Need help re: trip to Chicago

Published

I'm planning a day trip sometime before school starts to Chicago. Been there before but it's been awhile. Only a few hours from where I live so thought I could do it in a day.

Questions: I'll be coming from Indy via I-65. I know I'll have to get on I-94 but should I take that to downtown or take 41? I don't mind the stop and go traffic. My must sees on my list are the Sears Tower and the Field Museum, miles apart. Been to both before but when I went to the Sears Tower I was petrified of heights and I got over that.

I've driven before in Chicago and I know I'll be driving with my middle finger. I'd like to park downtown and walk. Any idea where public parking is downtown? I've got a map but it doesn't show parking in the downtown area, only in Evanston.

Is Millenium Park where that interesting sculpture with water is? Not the Buckingham Fountain. It's a big thing with a shallow water pool also(I think).

Oh, and any good pizza places? And another other must see places please speak up.

I'd like to take the el but I'm afraid I'll get on the wrong line plus I have no clue how it works. Never been on a subway or anything. Would the el take me to the Field Museum?

I also posted this in the breakroom and forgot to add that I'd also like to visit the science museum.

Any tips would be helpful.

Thanks! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Burns, ICU.

The best place to park I think would be Monroe street parking - it is the cheapest at $13 for 12 hours. A bit tricky to get into that garage, but the cheapest option. It is right by Mil.park garage, but to the east. You can enter from lower columbus Drive when traveling North.

For the Field Museum, you can get on a free trolly that stops all over the city (one by the parking garage) and will take you there. On weekends, it can get packed, so check the CTA website (www.rtachicago.com) and there is a trip planner. You can say you are starting at the parking garage and where you want to go and how much you are willing to walk and it will tell you the best way to do it. I am from Chicago and I use this all the time.

The Sears tower is not that far from the field museum. There is a bus that will take you to the field from the loop, and then back - then walk a few blocks to the Sears tower. The parking is right at the water thing you want to see and the "bean" which the official name is cloud scape. I work across the street from this - at Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL.

Good luck on your trip and let me know if you need more help. I think you'll be fine - and you won't need to take the L.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Oh, and any good pizza places? And another other must see places please speak up.

I love Lou Malnati's pizza (http://www.loumalnatis.com/locations/chicago_rivernorth.html).

Also, check out one of Chicago's architectural boat tours (http://www.chicagoline.com/archcruise/). I live here and have taken the tour more than once. It's spectacular!

Enjoy your trip! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds ED, Peds Stem Cell Transplant, Peds.

As for driving, I drive this way every time I work

Take I-65 to 90 (not 94) it is a little north of 94 and it is a tollway, but is worth it. Once you past the $2.50 toll in Chicago, take Stony Island all the way to LSD (lake Shore Drive or AKA US 41. Basically stay on the right side of the Stony Island, as it eventually divides by about 63rd street. You will eventually pass the Museum of Science and Industry.

I agree about parking in Monroe garage. It is expensive but near Milliniuem Park. You could also wlk to Navy Pier, although a hike, but fun and or visit the Shedd Aquaruim which is next to the Field Museum. You could walk the Magnifiient Mile (Michigan Avenue).

Sears Tower isn't that big of a deal, not much to do.

As for Pizza Giordano's has a wonderful stuffed pizza.

Have fun in the Windy City:balloons:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion