Chicago river walk things to do near Millennium Park

10+ Things to Do Near Millennium Park & The Loop During Your Trip to Chicago

How to spend some time in and around Chicagoans' favorite park.
By Katie Sagal

From the majestic Bean statue to the Crown Fountains and Lurie Park's dazzling flower displays, Millennium Park is the perfect place to start a day in Chicago.

Millennium Park is the green heart of urban Chicago. From vast open spaces for walking, relaxing, and playing, to an eclectic variety of ever-changing special events, festivals, and performances, there’s something for everyone at this famous park.

Whether you want to scope out iconic works of art, explore renowned museums, or embark on fascinating tours, this wonderful park has got you covered. So, if you’re looking for things to do in Millennium Park and the Loop during your trip to Chicago, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including...

  • SkyDeck Chicago
  • Art Institute of Chicago
  • Bus tours
  • And more!

SkyDeck Chicago

Skydeck Chicago

Visit the famed Willis Tower and ascend to the popular SkyDeck Chicago, located on the 103rd floor. In addition to phenomenal panoramic views of the city’s skyline, the waterfront, and lands far beyond, you’ll enjoy informative exhibits and historical photographs. You can also step out onto "The Ledge", an all-glass deck that protrudes out from the building's side. On a clear day, you'll be able to catch a glimpse of four different states: Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana.

Be sure to check out our guide and tips for visiting SkyDeck Chicago before your visit. 

Getting In: SkyDeck Chicago tickets are included on all Chicago passes.

Art Institute of Chicago

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Consistently voted one of the best museums in the world, the Art Institute of Chicago is a can't-miss for everybody and anybody traveling in Chicago! This fantastic institution features extensive collections of paintings, photographs, sculpture, textiles, decorative arts, and much more.

They’ve even got a series of beautiful stained glass windows! As the nation's second-largest museum, you can find examples of every art genre, from American contemporary art to over 5,000 years of Asian art and artifacts. 

Getting In: Art Institute of Chicago tickets are included on all Chicago passes.

Chicago Theatre Tour

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Chicago is a very artsy city, with plenty of museums, music, and tons of great theatrical performances. Take a spin through the city’s theatre district for a view of some of the most historic and striking marquees, then enjoy an in-depth tour of the Chicago Theatre, one of the most famed in all of American artistic history.

The Chicago Theatre is an important part of the city's story. It has hosted some of the most famous performers over the years, including Tony Award-winning Broadway shows and concerts by the likes of Dolly Parton and Frank Sinatra. See the celebrity-signed walls backstage, walk across the stage itself, and look at a variety of historical photographs. 

Getting In: Chicago Theatre Tour tickets are included on all Chicago passes.

Chicago bus tours

There are plenty of bus tours to choose from that will get you around Millenium Park and more! Choose from the North Side or South Side bus tours. Both feature informative narration of all the sights and sounds you’ll see, including featured attractions like the Art Institute, Grant Park, & Museum Campus (on the South Shore tour) and Wrigley Field, the Botanical Gardens, and Lincoln Park (on the North Side tour) Of course, you could also take both tours!

For a tour of the entire city, with all the top spots included, take a ride on the Hop On Hop Off Bus. You'll see famous landmarks like the Willis Tower, The Wrigley Building, Shedd Aquarium, the Magnificent Mile, and plenty more that you can hop on or off at.

Getting In: Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Chicago tickets are included on all Chicago passes, North Side tour and South Shore tours are separately ticketed.

Cloud Gate aka The Bean

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Also known affectionately as The Bean, this famous sculpture in Millennium Park is the perfect Chicago attraction to take an Instagram snap of. With its magnificent reflections of the sky above – and the people around it – it’s a visually striking experience whether or not you’re photographing it. No filters necessary here! 

Getting In: Admission to view the Cloud Gate sculpture is free.

Chicago River Walk

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Chicago River Walk is open to the public and stretches down the south bank of the Chicago River. The Walk is not too far from The Loop and its many attractions. On a nice day, it's the perfect place to go to enjoy the sun and take in views of Chicago's one-of-a-kind architecture. There are also a ton of restaurants and shops that line the walk, so there's no telling how much time you can spend here! 

Getting in: admission to Chicago River Walk is free.

