Discover Chicago
Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful, culturally diverse, and fun cities in America, Chicago is only a short trip from Judson’s campus. Students can plan ahead and take the Metra train (located nearby campus) to the city, or map out a drive there with friends. Chicago’s charms are too numerous to cover completely, but below is a list of some student favorites.
Navy Pier
The Navy Pier has been a Chicago landmark since it opened in 1916. It now showcases a unique collection of restaurants, shops, and plenty of entertainment. At Navy Pier, you’ll find the Chicago Children’s Museum, an IMAX theater, Crystal Gardens (an indoor botanical park), and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
Willis Tower
Best view of Chicago from one of the world’s tallest buildings. The Willis Tower Skydeck offers FREE touch and tells computers featuring Chicago’s landmarks in six languages.
Millennium Park
Located in the heart of downtown Chicago. Today, with its unprecedented combination of architecture, monumental sculpture, and landscape design, the 24.5-acre Millennium Park has become the crowning achievement for Chicago in the tradition of its original founders.
The Magnificent Mile
Offers 460 stores in eight city blocks. Beyond the Chicago favorites like American Girl, Crate & Barrel, and Niketown, choose from delectable restaurants, unique shops, and several museums and galleries to round out your day on the mile.
The Field Museum
Discover Sue, the largest and most complete T-Rex ever found! At The Field Museum, you can get a bug’s-eye view in Underground Adventure, descend into an Egyptian tomb, watch a glowing lava flow, be dazzled by sparkling gems, and learn about the cultures and environments of the world.
Shedd Aquarium
Beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, the facility houses nearly 22,000 aquatic animals representing some 1,500 species of fishes, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds, and mammals from waters around the world.
Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago, founded in 1879, first stood on the southwest corner of State and Monroe Streets. The collection now encompasses more than 5,000 years of art and human expression from cultures around the world.
The Cuisine
Whether you are looking for American, Thai, Italian, Chinese, or Mediterranean you’ve got plenty of options. Take a walk down Michigan Avenue or find your way to China Town or Little Italy. Whatever you choose you won’t be disappointed.
Chicago Sports Teams
Whether you enjoy football, baseball, basketball, or soccer you will have a Chicago team to cheer on. Come out and see the Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Fire, Chicago White Sox, and the Chicago Cubs.
Boat Cruises
Tour Chicago’s world-renowned architecture aboard the Architectural River cruise or experience Chicago’s rich history on the Historical Lake & River cruise. Boat tours depart daily from River East Plaza, a short walk from Navy Pier.