Cook County - 90 Attractions You Must Visit

The Jay Pritzker Pavilion is an impressive outdoor concert venue and one of the main attractions of the renowned Millennium Park. Originally designed by Frank Gehry, it boasts a stunning steel exoskeleton canopy, which gently shelters its enormous grass seating bowl. With 4,000 fixed seats and the capacity to accommodate over 11,000 people on its expansive lawns, It also allows for a wide variety of performances from classic orchestras to spectacular festivals throughout the year.

The Kohl Children's Museum is a vibrant and educational experience for all ages.The Museum seeks to inspire young minds with interactive displays, hands-on activities and exhibits that stimulate learning. Families can explore six themed areas including Train Station, Music Makers and Backyard. Each section has its own unique offerings for both kids and adults alike. There are also daily performances such as performances from local artists, puppet shows and magic shows.

The Leaning Tower of Niles, has become a local landmark since its construction in 1934. Nearly 60 feet tall and made of limestone blocks, the tower was modeled after the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. While its height is impressive, the real draw for many visitors is the unique degree to which it has begun to tilt - about seven feet off-center! When it was built during the Great Depression, the tower was intended to attract tourists and business to the area.

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 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.

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.

Lurie Garden is a magnificent 5 acre public garden, which boasts a wide array of perennial and annual plants, shrubs, trees, and grasses that bloom throughout the Spring and Summer months. The garden allows visitors to view native plants while appreciating the beauty of the prairie landscape. Natural sand dunes are featured throughout the garden – creating a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The Garden also houses several art pieces that compliment nature’s scenery.

Maggie Daley Park, offers an oasis of beauty and fun within the heart of the Windy City. Featuring a skating ribbon that wraps around a large centerpiece of lagoons and lily pads, walking paths, and lots of open space, the park is filled with opportunities for outdoor recreation. Here visitors can take part in rock climbing, mini golfing, tennis courts, a field house cafe and play garden. To experience some of nature’s gifts first hand there are also wildflower gardens.

Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon is a breathtaking experience that marries art and recreation. Two side-by-side ribbons of ice are winding pathways, creating a unique pattern amid the beauty of nature. Guests can choose from 400 free-skate sessions in the winter and roller rink sessions in warmer months, providing a year-round activity for the whole family. With iconic views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline to marvel at.

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 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 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.

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.

This Park is named after Medal of Honor recipient and Chicago native Milton Lee Olive. There are plenty of opportunities to picnic, hike or bike along the trails, while kids can have a blast at the playground and splash pads. You can also tackle fishing or canoeing on Wolf Lake if you're looking for an outdoor activity. People also come to relax, as the wildlife and wildflowers that fill the park provide breathtaking views that make it easy to forget about all your worries for a few hours.

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.

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.

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 Museum Of Contemporary Art is a staple of Cook County and one of the most well-known art museums for modern and contemporary art. MCA Chicago offers a vast range of exhibitions, performances, talks, tours and educational experiences for all ages. Some of their most notable works include photography by Cindy Sherman, painting from Richard Tuttle, sculptures by Barbara Kruger, textile work from Sheila Hicks and installations from artists such as Rafa Esparza and Katie Herzog.

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.

The Museum of Science and Industry, is the largest science center in the western hemisphere. Established in 1933 and located on 57,000 square feet of lakefront property, the museum offers 400,000 square feet filled with engaging interactive exhibitions that connect visitors to science and technology in an unprecedented way. In this incredible experience, visitors can explore space flight simulators and even dive into a U-505 submarine.