A bustling metropolis filled with diverse culture, world-renowned museums and incredible views along Lake Michigan, Chicago is a gem of the Midwest.
The Windy City is a year-round playground offering an abundance of educational, recreational and performance opportunities for student travel. It’s the third-most populous city in the United States, yet remains easy to visit and navigate.
STEM and Beyond
The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago is the largest science center in the hemisphere, and one of the largest science museums in the world. More than 400,000 square feet of interactive and hands-on exhibits feature everything from learning labs to a big dome theater, flight and motion simulators, live science experiences, a VR transporter, and beyond.
Don’t leave out the language arts lovers in the group—next, head to the American Writers Museum, a unique museum experience focusing entirely on the incredible diversity, history and impact of American writers and their works. Poetry, lyrics, speeches, fiction, nonfiction, journalism and more are celebrated here, with at least two hours of thorough interactive exhibits.
The Field Museum of Natural History is so impressive, it demands to be seen. Located right on the Lake Michigan shoreline, this sprawling museum holds nearly 40 million specimens and artifacts. Students will love SUE, the world’s largest and most complete T-Rex fossil, along with Maximo the titanosaur. The Field documents new species, conserves ecosystems, educates budding scientists and explores cultures with exhibits like The Changing Face of Science and After the Age of Dinosaurs.
If you’re not afraid to get a little wet, head to the Shedd Aquarium, beloved by families and students of all ages. Who doesn’t love to see and learn about 32,000 aquatic animals up-close? The massive aquarium is filled to the gills with things to see and do, including encounters with dolphins, sea otters and penguins. There are also field trip programs tailored to student groups, teaching about marine ecosystems, animal behavior and more.
A short walk from both the Field and Shedd, the Adler Planetarium will take your students to outer space. This public museum is America’s first planetarium, founded in 1930. It’s filled with interactive games, ships to walk through, antique instruments, an observatory, and three full-size theaters offering educational and entertaining movies. Also, you can “see” through the light pollution of Chicago’s night sky with the Atwood Sphere, the oldest operating sky simulator in the world.
See It All
Gain a little perspective by heading up 103 stories to Skydeck. Situated at the top of the Willis Tower—the third tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and formerly known as Sears Tower—this goes beyond the typical observation tower. Of course you get amazing views of the Chicago skyline and far beyond here, but students also walk through a fun and interactive museum sharing the rich history of the city. At the top, there are simulated views from other iconic spots, as well as The Ledge, a glass box extending out at 1,353 feet in the air.
Not too far off, but closer to the water, 360 CHICAGO towers over the city’s Magnificent Mile. With beautiful views of the city in one direction and Lake Michigan in the other, you can even see parts of neighboring states on clear days. This observation tower also has TILT, billed as “Chicago’s highest thrill ride,” 94 floors up. Grab hold and lay against glass windows as you’re tilted down over the edge of the building for a couple minutes, as though you’re flying.
On the ground at Chicago’s iconic Millennium Park, student groups can experience public art, architecture, music, and green space all in one vibrant downtown destination steps from the city’s museums and attractions. From snapping photos beneath the mirrored curves of Cloud Gate (“The Bean”) to exploring the striking design of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the park offers countless opportunities for discovery and discussion.
All the City’s A Stage
Chicago is filled with the arts, including a thriving theater scene. The Great White Way meets The White City (an old nickname for the city) with Broadway In Chicago, a treat for all students. The upcoming lineup includes: Monty Python’s Spamalot, Water for Elephants, & Juliet, The Outsiders, Waitress, Jersey Boys, Maybe Happy Ending and more. Workshops and theater tours are available as well!
Get a Guide
If you want to experience Chicago with the knowledge and know-how of professionals, consider Big Bus Tours. Visit all the top Chicago landmarks with open-top buses, pre-recorded commentary, a free mobile app, both day and night tours, and an option to hop-on/hop-off at various stops. Or travel by boat with City Cruises. Go sightseeing on the Chicago River, take a dining cruise on Lake Michigan with student-friendly food, or ask for an educational field trip.
Courtesy of Josh Veal.