Field Museum Chicago

Visiting The Field Museum Chicago

Chicago's premier museum of natural history.
By Katie Sagal

The Field Museum is one of the best family-friendly attractions in Chicago, covering 460 billion years of natural history under one roof. Here's our lowdown on planning your trip.

The Field Museum was originally founded in 1893 and called the Columbian Museum of Chicago, after the World's Columbian Exhibition of the same year. It brought together artifacts, objects, and exhibits from the World's Fair and has preserved them ever since.

It has served as a center for scientific exploration for over 120 years and is one of the most prominent natural history museums in the country, so there's lots to see and explore. Be sure to use some of these insider tips to make the most of your visit.

Tips for visiting the Field Museum

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Download The Field Museum Mobile Tour App for exclusive content, experiences that will help you make the most of your visit, and curated tours based on an interest or theme of your choice.
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Insider tip: use the scavenger hunt on the app to keep kids entertained and engaged with the exhibits in the museum!

Join in on one of the FREE daily tours led by the museum staff.
 

  • Museum Highlights Tour: 11:00 am daily, learn about the Museum's history, most popular collections and exhibitions, and the ongoing science and research being conducted. (45-60 minutes)
  • SUE Talk: 12pm daily. Learn about SUE, the world's largest Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton in the world. (15-20 minutes)
  • Pawnee Earth Lodge: Weekdays, 1 - 2pm and weekends, 10am - 4:30pm. Learn about Native American life out west on the Great Plains and walk through a traditional 1800s home of the Pawnee.
  • Additional Tours: Check the online calendar for additional docent-led tours.

Pick up a Go City® Chicago pass to save money on admission to The Field Museum and other top attractions right in the Museum Campus, including the Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium.

Visiting Chicago on a budget? Avoid convenient but pricey food options and pack a lunch. The Field Museum has designated areas in the Siragusa Center where visitors can have a snack.

Strollers and wheelchairs are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis.

When to visit

Like many Chicago attractions, The Field Museum is most popular between mid-morning and early afternoon and on weekends. To avoid the biggest crowds, head to the museum early in the morning, later in the evening, and on a weekday. We recommend planning to be at the Field Museum for at least three hours to explore the exhibits fully.

What to do there

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The Field Museum features fascinating exhibitions and attractions that cover everything from dinosaurs, to ancient Egyptian life, to Native American life, to natural gems. Some exhibit highlights are:

SUE the T. rex

Field Museum SUE

See the world's largest, most complete Tyrannosaurus rex ever found in the world. SUE the T. rex is 42 feet long from snout to tail and 13 feet tall at the hip. Examine SUE's original skull from all angles, even underneath, and learn about what scientists believe caused the holes in her jaws and what new discoveries a CT scan of her skull revealed.

Another highlight of this exhibit is the displays depicting the differences between fact, theory, and speculation with clips from pop culture that portray how the scientific knowledge and understanding of the T. rex has evolved through the years.

Underground Adventure

Shrink to 1/100th of your size to get a "bug's-eye view" of the world and immerse yourself in an environment of worm tunnels and soil chambers. You'll discover the diversity of bug and animal life that make a home in the soil and learn all about how plant roots, seeds, and fungus find nourishment in the soil.

Organisms you'll learn about include a giant mole cricket, crayfish, wolf spiders, and other animatronic critters. Learn how a mama earwig uses her snapping tail to defend her babies, see snail eggs hatch, and more. Some key takeaways from this exhibit will be how the actions of humans help and hurt soil and thus maintain or threaten the health of the ecosystems that depend on it.

The Tsavo Lions

Learn about the notorious man-eating lions of Tsavo. These large wild lions live in the Tsavo region, located in the Kenya Savannah, and have been the source of a lot of zoological curiosity. You'll see the bodies of the two lions on display.

They're famous for killing an estimated 34 (though legend has it at 135) people in 1898 before being shot by Lt. Col. John Henry Patterson, on display. Zoologist Bruce Patterson ran tests of hair samples from the lions' bodies that confirmed that the lions had eaten humans close to the time that they were killed. 

