A fun list of things to do by yourself in Chicago.
Vacationing by yourself can be a lot of fun, and Chicago is a great city to visit. There are so many different things to do, you are certain to find something that appeals to your interests.
If you like museums and similar attractions, Chicago has a lot to offer. Visiting a museum by yourself can be a wonderful part of a vacation, as you take your time going through the exhibits that interest you the most and lose yourself in another world. The Museum of Science and Industry is a favorite for many people. The coal mine, the Pioneer Zephyr train (an official mechanical engineering landmark designated by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers), and an incubator hatching baby chicks are popular exhibits that many people enjoy. Other things to see at the museum include the U-505 submarine, captured in World War II, the Apollo 8 command module, and a wide variety of other, ever-changing exhibits.
A little bit to the north, the Field Museum presents both permanent and temporary exhibits. One of the most famous permanent exhibits is Sue, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton in the world. Other exhibits present fascinating information about nature and culture. In the immediate area, you can also see both the Shedd Aquarium & Oceanarium and the Adler Planetarium. The aquarium itself features fish from all over the world, and the oceanarium presents dolphin shows and gives a visitor the opportunity to see beluga whales, seals, and penguins. The Adler Planetarium is a terrific place to visit for anyone interested in sky-watching at night, and in addition, it features a museum of historic astronomical instruments. While they are now obsolete, replaced by computerized modern equipment, the craftsmanship in these instruments makes them works of art as well as science.
If you are a fan of art, Chicago features a variety of art museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mexican Fine Arts Museum, and the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum. You could spend days just wandering through art museums admiring the exhibits.
Of course, Chicago has much more than museums for the lone visitor. If you would like to get outside and enjoy fresh air and scenery, a boat ride on Lake Michigan would be fun. You can also take a boat ride on the Chicago River. These boat rides include an architectural boat tour of Chicago, with a trained guide telling the history and significance of some of the buildings you can see from the river. You can also walk through some of the interesting areas of Chicago and see the Sears Tower Skydeck, Buckingham Fountain, and the Hancock Observatory. Or, if you happen to like parks, Chicago features Grant Park and Millennium Park. You can take a nice, leisurely walk through the parks and relax.
Chicago also features two zoos. The Lincoln Park Zoo is located in downtown Chicago, and Brookfield Zoo is in Brookfield, a short distance from the center of the city. Both zoos are great places to enjoy a warm, sunny day and see a wonderful variety of animals.
No trip to Chicago is complete without at least a little bit of shopping. While every museum has a gift shop, there are many other places to shop. Navy Pier, in downtown Chicago, has a variety of shops. Chicago also features the Magnificent Mile, a stretch of Michigan Avenue with 460 stores. The Magnificent Mile also includes 275 restaurants, so you can be adventurous and try out different places to eat for every meal.
These are just a few of the things you can do on your own in Chicago. The city also features an ever-changing array of performances and special events. If you want a fun, exciting place to visit, check out what Chicago has to offer - you're sure to find something you'll enjoy.
