Visiting Chicago

The chill of Chicago winter wears on and cold weather fun continues. The city of Chicago’s McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park remains open through mid-March. Skating is free, and the rink is located between Washington and Madison Streets on Michigan Avenue. The Rink at Wrigley completes its fourth year of Chicago winter fun well into March, thanks to the Chicago Cubs and the Rickets family. Take advantage now and visit the new Skating in the Sky experience at the John Hancock Observatory through April 8th. Not a skating fan? Chicago offers a diversity of spectator sports to get you through the remainder of winter's chilly days.

The Chicago Blackhawks are back in business and NHL hockey fans in Chicagoland are taking advantage of the remaining 2013 season. The Blackhawks take the ice April 26th for the last regular season home game against the Flames. It’s a hot ticket, but a Blackhawk game at Chicago’s United Center is as good as it gets for hockey fans.

Just east of Chicago O’Hare International Airport, the community of Rosemont has had a full 2012 – 2013 hockey season with the AHL Chicago Wolves. Join the team's mascot, Skates, for action on the ice at the Allstate Arena on the north side of Interstate 90. The Wolves regular season home games in Rosemont end on April 21st.

Of course, Chicago Bulls basketball is a highlight for Chicago visitors this time of year as well. The popular Chicago Bulls make their home downtown at the United Center, with the 2013 schedule running through April 17th. Take note bobblehead collectors, promotion games for the Derrick Rose, Carlos Boozer, Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson bobbleheads are March 27th through April 17th.

The Sears Centre Arena, 8-miles west of Schaumburg is host for both the men’s and women’s 2013 Big Ten Basketball tournaments. The Sears Arena, located in Hoffman Estates, opens its doors for the women March 7th through the 10th, with the men’s Big Ten Tournament March 14th through 17th.

Naperville, 30-miles west of downtown Chicago south of Interstate 88, is another spring hot bed of sports action. North Central College in Naperville hosts the 2013 NCAA Division III Men’s Indoor Track and Field Championships, March 8th and 9th. Events are held at the Al B. Carius Track, Residence Hall and Recreation Center on the North Central campus.

Spring in Chicago is always a welcome relief from the blustery cold of Windy City winter. Indulge your spring fever at Navy Pier with a visit to the 2013 Chicago Flower & Garden Show, March 9th through 17th. Featuring the theme "The Art of Gardening," the Chicago Garden Show’s exhibits include over 20 gardens to inspire visitors; over 100 vendors showcasing the latest tools and wares; and attend free seminars with landscape and plant professionals.

Chicago Hotel Map