Jay Pritzker Pavilion

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One of the best outdoor amphitheaters in the entire region, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion is a favorite with Chicagoans over the spring and summer months. From free orchestral performances to live pop concerts and beyond, you're bound to see a great show at this lively attraction. It’s one of the top things to do in Millennium Park! 

Getting In: Admission to Jay Prizker Pavilion events and performances are separately ticketed, although some are free. For more information and the calendar, please visit the attraction website. 

The Crown Fountain

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Beloved by kids and adults, this interactive sculpture combines water features with changing digital displays to create one striking artistic experience. Run through the sprays on a hot day, or just sit and watch the digital videos of different faces as they transition over the course of a few minutes. Another perfect photo op and place to take the family on a hot day. 

Getting In: Access to the Crown Fountain is free.

The Lurie Garden

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This 2.5-acre garden, near the southernmost part of Millennium Park, is a marvel amidst the urban setting of Chicago. Filled with flowers, trees, shrubs, and more, it’s a beautiful sight year-round, although it’s obviously the most vibrant in the spring and summer months. Enjoy guided walks and lectures, or just wander through on your own. They also frequently host family events and festivals. 

Getting In: Admission to Lurie Garden is free.

Daley Plaza

Named for longtime Chicago mayor Richard Daley, this landmark plaza in the Loop is home to a number of festive events throughout the year. During the winter months, you'll see their famous Christmas Tree, and in the summer months, you can roam farmers' markets. Be sure to check out the massive (but nameless) Picasso statute in the heart of the Plaza! 

Getting In: Admission to Daley Plaza is free.

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Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Night time view of the Navy Pier Ferris wheel in Chicago
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Things to do in Chicago at Night Time

