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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Things to do in Lakeview, Chicago

Heading to Chicago for your vacation, or are you a Chi-Town dweller who wants to know what's good? Check our Lakeview. There's so much going on, you're bound to find something fun! These are our recommendations for the best things to do in Lakeview, Chicago! Including: Live music Lake life Bowling See a film Get golfing and more! Rock out If you're the kind of person who loves the twang of live guitars, the thunderous bass of a drum kit, and raising your swaying lighter in the air, you'll be looking for some live music. Thankfully, Lakeview, Chicago has a whole host of performance venues where you can go get your groove on. The Vic has been a mainstay in the live music scene for over a century. Some of the biggest music acts on the planet have played there over the years. The Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Beastie boys did a joint gig in '87, Soundgarden took the stage in 2010, and Ariana Grande performed there back in 2018. They even host comedy gigs, such as Bill Hicks' famous One Night Stand special. On top of all that, The Vic has their own cinema events called 'Brew and View', where you can grab a drink and relax while watching some great movies. Or, if you want to see up-and-coming bands, try Metro or Underground Lounge. Who knows, you might be the first to see the next big thing. You can tell your grandkids all about it, and they won't care one bit. Wherever you go, seeing some live music is easily one of the best things to do in Lakeview, Chicago! Go view a lake It would be a travesty to visit a place called lake view and not see any water. Thankfully, visit the beautiful Belmont Harbor to do just that. Over 800 boats of all shapes and sizes call it home, and there aren't many better places in the city to go and ponder the meaning of life, just like one of those terrible made for TV movies. Stare off into the distance as ship captains sound their foghorns. Wonder what it's really all about. The most daring of you may even ask if you can come aboard and escape all your problems. Out on the open ocean, running from your inner demons. Months at sea, wondering if you can trust the crew. Why do your socks keep going missing, and who's eating all the apples? No. It's not worth it. Just stand at Belmont Harbor and admire the beautiful views of the Chicago skyline. Keep bowling, bowling, bowling Like the feel of a heavy ball in your hand, the plonk of pins, and the cries of 'strike!'? Well, I suspect you'll be one of them bowling people. Lakeview's got you covered with Southport Lanes. In a digital world of automation, microchips, and evil robots, why not go analog? Southport Lanes is one of the last alleys where the pins are manually reset - by people. Yep, they do old-school here. So go check it out, throw a few terrible misses, maybe a strike or two if you're lucky, and then wash down all the sadness with some beers at the on-site brewery. See a flick Want to laugh, cry, cheer, and cower in terror in front of some celluloid? Lakeview has some great cinemas you have to check out! Landmark Century Centre Cinema is more of your typical theater affair, with big screens, big sounds, and the biggest films playing all year round. If you're looking for lesser-known, unusual movies, then hit up the Music Box Theatre. Luck out, and you might visit Lakeview when one of the theater's many festivals is taking place. Get theatrical Or, if you prefer treading the boards to treating yourself to popcorn, head to Lakeview's Theater District. There are tons of venues like the Anthenaeum and Mercury Theatres, which have a number of shows on throughout the year. So, if you want to unleash the inner thespian inside of you, head down there and check out what's on! Grab a bite You were waiting for this one, weren't you? You'll be delighted to discover that, yes, Lakeview has a whole host of eateries of all shapes and sizes. For your midday snacks, look no further than Uncommon Ground or The Chicago Diner. Both offer a host of American diner treats, and since they open at 11am, you can get it while the getting's good. The early bird catches the syrup-covered bird! Or, if you're looking for some fine evening dining, check out Lowcountry for all your seafood needs, and Ella Elli for your Mediterranean cravings. With plenty of wine, cocktails, or beer to wash down all this delicious food, you'll have a grand old time! Grab a drink Speaking of wine, cocktails, and beer, what if you're only in the market for a beer? Tuck those fears away, in the safe space no one can reach, because Lakeview's full of bright bars, cozy pubs, and everything in between. If you're looking to supplement your session with some free popcorn and a boogie around the jukebox, try Jake's Pub, a no-frills, classic pub experience that's been open since the '30s. Want a sports bar with some delicious cajun chicken, cocktails, and craft beer? Hit up nola. Want to get fancy? Try the craft cocktails and upmarket vibes at Elixir Lounge. With so many options, grabbing a drink or two is one of the best things to do in Lakeview, Chicago! Birdy or bogey? And finally, we're putting distance from the end of our list. Why don't we end on the green with a round of golf or three? Whether you're looking for proper, seasoned swings or a bit of fun, Lakeview's got you covered and then some. Hop onto the Sydney R Marovitz Golf Course to knock some balls about on a professional course by the shore of Lake Michigan. They even offer classes if you want to improve your swing, or have no idea how to play golf at all. Or, if you just want a little fun with your putting, check out Diversey Range. They offer a cozy mini golf course for you and your friends or family to enjoy. And that's our list of the best things to do in Lakeview, Chicago!