Insider tip: Prepare for your trip to The Field Museum by watching The Ghost and the Darkness, the movie that dramatized the events of 1898 and made these two lions famous. (Warning: only watch if you like scary movies.).

Evolving Planet

Field Museum

Journey through 4 billion years of life on Earth in the Evolving Planet exhibit. Get an up-close look at fossils, animated videos, hands-on displays, and more that tell the story of evolution, the single process that connects everything, from single-celled organisms to dinosaurs and humans, that's ever lived on Earth.

Inside Ancient Egypt

Explore how the elaborate preparations ancient Egyptians made for the afterlife helped to demonstrate what life then was like. Visitors can tour a three-story replica of the tomb of Unis-Ankh, son of the Egyptian Pharoah Unis, dating back to 2400 BC, and examine hieroglyphs, mummies, a Book of the Dead, and even a marketplace with artifacts from everyday ancient Egyptian life.

You'll also see many Ancient Egyptian art and artifacts, from jewelry and charms to pottery and tools. It's an excellent survey of life on the Nile.

DNA Discovery Center

DNA Field Museum

This working, state-of-the-art DNA research facility is host to dozens of scientists currently analyzing the DNA of thousands of species. The DNA Discovery Center has helped in answering lots of basic and complex questions about DNA and making progress on what we know about life on this planet.

It's one of only a few museums in the world that has a DNA research facility right inside their walls. Visitors can see DNA research in action and speak directly with scientists about their work in the laboratory viewing area (*weekdays from 11:00 am-12:00 pm).

Grainger Hall of Gems

One of the most popular exhibits at The Field Museum, Grainger Hall is home to over 600 gemstones and 150 pieces of jewelry. The display includes many pieces from the legendary Tiffany & Co. Collection offered at the 1893 World's Colombian Exposition, combining the beauty of nature with the creativity of human artistry.

You'll learn about the process of discovering, extracting, and transforming natural rare jewels and turning them into stunning stones and spectacular jewelry. Of course, it's also a stunning exhibition of really striking stones. From beautiful gemstones to bizarre-looking metals and minerals, it's a fascinating exhibition.

Nearby attractions

The Field Museum is conveniently located in Museum Campus, a picturesque park on the water, near a few other top Chicago attractions, including...

Shedd Aquarium

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No trip to Chicago is complete without exploring the impressive diversity of aquatic life from all over the globe at Chicago's most visited attraction, the world-famous Shedd Aquarium. The aquarium is home to 32,000 fascinating marine animals in a range of diverse habitats and exhibits.

Explore Waters of the World, Caribbean Reef, Amazon Rising, Abbott Oceanarium, Wild Reef, and more. 

Getting in: Shedd Aquarium tickets are included are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

Adler Planetarium

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Experience all things space and do some out-of-this-world exploration at America's first planetarium. The planetarium encompasses 91 billion light years of the Universe with diverse shows, hands-on exhibits, and scientific experts. Make sure to catch a show at the Atwood Sphere Experience. 

Getting in: Adler Planetarium tickets are included on all Go City® Chicago passes.

The Art Institute of Chicago

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On the other end of the Museum Campus, you'll find the Art Institute of Chicago, consistently rated among the top art museums in the country by TripAdvisor. The museum houses a collection of modern, contemporary, architectural and design-based art pieces. See Chagall's "America Windows", Matisse's "Bathes by the River", and Georgia O'Keefe's "Black Cross, New Mexico".

Northerly Island

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Just south of the planetarium, nature lovers will enjoy exploring Northerly Island, a 91-acre peninsula dedicated to nature with walking paths, play areas, and some of the best fishing in the city.

Plus, it's one of the best places to take pictures in Chicago.

