Location: Central
Top Things to do in Central
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Central, Illinois (IL)
The windy city is a cornucopia of modern art, fine dining, cutting edge comedy, and die-hard sports fans. Snap a photo of your reflection in the silver Cloud Gate sculpture at Millennium Park before heading to Grant Park to get hit with the refreshing spray of Buckingham Fountain. There are dozens of museums and theater companies in Chicago, so a cultural experience is never hard to find. You’re sure to laugh your head off at the Second City Theater, the professional launch pad of many famous comedians.
Restaurants in Chicago
1. North Garden
2. Lake Shore East Park
3. Grant Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 909 reviews
Dedicated in 1844, this park covers 319 acres along Lake Michigan and is home to the Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum and the Art Institute.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
People are looking for things to do during the Coronavirus pandemic. Some friends claim they are bored. They have nothing to do. Are they kidding? For Chicagoans, it is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy all of the attractions that the city has to offer. When was the last time you visited Grant Park? There is so much to do, you can't see it all in one or even two days. It's like taking a three-day vacation at home. Bordered by Randolph Street on the north, Roosevelt Road on the south, Michigan Avenue on the west and Lake Michigan on the east, the 319-acre urban park is popularly referred to as "Chicago's front yard." Founded in 1844, it has grown in size by extending into the lake with debris from the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 and landfill. Originally known as Lake Park, it was renamed in 1901 to honor Ulysses S. Grant. Among the features are Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park, Art Institute of Chicago, Buckingham Fountain, Petrillo Music Shell, Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, Crown Fountain, Cloud Gate (aka The Bean), Lurie Garden, Congress Plaza, Court of the Presidents, Chicago Lakefront Trail, Hutchinson Field, Monroe Harbor, Skate Plaza, even an 18,000-square-foot, off-leash dog park. In addition, there are 16 softball/baseball fields and 12 tennis courts. Don't forget the public art, magnificent sculptures such as the Abraham Lincoln Monument, the large equestrian statue of Civil War general and Illinois-born John A. Logan and the Agora, a series of 106 headless, armless sculptures designed by Polish artist Magdalena Abakanowicz. Grant Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.
4. Ward A. Montgomery Park
5. Oak Street Beach
6. Millennium Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24,640 reviews
Three square blocks of open lakefront complete with a Ferris Wheel, outdoor music pavillion and ice skating rink; expected to become one of the city's most popular sites.
Reviewed By 314LH - Chicago, United States
Cloud Gate (the bean to locals) is a 12-ft high stainless steel sculpture chosen in competition as the winning design (by Brit Anish Kapoor), inspired by liquid mercury. Begun in 2004, finished in 2006, it's become a Chicago icon that provides unique photo opportunities. Enjoy great views of downtown (and the skating rink in winter) from its platform, stroll the area to view regularly-changing public art exhibits, the Pritzker Pavilion, Lurie Garden, and fabulous Frank Gehry designed BP bridge.
7. Kathy Osterman Beach
8. Milton Lee Olive Park
9. Mariano Plaza
10. Lakefront Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,416 reviews
The Chicago Lakefront Bicycle Trail is roughly 22 miles of bike paths, stretching from Indiana border up to Evanston. The trail rides through many parks including Jackson Park (including U of Chicago), Grant Park (including Buckingham Fountain/Museum Campus) Millennium Park, and Lincoln Park with its Free Zoo. Plenty of beaches and bike rentals available at Bobby's Bike Hike - 540 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago IL 60611 (free maps, helmets).
Reviewed By rudi498 - New Delhi, India
to explore the beautiful skyline of Chicago it is a must for every visitor to rent a bike abd follow the trail. Nice views, aa lot of places to rest and enjoy the lake and the the city skyline.
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