloved old swing-style bridge was replaced with a modern-style bascule lift bridge. Despite its age, not all aspects of the old bridge have been lost — its moveable arms are still in operation today!

The Sullivan Center, is the home of some of the world's best medical care. From a Children's Hospital and a Cancer Center to Women’s Services and Emergency Departments, the Sullivan Center offers comprehensive healthcare services to meet the needs of its local community. Boasting state-of-the-art technology and advanced medical expertise in areas such as cardiology, orthopedics, critical care, neurosurgery, trauma and urology,

The Chicago Architecture Center is a vibrant hub for discovering amazing architecture and design in Cook County, Illinois. It offers highly interactive exhibits from renowned local architects, tours led by expert docents, engaging programs for all ages that explore the cultural significance of various buildings and sites around the city, and even an impressive shop full of unique souvenirs to commemorate your visit.

The Chicago Cultural Center, is a public artistic and cultural attraction dating back to 1897. It features diverse, ever-changing displays of artwork, music, theater performances and lectures that represent the city’s vibrant culture. From its grandiose lobby to its two stunning stained glass domes, local visitors and tourists alike stop in for tours to marvel at the breathtaking architecture. The nearby Buckingham Fountain on Lake Michigan provides some of the best views in town.

The Chicago River is an iconic part of Illinois. Starting out as a small stream near Lake Michigan before passing through both downtown Chicago and several urban and rural neighborhoods, the river has been a vital part of the county's history. From providing transportation routes for settlers to being looked upon as a source of recreation in its most recent iteration, the body of water has experienced immense change over the years.

This Museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the history of Chicago's opulent Gilded Age. The museum building itself was once the home and studio of noted 19th century architect, Julius Huber. Inside, visitors can view the collections of sculptures and paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries as well as fine pieces from Europe and America. Additionally, interesting design elements from a variety of historic styles can be seen inside including Renaissance Revival and Second Empire.

Tribune Tower, is an iconic building with a rich history. It is the headquarters for the Chicago Tribune newspaper and was designed by Howells & Hood. The design of its neo-Gothic style was based on models from 14th-century French churches. In addition to its distinctive look, Tribune Tower contains pieces from more than 150 of the world’s most famous structures like the Taj Mahal and The Great Pyramid of Giza.

The Willis Tower is one of the tallest buildings in the United States. Historically known as the Sears Tower, it rises to 1,451 feet and 110 stories nearly touching the clouds. Upon completion in 1973 at 442 meters it was the world's tallest building for almost 25 years. It has 9,500 windows that provide incredible city views from its sky deck looking out over Chicago. The structure consists primarily of steel framing clad with a black aluminum and bronze hone granite facade.

Skydeck Chicago, located on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower in downtown Chicago, is the perfect day trip for families and couples looking for spectacular views. From up high in this architectural masterpiece, you can see up to four states: Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan. The glass viewing box extends outward from the building to create an amazing experience that feels like you are floating above the city's skyline with no boundaries.

The Rookery Building is an iconic landmark of the Chicago skyline. Built in 1888 as an office building, this 125-year-old Neo-classical style structure is one of the oldest standing buildings of its kind in the city. It has continuously been updated over time with modern features such as elevators and added features like the world famous lobby designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. With a beautiful clock tower atop its crown and amazing art deco sculptures adorning the interior walls.

Riverwalk, is an oasis of vibrant activity situated alongside the banks of the Chicago River. Visitors can explore beautiful waterfront trails that stretch for over 25 miles and feature picnic areas, benches, bike-friendly paths and spectacular views of the skyline. Along their journey they can find restored wetlands, striking sculptures, historical sites and an abundance of wildlife which all contribute to making this a truly unique experience. Special events are also held throughout the year.

The McCormick Tribune Plaza, is a modern forty-story skyscraper that was completed in 1991 and is now a landmark for the region. Visitors to this popular destination can enjoy an array of amenities such as an open-air plaza, an ice rink for public skating and the McCormick Tribune Bridge. The Plaza also has luxury stores on its ground level, allowing visitors to shop throughout their visit. At its top are two observation decks where people can take in unparalleled views of the city skyline.

Cloud Gate, is an iconic sculpture by Indian-born British artist Anish Kapoor. The stainless steel bean-like structure was created to be a modernist revelry to Chicago's skyline and has become beloved among locals and tourists alike. Its 110 ton form rises 12 metres from the ground and is 33 metres wide making it the largest public sculpture in the world. Visitors can walk around, touch and take pictures with the sculpture as it captures reflections of the cityscape surrounding it.

The Magnificent Mile is an iconic stretch of many of the city's finest attractions and entertainment. From world class luxury shopping to lakefront park amenities, the Magnificent Mile is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Windy City. Magnificent Mile covers 13 blocks along Michigan Avenue that are filled with some of Chicago's most recognizable landmarks and landmark stores, including the John Hancock Center, Water Tower Place Shopping Mall and Tribune Tower.

The Monadnock Building is a prime example of the American skyscraper's evolution. Constructed over a 15-year period from 1889-1893, it reflects Chicago's desire to stand out as an exemplar of modern architecture and construction. Its impressive height of 227 feet (69 meters) was intimidating for other city skyline contemporaries, and the brick façade with its steeply sloping roofline looked dramatically impressive and strong even after the Great Chicago Fire four years earlier.

The iconic Chicago Board of Trade Building stands as a symbol of finance and commerce. Built in 1930, it was the world’s first-ever permanent commodity exchange. Its art deco exterior is constructed with Indiana Limestone, granite, and bronze. It features a two story lobby filled with beautiful murals depicting commodities that were traded such as grain and livestock. With its 20 stories, it was considered one of the tallest office buildings at the time of its completion.

Millennium Park, a stunning landscape spanning 24.5 acres opened in 2004 to commemorate the turn of the millennium, this spectacular public park features stunningly designed gardens and sculptures, inspiring architecture, and an array of interactive exhibits and landscapes. From the mesmerizing reflective Crown Fountain and the underground BP Pedestrian Bridge to the stirring Lurie Garden and serene Pritzker Pavilion known for its impressive acoustics and world-renowned performances.