A mighty metropolis renowned for its world-class museums, fine restaurants and frankly epic city skyline, the Windy City is, if anything, even more thrilling at night. There’s an absolute abundance of attractions and activities worth staying up late for, from galleries and ghost tours to deep dish pizza and old-school jazz joints. Hop aboard for our whistle stop guide to some of the best things you can do in Chicago at night time. Skyline Views Chicago’s sensational skyline is the envy of cities across the States. Take a leisurely evening stroll along Lake Shore Drive or the Chicago Riverwalk and you’ll soon find out why. We’re talking soaring skyscrapers that include the awesome Willis Tower (for many years the tallest building on the planet, fact fans) and the iconic neo-gothic Tribune Tower. Incredible enough to look at during the day, these architectural titans really come into their own by night, lighting up to produce one of the world’s most recognizable cityscapes. See them from the water on a night cruise of Lake Michigan, when widescreen views of the illuminated city reflect beautifully in the glassy waters that lap the shoreline. Head in the Clouds You’ve checked it out from ground level, now take in birds’ eye views from atop some of the Western world’s loftiest skyscrapers. You need nerves of steel to ascend to Skydeck Chicago atop the Willis Tower. At 1,353 feet and 103 floors up, it’s only the highest observation deck in the United States. No wonder then that you can see four states from up here, as well as Chicago landmarks including Navy Pier, Lake Michigan and the Magnificent Mile. Daredevils/masochists can even step out onto The Ledge to see the lights of the Windy City twinkling far beneath their feet. A little closer to terra firma at a mere 1,030 feet up, 360 Chicago adds the option to experience TILT, a sky-high thrill ride in which willing victims participants climb onto a moving glass platform which then – yup, you guessed it – tilts riders forward to a perilous angle over the city. Very much not for the faint of heart.  Bean There, Done That For a unique perspective on the iconic Chicago skyline, hit up The Bean on the AT&T Plaza at Millennium Park. This huge stainless steel sculpture by British artist Anish Kapoor – officially named Cloud Gate, but more commonly known as The Bean due to its shape – has quickly become a Windy City icon. Visit at night, when the bright lights of the Michigan Avenue skyscrapers reflect on its gleaming surface, creating hallucinatory magic-mirror cityscapes that bend, twist and morph as you walk around and underneath it. Check listings for al fresco evening concerts elsewhere in Millennium Park during summer. Take a Tour There are dozens of ways to get under the skin of night time Chicago without, you know, the tedium and inconvenience of poring over a guidebook for hours. Take to the skies on a twilight helicopter tour over Lake Michigan and that famous city skyline; hear all about the Windy City’s ghosts and gangsters on a spooky walking tour; or – perhaps best of all – join a foodie tour that gives you the chance to tuck into unmissable local delicacies such as Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and deep dish pizza. Yum. Museum Lates Chicago has a frankly superb selection of museums and galleries, many of which have regular late opening hours, allowing you to ogle Old Masters, contemporary masterpieces and ancient artifacts in relative peace and quiet. Hit up the Art Institute of Chicago on Thursday evenings, when you can check out significant pieces from Hopper, van Gogh, Picasso, Matisse, O’Keeffe and more until 8PM. Other Windy City institutions including the Chicago History Museum and Museum of Science & Industry run ‘happy hour’ events that run as late as 10PM, and the Adler Planetarium’s late Wednesday openings provide a stellar option for whiling away chilly winter evenings. Animal Magic Museums and galleries a little too stuffy for you? Fear not! Take an evening walk on Chicago’s wild side at the Lincoln Park Zoo where, on balmy summer evenings, the park stays open late for adult-only events that include the likes of wine festivals and craft beer tasting. There’s nothing quite like the roar of a nearby African lion or cackle of a laughing kookaburra to get the party started. Meanwhile over at the Shedd Aquarium, night time events for adults include animal encounters, cocktail evenings and salsa classes, though not necessarily all at the same time. Navy Pier A tad nippy in winter, but a vibrant waterfront treasure on summer nights, Navy Pier is where it’s at for old-school seaside-style vibes. That’s largely thanks to the fab Ferris wheel that dominates the shoreline here, but after-dark firework displays, buzzy rooftop bars, live music, fab fast food joints and delectable dessert stores all add to the fiesta atmosphere. Grab an original rainbow ice cream (that’s orange sherbet, pistachio, Palmer House, chocolate and strawberry stacked high on a cone) and tuck in as the sun sets over the water. All That Jazz Hipster joints abound in downtown Chicago, and the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, with its distinctive lime green neon sign, should be at the top of every bucket list. This century-old Chicago institution was once a favorite of Al Capone and his band of bootleggers, who used tunnels underneath the bar to smuggle booze during Prohibition. So grab a seat in Capone’s old booth, order up a Manhattan, and enjoy some of the finest jazz acts in town, just like Big Al used to do. Blues fans are also well-served in Chicago, thanks to the likes of Kingston Mines, Buddy Guy’s Legends and the House of Blues, while scuzz-rockers can get their fix at hipper-than-thou dive bars including Pilsen’s beloved Skylark and the Rainbo Club in Wicker Park. Save on attractions in Chicago Save on admission to Chicago attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Best Beaches in Chicago
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Best Beaches in Chicago

