20 Attractions to Explore Near S. R. Crown Hall (IIT College of Architecture)

Ping Tom Memorial Park is known for its diverse cultural aspects and range of attractions. visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the city skyline and experience a unique urban oasis. The park boasts an eclectic array of gardens, sculptures, tai chi stations and playgrounds all contained within 20 acres of land. Additionally, there are restaurants available to provide refreshments and an outdoor performance pavilion offering a variety of entertaining concerts to enjoy.

Glessner House is an ornate French château-style mansion that occupies an entire city block. Built in 1887 for retail giant George Dunning Glessner and his wife Frances, the home was designed by renowned American architect Henry Hobson Richardson. With its many intricate masonry details and its decorative ironwork, Glessner House stands as a testament to the time period's transformation of style from Victorian to modern.

The Field Museum of Natural History is a fascinating and educational place to explore. Founded in 1893 as part of the World's Columbian Exposition, The Field Museum showcases collections that span more than 4.5 billion years of history. It houses over 40 million unique specimens and objects from the natural environment, including many dinosaur fossils and ancient artifacts. Visitors can take knowledge packed guided tours through the museum or wander on their own.

The Museum Campus offers something for everyone! Visit Navy Pier and its exciting exhibits and interactive displays. Walk along the vibrant Lake Michigan shoreline, admiring all of the sights and experiencing life more fully. Discover fantastic green spaces such as Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo or Northerly Island Nature Preserve. There's also a variety of cultural attractions to explore – including museums such as the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium or the Adler Planetarium.

The Shedd Aquarium is one of the country's top tourist destinations. The aquarium hosts a wide variety of marine life including sharks, dolphins, turtles, small freshwater fish and rays. It strives to preserve ocean habitats and represents five different habitats from around the world. Visitors can explore each habitat in person or take advantage of interactive digital displays that give information about some of its inhabitants.

The Adler Planetarium, has been inspiring guests since 1930. This National Historic Landmark has remained dedicated to advancing the public’s understanding of astronomy and space science. From exploring the wonders of space at their six full-dome theaters, to discovering artifacts from early space exploration in the diverse exhibition halls - Adler provides a wealth of astronomical knowledge and insight.

The National Museum of Mexican Art, is a magnificent and informative exhibition of traditional and contemporary artwork from Mexico. The museum opened its doors to the public in 1987 and has since become one of the leading centers for preserving and celebrating Mexican culture and art. Visitors can enjoy hundreds of pieces on display across several permanent collections, as well as traveling exhibitions presented throughout the year.

The Museum of Contemporary Photography is the perfect place to explore the inspiring and ever-changing world of photography. With a focus on contemporary and modern work, visitors can learn about the innovative techniques used by photographers from a variety of backgrounds and look at examples from all around the world. From monochromatic street photography to vibrant prints that feature abstract shapes.

Grant Park is one of the most iconic parks established in 1869, this sprawling park has been a hot spot for locals and tourists alike ever since. With a zoo and conservatory, recreation and leisure options abound here. Sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic groves bring families together throughout the year. Special attractions such as the Buckingham Fountain feature regularly in popular Chicago tourist brochures-and offer breathtaking scenery during the summer months!

This Museum was established in 1889 by Jane Addams and Ellen Starr, It was a dream come true for reformers who sought to battle the rampant poverty and social injustice of their era. Originally run as Hull House Settlement, the establishment provided educational and recreational activities for neighborhood children. Through its various programs, it became a social incubator that allowed those less fortunate to fight against oppression while living a dignified life free from financial hardship.

Buckingham Fountain is a Chicago landmark, Constructed in 1927, the fountain was made to honor the memory of former Chicago mayor, and later Illinois Senator, Kate S. Buckingham. The beautiful fountain rises from a lily pad shaped base and has four bronze seahorses which symbolize the states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana that border Lake Michigan. It operates each day from 8am to 11pm, with every hour featuring a spectacular show of water.

This is a museum dedicated to African American history and culture. Founded in 1961, the museum holds one of the largest African American collections in any museum on record. Not only are they home to countless artifacts and documents, the museum provides education resources that include regular exhibits, lectures, family activities, and lesson plans. It also serves as a center for artistic expression where local and national talent can shine through visual art displays and musical performances.

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.

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 Chicago Symphony Orchestra, is an incredible musical resource. It is the second-oldest symphony orchestra in the United States and is highly respected for its precise technical performance and powerful emotional interpretations. For over 123 years, this storied institution has been providing professional musical entertainment to audiences from across the world with its expansive repertoire ranging from beloved classic works to pieces composed by living musicians.

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 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.

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.

The Art Institute of Chicago is a must-see landmark that has been an integral part of the city’s culture since it opened in 1879. As one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, this sprawling museum houses more than 300,000 works of art spanning over five millennia of history. The collection includes masterpieces from around the world. Notable exhibits include Impressionist paintings by Manet and Monet, to Rembrandt’s Self-Portrait and Chagall’s America Windows.

The Historic Route 66 Begin Sign, Illinois is an iconic landmark, representing the unique and colorful history of Route 66. The two-lane highway was first established in 1926 and ran from Chicago to Los Angeles, passing through eight states. The local entrance point to the route was marked with a large sign featuring an arrow pointing straight ahead with a background of a midwestern dawn sky. It was the gateway to countless memories and adventures for travelers.