Discover Chicago
Chicago Educational Tours
While in Chicago, you’ll have the opportunity to experience historic architecture, world class museums, beautiful lakeside scenery, theater, deep-dish pizza and the hustle and bustle of big city life.
Chicago Overview
Chicago, Illinois is a vibrant modern city with numerous attractions for travelers of all sorts; however, its history and notable contributions to architecture, music, theatre and culture are what make it an excellent destination for an educational student tour.
Along the Magnificent Mile, visitors can peruse an endless selection of shops and luxury retailers, restaurants, coffee shops and more. Water Tower Place is full of stores exclusive to Chicago like Lego and American Girl. This famous mile also includes iconic architecture, historic hotels, and even a Broadway in Chicago theatre. One of the most popular attractions is the Willis Tower Skydeck. This towering skyscraper offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation deck, which is 1,353 feet above ground level.
Chicago boasts an impressive number of prestigious museums, such as the Art Institute of Chicago. This world-renowned museum is home to an extensive collection of art from around the world, including paintings, sculptures, and ancient artifacts. The Museum of Science and Industry showcases the latest advancements in science and technology. Visitors can explore the human body, learn about space travel, experience a simulated tornado, and even explore a working coal mine exhibit. Students who are enthusiastic about sports will love the Chicago Sports Museum, where they can use interactive exhibits to test their skills against legends like Michael Jordan! Field Museum is one of America’s premier Natural History museums and home to the largest and most complete T-Rex skeleton ever discovered (her name is Sue, by the way). Right next to Field Museum are Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium.
Another must-see attraction for student tour groups is the Navy Pier on the shores of Lake Michigan. From rides and attractions to restaurants and shops, there is something for everyone at Navy Pier. Visitors can also take a boat tour of the lake or catch a live performance at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Don’t forget: you’ll need a group photo with the “silver bean”! Students can get up close and personal with Anish Kapoor’s iconic sculpture, Cloud Gate, in Millennium Park. This park is packed with alluring sculptures and beautiful green spaces for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
Chicago offers many dining options, but travelers will want to make sure they get to try at least one of the city’s classics. Tuck into a fresh, hearty slice of Chicago-style pizza or munch on a Chicago-style hot dog piled high with ingredients – no ketchup – from one of many restaurants and food trucks around the city. Other iconic dishes include Italian beef sandwiches, ice cream, and flavored popcorn.
Art Institute of Chicago
“Founded in 1879, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world’s major museums, housing an extraordinary collection of objects from across places, cultures, and time. We are also a place of active learning for all—dedicated to investigation, innovation, education, and dialogue—continually aspiring to greater public service and civic engagement.”
Millenium Park
“Millennium Park is a can’t-miss attraction for any Chicago visit. The lakefront campus, located in the heart of downtown, is home to the iconic Cloud Gate statue (aka “The Bean”), interactive fountains, tranquil gardens, free events, public art, skating rinks, rock climbing, and plenty of green space. Come explore everything Chicago’s Millennium Park has to offer.”
