Tour Chicago Blog

When you think of iconic city skylines, few can rival the breathtaking panorama of the Chicago skyline. Nestled along the southwestern shores of Lake Michigan, this architectural marvel is a testament to human ingenuity, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of the sky. In this blog, we will explore what makes the Chicago skyline an unparalleled…

Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes of North America, holds a special place in the hearts of millions. Stretching over 22,400 square miles, it ranks as the second-largest of the five Great Lakes and is renowned for its stunning beauty, diverse ecosystems and rich cultural history. In this blog, we will explore what makes…

The Great Lakes have a rich history of shipwrecks, storms, and tales of adventures. Among the more colorful chapters of this history are the legends and stories surrounding pirates of Lake Michigan. While the Caribbean is commonly associated with the swashbuckling pirates of yore, the fresh waters of Lake Michigan have their own tales of…

Photograph: Shutterstock The best places to see cherry blossoms around Chicago Make the most of cherry blossom season’s ephemeral beauty at these prime viewing locations in Chicago and beyond. Written by  Emma Krupp Contributor  Jeffy Mai   Cherry blossom season is a springtime rite of passage in Japan. Each year, both locals and tourists alike pour into city parks to post up with picnic blankets and admire the pale pink flowers—a tradition called hanami, or flower viewing—before they fall to the ground after just a few short days. Here in the U.S., Washington, D.C. is the most well-known destination for cherry blossom viewing (it was famously gifted more than 3,000 cherry trees by Japan in 1912), but you’ll still find plenty of good spots for gazing at gorgeous spring blooms in and around Chicago. Jostle with crowds at one of…

Lion Cubs Make Their Public Debut at Lincoln Park Zoo and They’re Totally the Cat’s Meow Patty Wetli | April 14, 2023 1:52 pm Lincoln Park Zoo’s new lion cubs make their public debut, April 14, 2023. (Courtesy Lincoln Park Zoo) These cubs sure know how to make an entrance. On Friday, Lincoln Park Zoo’s three new male African lion cubs greeted the public in their outdoor habitat for the first time since they were born Jan. 9. The energetic trio scampered, nuzzled, frolicked and at times tested the patience of mom Zari just like all youngsters. The debut took place during a special event for zoo members and the press, with the cubs expected to have regular access to the exhibit if they choose beginning April 15.  Members of the lion pride make their own decisions about where to spend…

Photograph: Grace DuVal The best places to watch the Chicago River dyeing Get a great view of the Chicago River dyeing ceremony for St. Patrick’s Day from these vantage points. Written by  Zach Long ,  Emma Krupp  &  Jeffy Mai   As is tradition, the Chicago River will be turned green for St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday, March 11. Crews start the process in the morning, working from Columbus Drive to State Street, and the dye typically lasts a day or two (here’s how they dye the river). After the water changes colors, it’s off to Grant Park for the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Whether you decide to crowd onto the Riverwalk or buy a ticket to a rooftop event, here’s where you can watch the St. Patrick’s Day Chicago River dyeing. How do they dye the Chicago River green? The Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130…

How To Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day In Chicago In 2023 Get ready for a glorious day of giddy green shenanigans, from watching the river turn a gorgeous emerald hue to thoroughly enjoying the best bar crawls!  ELLIOT MCGOWAN With a historically large Irish population in our diverse and wonderful city, it’s no surprise Chicago’s usual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are of international renown. It’s almost time to enjoy the iconic parades and parties we look forward to yearly. Chicago’s famed St. Patrick’s Day celebrations will return this March, and there is so much to do! With it now just a hop, skip, and a jump away, we’ve rounded up some of the best ways of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in 2023. 1. See the Chicago river dyed green The Chicago river being dyed green The river dyeing tradition is one of Chicago’s most…

Here are 8 great ways to celebrate Black History Month in Chicago Soak in some jazz, revel in an all-night dance party, relive the March on Washington and other things to do in Chicago this month. By Mendy Kong Photo of women workers, East Calvary Ch. Dated to ~1922. Slide 31 out of 44. Courtesy of the Newberry Library February is Black History Month. Explore the city all month long with food from Black-owned businesses, jazz concerts, exhibitions featuring Black artists and scientists, and more. Get jazzy For music-lovers, get a two-in-one by celebrating the day of love and Black History month with The South Side Jazz Coalition. On Valentine’s Day, the ensemble – piano, guitar, bass and drums with guest vocalists – will perform a free concert of jazz classics. Feb. 14 at Compassion Baptist Church (2650 E.95th St.,…

Chicago Theatre Week kicks off This year’s celebration focuses on Black History Month, while Black circus artists take the spotlight at Aloft. by Kerry ReidFebruary 16, 2023 A scene from Trial in the Delta: The Murder of Emmett Till, presented by Collaboraction at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center through February 19. The production is part of Chicago Theatre Week, running through February 26.Credit: Joel Maisonet “If you see our show, that’s at least two spots on your bingo card!” That’s what Jimalita Tillman, global director for the Harold Washington Cultural Center, said at the Chicago Theatre Week kick-off party Monday night at Wicker Park’s Den Theatre. She wasn’t being metaphorical either. Theater audiences who check out participating shows starting today through February 26 can literally fill out a bingo card, with slots for categories such as “a comedy,” “a show…

Some of Chicago’s oldest buildings, museums and water towers allow visitors to travel back in time. Written by Zach Long  &  Emma Krupp You can’t step inside a time machine and explore the past (not yet, at least), but you can experience bygone days by visiting the places where history transpired. There are elements of Chicago history scattered throughout the city that date back to its incorporation in 1837—you simply need to know where to look. One of the best museums in Chicago resides in a building that dates back to the World’s Colombian Exposition of 1893, while the site of a notorious gangster’s last stand can be visited across the street from a popular Chicago music venue. Want to learn more about Chicago history through present-day exploration? Check out these important pieces of Chicago history hidden in plain sight. Photograph: J.B. Spector…

Begin the new year with events, festivals, concerts, theater and more great things to do in Chicago in January Edited by Emma Krupp Monday December 12 2022 We’ll be honest: January is not exactly Chicago’s finest month. But before you start to dwell on the prospect of snow, cold and seemingly endless winter, allow us to point out some of the best ways to kick off the first few weeks of 2023. Start by catching the final days of Christmas lights in Chicago (they offer a nice excuse to take a walk outside, even when the holidays have passed) and get some fresh winter air when you take a spin around the best ice skating rinks the city has to offer. Prefer to stay inside? Tour new exhibits at Chicago museums—many of which offer free days over the next few months—or check out some of the best things to do…

9 things to look forward to in Chicago in 2023 Dog shows, immersive exhibitions and new Guinness brews await you. Written by  Emma Krupp  &  Jeffy Mai As we near the end of 2022, it’s time to start looking ahead to what’s coming in the new year. Lots of big projects are in the works, including a Guinness brewery, several new music venues and NASCAR’s first-ever street race. So don’t let the winter blues get you down—there are plenty of bucket list-worthy activities on the horizon. While delays can, and invariably do, happen, we’re optimistic that the next 12 months will bring the city a wealth of notable openings. Without further ado, here are the things we’re most looking forward to in Chicago in 2023 Photograph: Winter Churchill Finding out who’s best in show at a new dog show coming…