Places to eat nearby

Chicago hot dogs

The Field Bistro - Located in the Field Museum, The Field Bistro offers locally grown prepared foods and products for an easy and family-friendly fast-casual dining experience. The menu features muffins, fresh fruit, hot items, sandwiches, salads, soups, burgers, and more. Craft beer and wine is also available at the bar. 

Explorer Cafe - With a menu that supports the Field Museum's educational and sustainable vision, the Explorer Cafe has lots of locally purchased products available in this more cafeteria-style, family-friendly dining option. 

Kim & Carlo's Hot Dog Stand - Check off a must-try Chicago food staple experience to your trip to The Field Museum at Kim & Carlo's Hot Dog Stand, located right outside the museum. Load up your Polish-style dog with all of the toppings you can stomach and enjoy. 

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria - No trip to Chicago is complete without a generous portion of authentic, Chicago-style deep dish pizza. Lou Malnati's features always delicious pies with flakey, buttery crust and unbeatable topping combos. Location: 805 S. State St. Chicago, IL 60605 

Kai Sushi - For a little bit lighter fare, try Kai Sushi, a BYOB sushi joint featuring fresh fish dishes and classic Japanese fare. Insider tip: head here on a nice day to enjoy their outdoor patio seating. Address: 1255 S. State St. Chicago, IL 60605

Planning to visit lots of Chicago attractions?

With Go City® you won't miss a thing, plus with a pass, you can save up to 50% compared to buying individual entry to everything you want to do - winning! 

☀️Compare Boston passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 –  ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️ 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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things to do in gold coast chicago
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Things to do in Gold Coast, Chicago

