Visiting Chicago and Northern Illinois

It’s spring in Chi-Town, which means things are finally heating up. Don’t miss amazing Chicago attractions this summer like the Lincoln Park Zoo, Art Institute of Chicago, and maybe even take a tour of Wrigley Field. Get a great view of Chicago and northern Illinois from the Skydeck at the Willis Tower, or from the top of a rollercoaster at Six Flags Great America – opening in May in Gurnee. Don’t forget other great day trips like the McDonalds Museum and Store Number 1 in Des Plains, or the Frances Willard House Museum in Evanston. Get ready for a real Ferris Bueller adventure this spring in Chicago and northern Illinois.

Known for great food and sports, Chicago is a vacation destination meant to make memories thanks to big city activities like the Chicago Theatre and the Lincoln Park Zoo. Built in 1921 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the historic Chicago Theatre in Chicago’s Loop area is the best way to experience performing arts in the Windy City. This spring, check out acts like Death Cab for Cutie for two nights in April, and Steve Winwood in mid May.

Traveling with kids to Chicago? Take the little ones to the Lincoln Park Zoo – a 35-acre historic animal park established in 1868. Set in northern Chicago just inland of Lake Michigan, the Lincoln Park Zoo is open daily with free admission, and features more than 1,200 new furry friends on display. Don’t forget to grab a ride on the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel, or let the little ones explore the zoo on the LPZoo Express Train. Grab lunch at the Patio at Café Brauer, and end your day in the Windy City with a stay at a Best Western hotel in Chicago, or a Best Western hotel in Evanston.

Looking to amuse yourself in the Chicago area? Head north to the suburb of Gurnee come May, and spend a day or two at Six Flags Great America. Opening for the 2012 season on May 5, Six Flags features everything from thrill rides to games, food, and shopping. New for 2012, grab a seat on X-Flight in the County Fair area, or test your nerves on rides like Ragin’ Cajun, Vertical Velocity, and the enticing Batman the Ride. Take the little ones to Kidzopolis for rides like Krazy Kups, or visit Camp Cartoon for a spin on Yogi’s Yahoo River. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor – a waterpark within the park – opens for the 2012 season in late May, so you may want to pack your swimsuit, too.

More attractions await in northern Illinois, like the legendary McDonalds Museum and Store Number 1 in Des Plains just northwest of Chicago, and the Frances Willard House Museum in nearby Evanston for you history buffs.

Chicago and Northern Illinois Hotel Map