If you're looking for the best beaches in Chicago, check out our picks of the best sandy spots in the city and make the most of your summer visit! Including: Does Chicago have nice beaches? Are Chicago beaches swimmable? Is Chicago beach warm? The best beaches in Chicago Does Chicago have nice beaches? It certainly does; otherwise, we wouldn't be able to write this blog! Chicago boasts 26 miles of picturesque lakefront, adorned with a plethora of public parks and gardens. Additionally, there's an 18-mile Lakefront Trail, along with over two dozen free beaches accessible to the public during the summer. Don't worry - we'll talk about them more down below. Are Chicago beaches swimmable? Indeed, they are, but you're better off doing it in the on-season, which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. For those of you visiting Chicago from outside the U.S., that means the end of May to the beginning of September. Sadly, the waters outside of this period may be too cold to swim in, so plan accordingly. It's also worth noting that, legally, you can only swim in Chicago's oceans when a lifeguard is present due to the winds and choppy waters. They don't call it the Windy City for nothing! Is Chicago beach warm? In peak summer, beaches in Chicago frequently hit 80°F, so head there in the off-season, and you'll enjoy the best temperatures on offer. Best Beaches in Chicago: Oak Street Beach Among the city's most frequented beaches, Oak Street Beach stands out as not only a favorite but also incredibly accessible from downtown. It's also located just a stone's throw away from Chicago's renowned Magnificent Mile, which houses prestigious Michigan Avenue hotels, upscale boutiques, and top-notch restaurants. Perfect if you need a bite to eat or a shopping spree mid-lounge. This beach offers a wide array of amenities, too, including free Wi-Fi, volleyball courts, bike and chair rentals, restrooms, and even places to buy snacks and drinks. Stake out your place in the sandy expanse and relish in the splendid vistas of the iconic Drake Hotel and other renowned landmarks. Best Beaches in Chicago: North Avenue Beach North Avenue Beach, nestled in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, is universally adored by both locals and tourists. Look out for its distinctive two-story beach house, adorned in a nautical white-and-blue motif, and you'll know you're in the right place. Inside, you'll find a bar and grill, as well as restrooms and changing facilities. This beach itself offers myriad amenities and activities, with Wi-Fi, bike, kayak, paddleboard, and Jetskis rentals, yoga, lounge chair and umbrella rentals, beach volleyball courts, a variety of food and drink offerings, and a selection of retail vendors. That's a lot of fun to be had! Nearby, you'll find a bounty of trendy restaurants and bars, along with top-tier city attractions, including the renowned Lincoln Park Zoo and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, ensuring a diverse array of entertainment options in the vicinity. Best Beaches in Chicago: Montrose Beach Montrose Beach is Chicago's biggest beach, so if you're worried about towel space, you know where to go. It also has two unique features that set it apart from many of Chicago's other beaches, that being an enclosed dog beach to the north, and Montrose Beach Bird Sanctuary to the south. But enough about animals, what about us humble humans? Well, it has all the amenities typical of Chicago's generous beaches, including free Wi-Fi, watersports and beach activity rentals, places to eat and drink, and even a dog-friendly dining patio, so your canine companion needn't miss out. If you don't fancy eating in, Montrose Beach also has plenty of grassy knolls where you can spark up a barbecue. And kiteboarders, rejoice! Montrose Beach is the only place in Chicago where you can legally get your kiteboarding on. Why? Who knows. Best Beaches in Chicago: Kathy Osterman Beach Named after the late Kathy Osterman, a former city leader and political activist who advocated for beach development and gay rights in the 1980s, Kathy Osterman Beach is - understandably - a prime meet-up spot for Chicago's spirited LGBTQ+ community. But that doesn't mean it's party central. In fact, Kathy Osterman Beach is one of the calmer, quieter beaches in the city. Bird lovers will also appreciate that the beach's natural dunes draw both migrating and residential shorebirds to its shores. For people, you have the usual amenities, as well as specified picnic areas for bring-you-own enjoyers, and prime fishing spots for the reelers out there. Best Beaches in Chicago: Rainbow Beach Rainbow Beach is one of the city's oldest sandy spots, named after the 42nd Rainbow Division of the U.S. Army, which valiantly served during World War I. So, that's the history - what about the beach itself? Well, to the south, you'll find the Rainbow Beach Dunes Natural Area. What is it with Chicago and natural dunes? It must be the wind. Anyway, it's another great spot to see birds and other wildlife frolicking about. Activity-wise, there's a children's playground, community gardens to wander, picnic and barbecue spots, and the never-elusive beach Wi-Fi. You'll also find some of the most spectacular views of Chicago's skyline from Rainbow Beach, so make sure to take some snaps. Best Beaches in Chicago: Foster Beach And finally, nestled along Chicago's picturesque lakefront in the charming Edgewater neighborhood, you'll find Foster Beach. A favorite for families, it's the perfect place to plop your little ones on the sand and let them run riot. Shallow waters, tons of space, and even a kid-friendly pool area ensure they'll have the time of their little lives. For us adults, a plethora of volleyball courts beckon, with would-be ball smackers welcome to join existing games or set up their own. You've also got the usual food and drink affair, with ice-cold drinks and ice creams sure to cool you down on the hotter summer days. Or if your feelings for sand mirror Anakin Skywalker, nearby Foster Avenue Beach Park offers lush green spaces, inviting picnic areas, and scenic walking paths. And for those with four-legged companions, you'll be pleased to know they're also welcome. And those were our picks of the best beaches in Chicago! If you're looking for less-sandy activities to enjoy during your stay in the Windy City, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of the city's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Chicago
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One Day in Chicago Itinerary

Whatever the reason for your whirlwind trip to Chicago, there are plenty of ways to have a great time without breaking the bank (and making sure you're back at the airport on time!)
Casey Makovich

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