Dom Bewley
west loop
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Things to do in West Loop, Chicago

Head to Chicago for your vacation and want to know what's good? Give West Loop a try. There's so much to do and see, you might never leave. Here's our list of the best things to do in West Loop, Chicago. Including: Street Markets Park walks Go bowling Get cultural Try climbing and more! Get Marketeering Let's start this shindig with a smattering of shopping. West Loop has an abundance of markets where you can pick up anything from fresh groceries to hand-crafted jewelry. If you're looking to wheel, deal, and shave a few bucks off your purchases, head over to Randolph Street Market. In the summer months, you'll find over one hundred vendors taking over the Chicago Journeyman Plumbers Union Hall parking lot. Within this bizarre bazaar, you'll discover stalls filled with antiques, old records, hand-crafted wonders, and other assorted knickknacks. Or, if food is your purchase of choice, give Chicago's French Market a go. You'll find myriad stalls with fresh produce from all corners of the world, and a host of pop-up restaurants and bakeries selling delicious bites. Rolling down the lanes Do you like balls? Do you hate pins? If you answered yes to both of these questions, this next entry will be for you. Punch Bowl Social has taken over West Loop. Their demands? Maximum fun. Their plan? 30,000ft of retro arcade, karaoke, fine dining, and more bowling lanes than you could shake a used pair of shoes at. Grab a drink, collect some fellows, and go throw some bowling balls down some bowling lanes to drop some bowling pins. It doesn't get much simpler than that. Then, when you're all bowled out, check all the other entertainment on offer, or grab some classic diner food from the on-site restaurant. Yee-haw. It's bowling time, or something. Park Life If the weather is good and you're so inclined, head to a park for a jolly good time! Thankfully, West Loop has some great green spaces, so if you're visiting Chicago, get that green in you. Perhaps its better-known park is Union Park, where the annual Pitchfork Music Festival brings farmers from all across America to get angry at things. Not really, it's a music festival, and a good one at that. However, if you don't make it in July, there's still loads to do. Pools to jump in, courts to play in, and that sweet grass to relax on. Or, if you want to entertain the little ones, stop by Mary Bartelme Park. It has an amazing children's playground with unique and exciting play equipment you won't find anywhere else. It's also good for dogs, if your little one walks on four legs. The Climb Picture the scene. You're a secret agent, climbing up a rocky cliff face. You receive a call on your sweet futuristic sunglasses. It's your secret spy agency, and they have a job for you. You choose to accept it, and throw the glasses off towards the camera as they self-destruct. Yeah! So if the climbing part of that interests you - and nothing else - head on over to Brooklyn Boulders. There, you'll find lots of surfaces to climb, which is what you want. If you're a seasoned pro, feel free to hit the walls and do some sweet flips, or whatever climbers do. If you're new to the climbing game, never fear. They have expert trainers on hand to teach you the tricks of the trade. And who knows, maybe they're secret agents too. Hiding in plain sight, at Brooklyn Boulders. Would you like to play a game? If you go to sleep listening to the distinctive cling of pinball tables and assorted beeps and boops of old arcade machines, you might like this next place. Take a running jump into Emporium Arcade Bar and fall into a world of old-school arcade action. With a slew of pinball-flicking, foosball-spinning, puck-slapping, and pool-shooting fun, it's a lovely place full of joy and smiles. If you have friends, bring them with you, and pump the fun up to stratospheric levels. After you've spent all your money on machines, take out a loan and go enjoy a refreshing cocktail or IPA at the bar. You will love it. Won't you? Yes. Culture! If all of that wasn't fun enough for you, how about a little learning and culture to take that fun factor to the next level? At the National Hellenic Museum in West Loop, you'll learn about Greek-American culture, and how Greek immigrants helped make Chicago the city it is today! Or, if you want to see some awe-inspiring art, check out the Kavi Gupta Gallery. Inside, you'll find artworks of all shapes and sizes to ponder over. Does it get any more cultural than that? No, it does not. State of the Union Station Want to see one of Chicago's most recognizable landmarks up close? West Loop has you covered with Union Station. Built back in the 1920s, it's the transport hub that brings many out-of-towers into the city. Its Art Deco stylings are so iconic that it's featured in heaps of Hollywood productions. The Untouchables, Catch Me If You Can, Blade Runner, and many, many more have shot iconic scenes in this very building. So go see it for yourself, and snap some sweet pics for your socials because you know you will. Grab a bite Phew, all the doing things and seeing stuff is bound to make you hungry. Thankfully, West Loop has plenty of places to refuel. In the mood for something meaty? Check out El Che Steakhouse for some prime cuts, refreshing drinks, and good times. Prefer your meat between two buns? Give Smyth and The Loyalist a go. Looking for something continental? Hit up avec for some Mediterranean delights. Grab a drink And finally, let's end our list on the drinks menu. West Loop has lots of bars and pubs to drown some suds. Head to Lone Wolf or Haymarket Pub for your craft beer needs, with plenty of local Chicago brews on tap. For some exotic cocktails, give Kumiko a try, which provides a Japanese twist on the usual mixer affair. If you want a variety of spirits, stumble to CH Distillery. And that's our list of things to do in West Loop, Chicago! Enjoy!
