Categories: Museums & Galleries
Museum Campus
Author: Jody Robbins
Light-polluted, inland cities such as Chicago don't generally lend themselves to star-gazing and dolphin-spotting. Nature-lovers head to rural hills or beachside towns for such thrills. But with just a day in Chicago's Museum Campus, visitors can check out Orion's belt, sit in on a dolphin show and study dinosaur fossils-with just a pleasant, lakeside stroll between sights. The pretty, lakefront Museum Campus mixes 57 acres of greenery with three celebrated city museums: The Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and Field Museum . Founded in 1998, the area is accessible and ideal for folks looking to brush up on history or enjoy an afternoon by the lake.
Adler Planetarium
Situated at a prime point along Chicago 's vaunted lakeshore, The Adler Planetarium sits on what was once known as Northerly Island . Like the land link that eventually connected it to the mainland, the planetarium has directed visitors' eyes toward the heavens since it first opened for business in 1930 (thanks largely to the vision of its founder, Max Adler).
The John G. Shedd Aquarium
Being the new museum in Grant Park (joining the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum) when it opened in 1930, the Shedd Aquarium had its work cut out for it from the beginning. As with so many of Chicago 's great building projects, it was the citizenry (led by John G. Shedd, a retired president of Macy's on State Street) that rallied around what was billed as the world's largest aquarium. Today, it houses nearly 22,000 aquatic animals and 1,500 species, and more than two million people per year take it all in-without even getting wet.
The Field Museum
Take the voluminous sciences of anthropology, botany, geology, paleontology, and zoology, and give them and their practitioners one roof under which to gather the fruits of their careers and you have.The Field Museum. Biological, geological and cultural objects are collected here, and supported with all kinds of media and technical expertise. The museum's collections boast an inventory of more than 20 million items!
Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Bus Co. Stop
The green triangle line goes to Museum Campus stopping after the CTA Orange/Green.Red line Roosevelt Rd. stop.
Check out places of interest near Museum Campus:
Custom House
500 S. Dearborn St.,
Chicago, IL 60605
Custom House, led by Shawn McClain, named Best Chef Midwest by the James Beard Foundation in 2006, focuses on offering the finest artisanal meats and fresh, seasonal ingredients. Unlike most classic steak houses, Custom House allows carnivores to savor their meat raw, cured, marinated, braised, roasted and slow-cooked.
Garrett Popcorn Shop
4 East Madison Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60602
Since 1949, Chicagoans have been enjoying Garrett Popcorn, Carmel Corn, and Cheese Corn. The popcorn is hot-air popped using no oils or fats.
Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum
1300 S. Lake Shore Dr,
Chicago, IL 60605
Situated at a prime point along Chicago 's vaunted lakeshore, The Adler Planetarium sits on what was once known as Northerly Island . Like the land link that eventually connected it to the mainland, the planetarium has directed visitors' eyes toward the heavens since it first opened for business in 1930 (thanks largely to the vision of its founder, Max Adler).
Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Bus Co.
401 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60609
Daily tours of Chicago in San Fransisco-style trolleys and London-style buses, narrated by expert guides, are offered here. Take Chicago trolley tours as a worry-free way to get around the city of Chicago; it's "Hop On Hop Off".
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S Lake Shore Dr,
Chicago, IL 60637
The Museum of Science and Industry, one of the most beloved and visited museums in the world, has origins that are tied to two great World's Fairs and to civic spirit and imagination of Chicago businessman Julius Rosenwald.
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave. ,
Chicago, IL 60605
Navy Pier, one of the top tourist attractions in Chicago and the country, is visited by almost nine million visitors per years. From dining to shopping, boat tours to countless entertainment options, Navy Pier in Chicago is a must-stop for a wide range of visitors--Chicago residents already know and love it!
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. Lake Shore Dr,
Chicago, IL 60605
Being the new museum in Grant Park (joining the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum) when it opened in 1930, the Shedd Aquarium had its work cut out for it from the beginning. As with so many of Chicago 's great building projects, it was the citizenry (led by John G. Shedd, a retired president of Macy's on State Street) that rallied around what was billed as the world's largest aquarium. Today, it houses nearly 22,000 aquatic animals and 1,500 species, and more than two million people per year take it all in-without even getting wet.
Shoreline Sightseeing
474 N.Lake Shore Dr.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Chidago's largest boat touring company offers "Architecture Cruises" from Navy Pier, plus Skyline Boat Tours and Water Taxis. Special fireworks cruises are scheduled seasonally!
Weekend service April and November-daily service from 10:00 am May - October. On Chicago's waterways since 1939. Group rates; buy tickets online or by phone at no additional fee.
Soldier Field
1410 South Museum Campus Drive,
Chicago, IL 60605
Historic home of the Chicago Bears, Soldier Field is sacred space to Chicago's legions of Bears fans.
Spertus Museum
610 S. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60605
At Chicago's Spertus Museum, expect to see a permanent collection of Judaica, a hands-on archaeology exhibit for children, and temporary and raveling exhibitions.
The Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Dr,
Chicago, IL 60605
Take the voluminous sciences of anthropology, botany, geology, paleontology, and zoology, and give them and their practitioners one roof under which to gather the fruits of their careers and you have.The Field Museum. Biological, geological and cultural objects are collected here, and supported with all kinds of media and technical expertise. The museum's collections boast an inventory of more than 20 million items!
The Morton Arboretum
4100 Illinois Highway 53,
Lisle, IL 60532
A top Chicago nature site, The Morton Arboretum boasts more than 3,000 trees, shrubs, and other vegetation across its 1,700-acre site.
Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Bus Co.
401 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60609
Daily tours of Chicago in San Fransisco-style trolleys and London-style buses, narrated by expert guides, are offered here. Take Chicago trolley tours as a worry-free way to get around the city of Chicago; it's "Hop On Hop Off".
Shoreline Sightseeing
474 N.Lake Shore Dr.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Chidago's largest boat touring company offers "Architecture Cruises" from Navy Pier, plus Skyline Boat Tours and Water Taxis. Special fireworks cruises are scheduled seasonally!
Weekend service April and November-daily service from 10:00 am May - October. On Chicago's waterways since 1939. Group rates; buy tickets online or by phone at no additional fee.
