20 Attractions to Explore Near Swedish American Museum

Graceland Cemetery is one of the city’s most beautiful places to visit. Dating back to 1860 and located on the north side of Chicago, this historic place has been the final resting spot for some prominent figures in history including Marshall Field, George Pullman, Potter Palmer and many more. Visitors can take part in a guided tour or simply explore on their own while taking in breathtaking memorials, sculptures, trees and an array of wildlife that call this cemetery home.

Montrose Beach is a stunningly beautiful part of the lakefront. Its sandy beach stretches out for a quarter mile, and its sun-drenched sand is perfect to relax and enjoy an afternoon. Along with swimming, Montrose Beach also offers outdoor activities such as beach volleyball, fishing, kayaking, and designated kite flying areas. The scenic walking path along the beach makes it ideal for group walks or a leisurely stroll with exceptional views of Lake Michigan.

Wrigley Field, is an iconic baseball stadium rich with history and a revered slice of Americana. Built in 1914, the stands have welcomed generations of fans as they have watched their beloved teams the Chicago Cubs or White Sox compete over the decades. The ivy coated walls provide a unique visual and help turn Wrigley into an unmistakable landmark which has been awarded listings on Historic Baseball Parks and United States Buildings Survey registers.

Lincoln Park is a neighborhood known for its attractive green environment. It is home to many public parks and golf courses, thus offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Its streets are lined with historic residences and popular stores, giving it an inviting atmosphere. The iconic Lincoln Park Zoo provides education and entertainment to locals and visitors alike, while the city’s rich cultural offerings range from theater shows to art galleries and museums.

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum offers an enjoyable escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The museum's exhibits focus heavily on ecology, letting visitors learn about the Chicago environment and its inhabitants. From the sunny glades of Meadow Lake to an engaging account of native birds and flora, nature lovers will never be bored within its walls. Encouraging interactive learning techniques, visitors can explore various habitats by way of multimedia presentations.

This is a stunning example of nature and human design. Designated as a National Landmark in 1992 due to its unique significance to landscape architecture and ecology, the tranquil and peaceful atmosphere offers visitors an incomparable experience rarely found in cities. Architect and landscape designer Alfred Caldwell created the lily pool in 1937 by incorporating fallen logs into the stonework that retains the wetland and creates an amphitheater of native plants, trees and diverse wildlife.

The Lincoln Park Conservatory is a wonderful way to reconnect with nature. This beautiful four-season conservatory has something for everyone, no matter the season or weather. Boasting an 8,000-square-foot glass dome filled with lush tropical palms and ferns that make visitors feel like they are on a tropical vacation, the conservatory also features several domed areas dedicated to cacti and succulents, seasonal flowers, and even a palm house.

Oz Park is a unique combination of modern amenities and nature. The 17-acre park includes a playground, walking paths, multiple sports fields, an enclosed dog park, and a pond where visitors can fish. In addition to these amenities, the park also contains towering elm trees as well as historic statues and fixtures from the original theme park attraction that inspired it. Visitors of Oz Park will appreciate its wide variety of recreational activities to enjoy in both natural and built landscapes.

The Lincoln Park Zoo is an excellent place for a family outing. Boasting 35 acres of wildlife and gardens spread across five biomes, the zoo offers something for everyone. Visitors to the park can witness hundreds of species of animals in habitats that mimic those they would find when living in the wild. There are also many interactive learning exhibits throughout the park that offer educational opportunities focused on various aspects of conservation and animal care.

Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo is an innovative excursion for young and old alike. Set along the tranquil shores of Lake Michigan, this 1,200-foot boardwalk takes visitors on a journey planted with native grasses, vegetation and wildflowers to view local wildlife in their natural habitat. Nature Boardwalk provides unique opportunities to experience resident birds and mammals up close while learning about conservation habits.

The Chicago History Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Chicago. It has a wide variety of exhibits ranging from Revolutionary War artifacts to displays highlighting popular culture that shaped the city’s history. There are interactive activities for the whole family, such as virtual tours and video presentations, as well as real-life experiences like workshops and craft activities. Visitors can enjoy special events like lectures by local historians or themed story times.

The International Museum of Surgical Science is a unique museum that provides guests with an interactive and educational experience. Visitors can explore 19th-century surgical equipment and artifacts, several historic operating rooms and casts of famous anatomical specimens. The museum puts on many different programs and events that bring medical history to life, like lectures from experts on surgery, medical arts and history.

Alexander von Humboldt Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the area. Not only does it boast much of its original prairie plants, but it also features wetlands with numerous species of birds and fish. Visitors to the park find plenty to do, with a chain of lakes running throughout that offers fishing as well as 6 miles of trails for cycling, bird-watching, mountain biking and exploring. The Park also provides campsites and enclosed picnicking areas for groups or individuals.

The Charnley-Persky House is a perfect example of the evolution of American architecture in the 19th century. Built between 1892 and 1894 by world-renowned architects Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright, the house has stood at its current location since 1927. It features intricate design elements from bordered terraces to rich brick patterning. Inside, oak panelings line the walls providing warmth and richness that exemplifies Sullivan's Prairie School style.

The Block Museum of Art, is truly a space for arts and culture. From the classic to the contemporary, the museum offers programs of historic and creative importance. The Block Museum offers both permanent and changing exhibitions that are cultural hubs bringing music, film, visual art and spoken word together. The museum also houses preeminent collections from various renowned collecting initiatives such as their Ancient Mediterranean Art collection and print collection.

The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture, is a fantastic space dedicated to celebrating and preserving the culture and history of the Puerto Rican people. It offers interactive exhibits, engaging workshops, thought-provoking presentations, and other educational materials that bring visitors closer to the island’s vibrant history and its diverse arts. On any given day at the museum, one can find music performances showcasing beautiful folkloric instruments from around Puerto Rico.

The Newberry Library, is a privately-funded non-profit humanities research library. It offers a unique range of more than 1.5 million books, maps, manuscripts and more for study and exploration. The library boasts large collections of rare books in a variety of languages from the 16th century onward, including English literary texts and historical documents. They also provide an extensive range of journals and periodicals as well as online databases to aid in research.

360 CHICAGO, is a top-notch tourist attraction as well as a popular local haunt. Home to the iconic skyline view from atop the historic John Hancock Center building, 360 CHICAGO opens its doors to all who seek to take it in. Offering 100 miles of picturesque scenery and amazing city skylines coupled with interactive experiences both inside and outside the enclosed observation level, 360 CHICAGO has something to offer everyone looking for a unique experience.

875 North Michigan Avenue is a stunning piece of architecture located in the heart of a bustling city. This building was designed by award-winning architects and boasts an impressive aesthetic with its towering height and sleek glass exterior. The lobby has modern furnishings and finishes, creating a sophisticated first impression. It is home to numerous tenants as well as amenities such as office space, terraces for outdoor gatherings, fitness centers, and gourmet dining establishments.

875 North Michigan Avenue, is a world-renowned structure that is instantly recognizable for its majestic presence. Built in 1925 and formerly known as The John Hancock Center, the building stands at an incredible 1 128 feet tall and boasts 99 floors of gleaming glass, steel, and concrete. It was built by architect Bruce Graham and engineer Fazlur Rahman Khan, who gave it an innovative design to make it the tallest concrete structure in the world at the time of construction.