So, you've chosen your vacation destination. The Windy City. Chi-Town. The real-life Metropolis, minus the superheroes. Chicago is a fantastic getaway destination, full of great food, fun nights out, and plenty of top-level entertainment. But it's a big old town, with multiple districts and areas that crisscross throughout its gargantuan layout. With so many to choose from, which one is right for you? Well, don't let choice paralysis get the better of you! We've done all the research necessary, so you don't have to. Give Gold Coast a go. It's as simple as that. With a wealth of entertainment on offer, it's the perfect vacation spot. Here are our picks for the best things to do in Gold Coast, Chicago! Including: Oak Street Beach Playboy Mansion Broadway Playhouse Washington Square Park Drake Hotel Bar and more! Hit the Beach Why not ease into your trip with a spot of lounging? After all, you've got the rest of your vacation to go see the sights. Lucky for you, the Gold Coast lives up to its namesake. Head there, and you'll find Oak Street Beach. Of course, you'll find heaps of golden sand, clean sea, and (hopefully) glistening sun - that's what the beach is all about, after all. However, Oak Street Beach is also perfectly placed to visit at any time during the day, as it's just a stone's throw from the city itself. Take a dip in the ocean, go grab an ice cream for the kids - or yourself, who are you kidding - and then check out the nearby patio bar for a cool, refreshing drink. Easily one of the best things to do in the Gold Coast when you visit Chicago. Feel like a Playboy Yes, really. Though you probably know the Playboy Mansion as the once celebrity-laded party mansion near Beverly Hills, it wasn't always there. In fact, the original Playboy Mansion was bought right here on the Gold Coast back in the '50s. The rather less impressive original is well over 100 years old at this point, and has changed hands multiple times. First, Hefner donated it to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago when he moved into his legendary LA pad. Then, the institute sold it to a redevelopment firm, and it's now been converted into condos in a rather typical fashion. However, if you want to see a piece of 20th-century American history in the flesh, you owe it to yourself to go and bask in the extravagant opulence of the original Playboy Mansion. Just don't plan on buying one of the condos, unless you've got a few mill to spare. Broadway, baby! If the weather takes a turn, or you just want a couple of hours out of the sun, why not retreat to the bright lights and comfort of broadway? Yes, even in Chicago, you can get a taste of the New York performance mile thanks to Broadway Playhouse! A stone's throw from the coast, you'll find a host of great plays and musicals being shown throughout the year, from all-time classics to the new shows on the block. You might even stumble upon a one-man show, or local play before it gathers steam. Walk in the Park Are you a fan of the color green? Do you like walking? Is the prospect of breathing in fresh air, mingling with trees, shrubs, and grass appealing to you? Answer us these questions three, and we'll give you a place you want to be. At. A park, of course! Gold Coast has you covered in flowers and grass, thanks to Washington Square Park. Go there for the giant 19th-century fountain, stay for the delightful green spaces, picnic opportunities, or simply for a stroll. So, what are you waiting for? Get Risky When you're in Gold Coast, why not grab a drink at a Hollywood monument? Sort of, at least. Featured in the '80s Tom Cruise classic Risky Business, the Drake Hotel is one of Chicago's most recognizable landmarks! But we're not talking about the room service here. We're talking about the Hotel's bar, called the Coq d'Or. This lavish hotel lounge has been warming customers' cockles since the dark Prohibition days. Head inside and find a wealth of drinks, a menu to die for, and enough comfort you'll feel like a marshmallow. A pampered marshmallow. Best Pizza in town Wow, all that doing things, seeing things, and experiences must have made you hungry. Well, Chicago is famous for one thing in the food department, and that's deep dish. The Chicagoan take on the Italian classic is known worldwide for its deliciousness, thanks to its unusual sauce-over-cheese twist. So why not go get some and see if it lives up to its reputation? Lou Malnati's, right in Gold Coast, is arguably the best in town. The name is a staple of the Chicago style, having helped pioneer it in the early 20th century. So go grab a slice of delight and take your tastebuds to pizzatown. Or something. Go Shopping Let's end this list on a shopping, surely many of our readers' favorite pastimes. Thankfully, Gold Coast is full of shops of all shapes and sizes, so no matter what item you seek, you're sure to find it there. However, for those of you with expensive tastes, you'll be looking for The Magnificent Mile. Head there, and you'll find a shopper's paradise. Over 400 stores line the 'Mile', including the likes of Chanel, Louis Vitton, and Tiffany. So, if you're looking for some dear deals and have the cash to splash, you'll be right at home. On top of all that shopping, you'll also find a slew of gourmet restaurants, snug cafes, and much more. So, if that all sounds like heaven to you, go on down and see what's cracking! And that's our list of the best things to do in Gold Coast, Chicago! If you want to know about the other areas of Chicago, check out our thoughts here. Heading to Chicago at the tail end of winter? The beaches might be a no-go, but there's plenty more to do and see!
Dom Bewley
Things to do in Wicker Park Chicago
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Things to do in Wicker Park, Chicago

