Cook County - 90 Attractions You Must Visit

The Chicago Zoological Society is a renowned wildlife conservation center that is home to over 2,300 animals and 450 different species. Since its formation in the 1920s, the zoo has been committed to caring for animals, educating visitors about wildlife conservation, providing research opportunities for scientists, and participating in species reintro-duction programs. Along with housing many unique species from around the world, the zoo also hosts a myriad of events throughout the year.

This Tower, is a magnificent venue for art lovers and history buffs alike. Located in Chicago's iconic 1869 limestone water tower building, the gallery features permanent and rotating exhibitions of photography and design works that capture local culture, as well as national artwork from renowned photographers and contemporary visual artists. The building itself offers a unique look into the past but with modern amenities like an ADA-compliant elevator and restrooms.

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 Crown Fountain in Chicago’s Grant Park is a world-renown artwork created by Spanish-Mexican artist Jaume Plensa. The fountain consists of two 50-foot glass brick towers that are covered with LED screens and light up at night to create a mesmerizing experience for visitors. On the heads of the towers, water streams from the mouths, cascading down into a reflecting pool below. During the day, images of local citizens are projected onto the LED screens accompanied by music.

Deer Grove Forest Preserve is a beautiful natural setting for outdoor activities. The preserve covers more than 2,000 acres of bright green prairies and lush woodlands. Visitors to Deer Grove can take advantage of bike trails, picnic pavilions and a number of scenic paths perfect for walking or jogging. Birding and wildlife watching are also popular pastimes in the park as many species reside here. Horseback riding enthusiasts will also find ample opportunity to explore the trails on horseback.

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 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 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.

This is a National Historic Landmark that offers an incomparable look into the world of renowned architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Constructed in 1889, the 20-room home has been lovingly preserved to its original condition with some of Wright's furnishings included. His architecture studio was also part of his home and off included on the grounds is a playroom built for his children. Touring this museum gives guests a unique insight into Wright's skill and unique design eye.

The Frederick C. Robie House is a classic example of modern American architecture from the early twentieth century. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, it boasts several innovative features, such as its Prairie Style, open floor plan and ribbon windows. Built between 1908 and 1910, this two-story house with a flat roof includes built-in furnishings and sitting areas with skylights that flood the interior with natural sunlight.

This is a beautiful place to spend time and explore the wonders of nature. Covering over 3.5 acres of land, this renowned greenhouse displays thousands of tropical and temperate plants in its 8 distinct showhouses. Visitors can admire unique species while exploring a rain forest, desert landscape, aquatic environment, or one of the other display areas. Furthermore, the conservatory houses several special plants such as cycads and palm trees that have been around for millions of years.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center is dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Holocaust and serves as a memorial to those who perished. Through its interactive exhibits, lectures, and workshops, the museum offers educational programs designed to teach visitors about the history of persecution during this dark period in our collective past. It works towards fostering mutual understanding and respect through its goal of raising awareness.

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.

Jackson Park is a beautiful public space filled with many attractions. Boasting a picturesque and expansive lake view, activities include fresh and saltwater fishing, boat rentals and sandy beaches. Along the shoreline there are nature trails that skirt the water's edge for biking, hiking, or jogging. Picnic areas equipped with tables and BBQ grills come alive on summer afternoons with families taking advantage of the natural amenities and a playground provides entertainment for the children.

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.