Chicago, Illinois

Known as the famed “Windy City,” Chicago is beautifully situated at the base of Lake Michigan in northern Illinois. Boasting the second busiest airport in the world, the city stands as an attraction of grand proportions and vibrant energy. Featuring unique neighborhoods such as Chinatown and Little Italy, students will be exposed to a rich tapestry of cultural diversity that is truly unmatched in the entire region.

Historical & Government Sites

  • Chicago History Museum
    Explore the city’s rich history, including the Great Chicago Fire, civil rights movements, and the evolution of American cities.

  • Pullman National Historical Park
    Learn about labor history, industrialization, and the Pullman Strike—perfect for social studies and economics.

  • Hull House Museum
    Dive into social reform, immigration, and women's history through Jane Addams’ pioneering work.

  • Graceland Cemetery
    A unique stop that connects architecture, Chicago’s famous figures, and local history.

Arts & Culture

  • Art Institute of Chicago
    One of the top art museums in the world—home to American Gothic, Nighthawks, and extensive global collections.

  • Chicago Symphony Orchestra & Lyric Opera
    Offer student matinees, behind-the-scenes tours, and world-class performances.

  • Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)
    Thought-provoking exhibits and interactive programs for student engagement.

  • Theater District / Broadway in Chicago
    Access to educational Broadway performances, workshops, and Q&A sessions with performers.

STEM-Focused Stops

  • Museum of Science and Industry
    One of the largest science museums in the world with interactive exhibits on physics, transportation, weather, space, and more.

  • Adler Planetarium
    Offers hands-on space science, astronomy shows, and STEM-focused programming.

  • Field Museum
    Home to “Sue” the T. rex and exhibits on anthropology, geology, and biodiversity.

  • Shedd Aquarium
    Explore aquatic ecosystems, animal care science, and marine conservation.

  • Fermilab (Batavia, IL – outside the city)
    For advanced science students, Fermilab offers tours in particle physics and real-world STEM applications.

Outdoor / Eco-Education

  • Millennium Park & Lurie Garden
    Discover urban design, native plant landscapes, and the intersection of art, architecture, and nature.

  • Lincoln Park Zoo & Nature Boardwalk
    A free zoo offering conservation education in an urban environment.

  • The 606 (Bloomingdale Trail)
    A repurposed rail line turned into an elevated greenway—ideal for lessons in urban planning, ecology, and design.

  • Chicago Botanic Garden (Glencoe, IL)
    Great for plant biology, climate studies, and hands-on eco learning.

 

Highlights shown above are just a few of this area's top attractions.
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