Feeling hip? Chicago's Wicker Park is one of the coolest places in the city. If you're visiting Chi-Town from out-of-town or simply a local who doesn't know, why not find out why? Here's our guide to Wicker Park, which highlights some of the best things to do! Including: Exploring the outdoors Classic arcade fun Refreshing beverages Poignant performances Comedy clubs and more! Go exploring! Firstly, if you're new to the area, get out there and explore! There are plenty of green spaces that are worth your time. Wicker Park is a park named after Wicker Park the place. Once you've wrapped your head around that one, you'll find one of Chicago's coziest but classiest outdoor spaces. Pack a picnic basket and go enjoy the ambiance! Lots of events also occur throughout the year, like film screenings, markets, and live performances. Or, for a more urban escape, follow the abandoned 606 train tracks. The 606 has become a tourist destination in its own right, with a winding walk that will take you past some of the city's most recognizable landmarks. It's also full of creative street art for you to check out, and put on your socials if you crave the attention of others so incessantly. Alongside the fantastic views, there are a wealth of events on all year round, from bakesales to outdoor exercise classes. So, go explore. Right now! Play on, player Fancy trying your hand at some retro arcade video games, air hockey, and other '80s entertainment? Then check out Emporium at Wicker Park! Bring some friends along and get to grips with some classic arcade games. Then, when you've lost all your lives, hop on a pool table and play a few rounds, challenge them to a spot of foosball, or get clinking at one of the many pinball tables. Then, to wet your whistle, grab a refreshing craft beer from the bar, or maybe a bite to eat if you need to refuel. They even have live music on occasion, if you need some tunes to get your pinball fingers pumping. Emporium is awesome, and easily one of the best things to do in Wicker Park if you're visiting Chicago! Grab a drink After all that activity, you might want to just sit back, relax, and get a refreshing drink or two down your gullet. Well, Wicker Park has got you covered, with a wide variety of relaxed watering holes that'll help you take the edge off. One of Wicker Park's most popular is Phyllis Musical Inn, a saloon-style pub with countless beers on tap, live music, and a massive garden where you can soak up the rays when the weather's good. Or, if you want to stuff it down with brown, head to Whiskey Business. Besides a delightful and grandiose selection of whiskeys, they also serve a mean cocktail, local craft beers, and you can enjoy it all on their vibrant rooftop! Or, if you fancy something fancy and a little pricier, check out The Violet Hour. This stylish, sophisticated joint has a bevy of master craftsmen who can whip you up whatever you desire, all paired with delicious bites. Catch a secret show If you like your music raw, and your favorite acts unheard-of, then wade through the cool and pull up a pew at Hideout. This Wicker Park hang spot features local acts and up-and-coming artists from the world of alternative music. On any given week, expect to see post-punk one day and then acoustic indie the next. If you like your venues grungy, your music noisy, and your beer just the way it should be, head down to The Hideout and see if you discover your new favorite artist. Just don't expect they'll have any merch. That's for posers, bro. Have a laugh We all like the giggle. It's said that laughter is the best natural way to gain a six-pack. And you don't even have to do anything, just laugh. How awesome is that? If you want to work on your six-pack and laugh till your sides hurt, why not check out The Comedy Clubhouse? Widely thought of as the premier Chicago comedy club, it's one of the best things to do in Wicker Park. You'll find a slew of shows on there, from stand-up gigs to improv shows. Many comedians you find on cable comedy greats like Parks and Rec and The Office cut their teeth at this very club, so you have some idea of the quality you can expect when you visit. Pair all them funnies with some refreshing drinks and delicious pizza, and you've got yourself a night out right there. Dig in the crates This one's for the collectors. If you're a muso and big into vinyl, do yourself a favor and check out Reckless Records. Inside, you'll find wall-to-wall rare vinyl from bygone eras, new EPs from up-and-coming artists, and even old movies if you're so inclined. A lot of it's second-hand, understandably, so make sure to check your purchases before you wreck your purchases. Or, God forbid, they wreck you. If you want to lose multiple hours and come away with a collection to make all of your weird friends froth at the mouth, go check out Reckless Records. Get artistic Need to be inspired? Go check out some of Wicker Park's quirky art galleries! The Flat Iron Building has a whole collection of galleries where you'll find mind-blowing, or mind-altering, works from local artists. If you like your art with a hint of street, check out The Vertical Gallery for some thought-provoking pieces on modern life, local culture, and antiestablishmentism. Or, if you like more experimental art, or are at least open to it, head to Johalla Projects. Step inside, and you'll find a huge gallery space filled with images, sculptures, movies, and paintings. Now that's art, baby. Grab a bite And finally, this one's for the hungry. Luckily for you, Wicker Park has a handful of great restaurants to get some chow. If you want some southern fun with your food, check our Ina Mae's delicious menu full of New Orleans-inspired dishes. Their potato salad is to die for. Want to go even further south? Try Antique Taco, which offers a selection of gourmet tacos and Mexican appetizers, alongside some tequila-based cocktails to wash it down. Or, if you want your mind blown with some New American cuisine, a few dollars more will get you a delicious meal at Schwa. Many locals think it's the best restaurant in town. Best you find out for yourself! And that was our list of the best things to do in Wicker Park when you visit Chicago!
Dom Bewley
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