Cook County - 90 Attractions You Must Visit

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 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.

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.

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 Bahá'í House of Worship is a breathtakingly beautiful seven-sided temple for worship and meditation. Located on a sprawling 18 acres of land, the structure consists of nine sides surrounded by the immaculately-groomed gardens, fountains and pathways. A prominent feature of the building are its intricate ribbed dome, which is visible from miles away - during daytime it reflects hues of gold, while at night is illuminated with various vibrant colours.

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.

Brookfield Zoo, is an outdoor recreation destination for the whole family. From the towering lions to the adorable lemurs, Brookfield Zoo is a great way to spend a day. There are over 450 species of animals exhibited across 200 acres of wooded landscape giving visitors plenty to explore. Brookfield Zoo offers interactive experiences such as animal encounters, zookeeper talks, and educational presentations which make it unique among other zoos across the country.

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.

Busse Woods is a fantastic outdoor space and forest preserve, which encompasses over 3,700 acres of natural habitat, is a great spot for outdoor activities including cycling, fishing, and hiking. There are also plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities -we've been lucky enough to spot hawks, coyotes, foxes and other animals! In addition to the wildlife viewing area there's also multiple camping spots spread throughout, so you can relax while listening to the peaceful chirping of wildlife.

The Centennial Wheel is one of the most recognizable icons at Navy Pier in Cook County, Illinois. Opened in 2016, it stands 200 feet tall and offers breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline for up to 15 minutes on a single flight. During the day, guests can take in panoramic views as far away as 60 miles along Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. By night, LED-lit cabs provide a whole different experience under the stars with views even further out into the horizon!

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 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 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 Chicago Botanic Garden, is an oasis of natural beauty amidst the bustling city. Spanning across 385 acres, this amazing garden features 27 stunning display gardens and 4 natural areas, as well as a 38-acre fruit and vegetable garden. Visitors can take nature walks on 6 miles of picturesque paths or wander through the greenhouse conservatories. There are also special events throughout the year, such as art exhibitions, lectures and cooking classes at the Regenstein center.

This Museum is a vibrant and exciting place for kids of all ages and offers hands-on exhibits, workshops, performance art, and interactive activities that help the youngest members of our community discover and explore their natural potential. Continuous year-round programming further engages children in creative arts, science and technology, history, health and nutrition literacy. The museum also hosts regular family days, storytelling events and sleepovers to keep everyone engaged.

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 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 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.

The Chicago Sports Museum is a great spot for any sports fan! It houses decades-worth of sports memorabilia, ranging from equipment used by the Bulls to articles written about the Cubs. Visitors can spend hours exploring its interactive exhibits, including simulating plays with an interactive wall and taking virtual reality tours of Olympic sites. The museum also features a theater where they show classic matches and highlight top players in all your favorite sports franchises.

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.