Cicero IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cicero, Illinois.
1. Hawthorne Race Course
HISTORIC HORSE RACING TRACK
Hawthorne Race Course is a beloved horse racing venue in Cicero with a rich history dating back generations. Visitors can experience the thrill of live racing while enjoying food and beverages in various viewing areas. The track offers a unique entertainment option with betting opportunities for those interested in the sport of kings.
2. Willis Tower
ICONIC CHICAGO SKYSCRAPER
Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) stands as one of Chicago's most recognizable landmarks, constructed over three years and completed in 1973. Visitors can ascend to the Skydeck for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding states. The tower remained the tallest building in North America until 1998 and continues to be a must-visit destination for tourists.
3. Chicago & Northwestern Railway Bridge
HISTORIC BASCULE BRIDGE
The Chicago and North Western Railway's Kinzie Street railroad bridge, also known as the Carroll Avenue bridge, is a remarkable single leaf bascule bridge spanning the Chicago River. This engineering marvel represents an important piece of Chicago's transportation history and industrial development. Photography enthusiasts particularly enjoy capturing its distinctive structure against the city backdrop.
4. Harold Washington Library
WORLD'S LARGEST PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Harold Washington Library, according to the Guinness Book of Records, holds the distinction of being the world's largest public library and features fascinating architectural elements. The library forms an integral part of the Chicago Public Library System and serves as both a research center and community hub. Visitors can explore its vast collections, attend events, or simply admire the building's impressive design.
5. Douglass Park
LUSH URBAN OASIS
Douglass Park offers a verdant retreat from city life with its expansive green spaces and recreational facilities including a golf course. The park hosts numerous community events throughout the year, making it a center for cultural activities and neighborhood gatherings. Visitors can enjoy sports facilities, walking paths, and picnic areas in this historic Chicago park.
6. Wrigley Field
ICONIC BASEBALL STADIUM
Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, stands as one of America's most beloved and historic baseball stadiums with its ivy-covered outfield walls and manual scoreboard. The ballpark offers fans a nostalgic baseball experience in a venue that has maintained much of its early 20th-century charm. Beyond baseball games, visitors can take guided tours to learn about the stadium's rich history and significance to Chicago culture.
7. Six Flags Great America
THRILLING AMUSEMENT PARK
Six Flags Great America delivers heart-pounding excitement with its collection of world-class roller coasters and family attractions spread across a massive entertainment complex. The park features themed areas, water rides, and live entertainment options suitable for visitors of all ages. Seasonal events like Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park extend the park's appeal beyond summer months.
8. Michigan Avenue
MAGNIFICENT MILE SHOPPING
Michigan Avenue's Magnificent Mile stretches with upscale retailers, historic architecture, and luxury hotels along one of Chicago's most famous thoroughfares. Shoppers can explore everything from flagship department stores to boutique shops while enjoying the impressive urban canyon of skyscrapers. The avenue also features numerous restaurants, cultural attractions, and serves as a gateway to many of Chicago's other popular destinations.
9. McCormick Place
PREMIER CONVENTION CENTER
McCormick Place stands as Chicago's premier convention center, offering massive exhibition spaces in a stunning lakeside setting. The facility hosts hundreds of events annually, from trade shows and conferences to special exhibitions and community events. Visitors appreciate the modern amenities, architectural design, and convenient location near other Chicago attractions.
10. Navy Pier
LAKEFRONT ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATION
Navy Pier extends into Lake Michigan as Chicago's most-visited attraction, featuring amusement rides, restaurants, shops, and cultural venues along its historic boardwalk. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Chicago skyline and lake while experiencing attractions like the Centennial Wheel and Chicago Shakespeare Theater. The pier hosts seasonal fireworks displays and events that celebrate the city's connection to Lake Michigan.
11. Soldier Field
HISTORIC SPORTS STADIUM
Soldier Field combines historic architecture with modern amenities as the home stadium of the Chicago Bears NFL team. The venue hosts sporting events, concerts, and other large-scale gatherings in its unique setting between Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Visitors can take stadium tours to learn about its rich history dating back to 1924 and its significance as a memorial to American soldiers.
12. Grant Park
CHICAGO'S FRONT YARD
Grant Park sprawls along Chicago's lakefront as the city's premier public space, hosting major events like Lollapalooza and Taste of Chicago. The park contains several of the city's most famous attractions, including Buckingham Fountain, Millennium Park, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Visitors enjoy extensive green spaces, gardens, recreational facilities, and stunning views of both the lakefront and city skyline.
13. Millennium Park
MODERN URBAN PLAYGROUND
Millennium Park showcases contemporary art, architecture, and landscape design in the heart of downtown Chicago. The park's centerpiece, Cloud Gate (commonly known as "The Bean"), has become one of the city's most photographed attractions and a symbol of modern Chicago. Visitors can also enjoy the Crown Fountain, Lurie Garden, and Jay Pritzker Pavilion which hosts free concerts and events throughout the year.
14. Garfield Park Conservatory
BOTANICAL PARADISE INDOORS
Garfield Park Conservatory houses diverse plant collections and tranquil gardens that transport visitors to tropical environments regardless of Chicago's weather. The historic glass structure contains several specialized display houses featuring desert plants, lush ferns, and seasonal flower shows. Nature enthusiasts can explore both indoor exhibits and outdoor gardens that showcase the conservatory's commitment to botanical education and preservation.
15. Cloud Gate
THE BEAN SCULPTURE
Cloud Gate, affectionately known as "The Bean," is an iconic reflective sculpture in Millennium Park that has become one of Chicago's most beloved landmarks. The massive stainless steel artwork, designed by artist Anish Kapoor, creates fascinating reflections of the city skyline and visitors who walk beneath and around it. Photographers flock to capture its mercury-like surface as it changes with different lighting conditions and seasons, making it a must-visit photo opportunity in Chicago.