Dom Bewley
things to do in the loop chicago
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Things to do in The Loop, Chicago

You there! Are you visiting Chicago at some point in the future? Are you wondering which districts to check out during your visit? Do you like loops? Well, The Loop might just be the perfect place for you to visit during your vacation. Here are some of the best things to do while you're there! Including: Grant Park Shedd Aquarium Eat Drink Shopping and more! Grant Park Let's begin, then, with one of the city's most significant green zones; the one and only Grant Park! Named after the late, great Ulysses S. Grant, this behemoth of a park measures over 300 acres. Step inside, and you'll find a world of entertainment. Perhaps the park's biggest draw is Millennium Park, where you'll find Cloud Gate. Referred to locally as The Bean, this massive, chrome, reflective sculpture by artist Anish Kapoor is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Chicago, and has featured in many films and TV shows. But alongside The Bean, you'll find Buckingham Fountain, Maggie Daley Park, Art Institute of Chicago, The Court of the Presidents, and much more at Grant Park! The Field Museum Want to discover over 4 billion years of history in one place? Then you should check out the Field Museum! There, you'll meet Maximo, the largest recorded dinosaur ever found on Earth. Weighing in at over 70 tons, they were quite the beast! You can also experience what it's like to be a tiny bug at the Underground Adventure exhibit, observe scientists extract DNA in real-time at the DNA Discovery Center, and also watch fossils being prepared at the Griffin Halls of Evolving Planet. All that and much more await you at the Field Museum. So, what are you waiting for? The Art Institute of Chicago Let's get cultural for a second, and talk about some art. In The Loop, you'll find the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the best-known art museums on Earth! Inside, you'll find hundreds of pieces from all across the globe, from older, more traditional masterpieces to modern marvels. With fixed collections as well as a rotation of amazing seasonal experiences, there's sure to be something inspiring at the Art Institute of Chicago! Skyline Lake Tour Want to see the city from a different perspective? Check out a Skyline Lake Tour. Take to the seven seas, or just the one in this case, and enjoy amazing views of Chicago's heavenly skyline as you spot some of the city's biggest and best landmarks. Beginning at Navy Pier, your trip will take you past the likes of the Adler Planetarium, Field Museum, and beautiful Grant Park. And, with a learned robot, or prerecording, narrating the significance of each spot, you'll learn all about modern Chicago. American Writers Museum Words. Powerful, plentiful, and often misused, words are the backbone of our civilization. Want to discover how Americans have used words over the centuries? Then head to the American Writers Museum in The Loop. Novels, speeches, poetry, and more are all housed within. See how historical events changed the approach of American authors, whether through war, financial collapse, or in response to cultural shifts. Learn how speechwriters changed the course of history. And discover how American poets touched the hearts and minds of millions. With a huge variety of words in all their forms on display, you're sure to find something mind-opening at the American Writers Museum. Shedd Aquarium Next, let's take a trip under the very oceans themselves. At Shedd Aquarium, you'll find a whole new world of wonder in the heart of The Loop. See exotic species of marine life from all corners of the world, from sharks to stingrays, and plenty more too! There are a wealth of exhibits to explore within, including a 360-degree tour at the Caribbean Reef, a look at South American fish species that occupy the Amazon at Amazon Rising, and a look at how a local community saved their coral reef from being wiped out at Wild Reef. All that and more ocean fun awaits you. So go get your snorkel and suit up! Eat! After all the activity, you might be feeling peckish. Never fear; we've got your hunger covered. The Loop has plenty of places to eat a wide variety of cuisine. Can't decide which to pick? Head to Revival Food Hall, which houses a large number of food vendors under one roof. Whether you're in the market for pizza, seafood, or Italian, you're sure to find something to turn your head there! Want a little fusion in your life? Head to Saucy Porka, which mixes Asian delights with Latin deliciousness. Wonder what a bao bun would be like if it was filled with some fried meat and beans? Look no further. Or, if you just want a snack to refuel you during the day, stop by Gayle's Best Ever Grilled Cheese. Sure, it's simply a collection of grilled cheese sandwiches. But grilled cheese is good. And these are some of the best you'll ever taste. Drink! Need a little refreshment in The Loop, or looking for a quality night out? You're in luck, because there are some great spots in the area you should check out. Monk's Pub combines a medieval exterior and modernized interior, replete with a load of beers on tap and bites to sample. Want a little blues with your booze? Head to Buddy Guy's Legends, which combines foot-tapping tunes with a delightful selection of drinks. Or, if you're feeling super fancy and the weather is fine, check out a rooftop bar like Raised or Boleo. Whichever you pick, you'll find top cocktails, good vibes, and great views of the beautiful Chicago skyline. Shop! And finally, let's end our list on a little shopping spree. The Loop has a load of great boutiques where you can pick up some slick accessories, threads, and everything in between. Of course, there's Macy's, where you'll find a world of shopping bliss and pretty much whatever you need. But there are also specialized shops like Optimo Hats for all your headwear needs, Madison Hall for your continental clothing supplies, and Graham Crackers Comics if you're looking for some special editions. And that's our list of the best things to in The Loop when visiting Chicago. Enjoy!
Dom Bewley

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