Chicago History Museum, Chicago (must see)
Set on a picturesque piece of land near the Lincoln Park Zoo and the lakefront, this institution traces Chicago's rich and often complicated history, starting with its first explorers and settlers, through the city's development, to major events in modern-day Chicago. Inside, you'll find a harmonious blend of vintage and contemporary elements, with everything kept pristinely clean and tidy. It's an easy-in/easy-out museum, great to wander about for a couple of hours without the jostling crowds.
What many might not realize is that the CHM houses one of the nation's largest collections of costumes and textiles, a staggering 50,000 pieces spanning from the 18th century to the present day. It also boasts an astonishing trove of artifacts and original artworks that are not only significant to Chicago's history but also integral to the broader context of U.S. history. These include the very bed in which Abraham Lincoln took his final breath, haunting reminders of Civil War-era slave shackles, original paintings by the iconic Norman Rockwell, a restored turn-of-the-century train car and other fascinating curiosities. For sports fans, a special treat is the display honoring Chicago's legendary athletes, from Ernie Banks and Michael Jordan to Dick Butkus, Mike Ditka, Bobby Hull, and Stan Mikita.
Among permanent exhibitions, "Chicago: Crossroads of America" stands out as a celebration of the city's cultural contributions, from the birth of urban blues to the triumphs of skyscraper architecture, and sheds light on significant events like the Haymarket Affair, unraveling the complexities of an 1884 labor rally where a bomb altered the course of history and led to the conviction of eight anarchists for conspiracy. In "Sensing Chicago", young visitors can step back in time to experience the city's bygone era by catching a fly ball at Comiskey Park, donning costumes inspired by Chicago-style hot dogs, and taking a spin on a penny-farthing bicycle. "City on Fire: Chicago 1871" plunges visitors into the chaos and aftermath of the infamous inferno that displaced one-third of its population in a mere two days.
What many might not realize is that the CHM houses one of the nation's largest collections of costumes and textiles, a staggering 50,000 pieces spanning from the 18th century to the present day. It also boasts an astonishing trove of artifacts and original artworks that are not only significant to Chicago's history but also integral to the broader context of U.S. history. These include the very bed in which Abraham Lincoln took his final breath, haunting reminders of Civil War-era slave shackles, original paintings by the iconic Norman Rockwell, a restored turn-of-the-century train car and other fascinating curiosities. For sports fans, a special treat is the display honoring Chicago's legendary athletes, from Ernie Banks and Michael Jordan to Dick Butkus, Mike Ditka, Bobby Hull, and Stan Mikita.
Among permanent exhibitions, "Chicago: Crossroads of America" stands out as a celebration of the city's cultural contributions, from the birth of urban blues to the triumphs of skyscraper architecture, and sheds light on significant events like the Haymarket Affair, unraveling the complexities of an 1884 labor rally where a bomb altered the course of history and led to the conviction of eight anarchists for conspiracy. In "Sensing Chicago", young visitors can step back in time to experience the city's bygone era by catching a fly ball at Comiskey Park, donning costumes inspired by Chicago-style hot dogs, and taking a spin on a penny-farthing bicycle. "City on Fire: Chicago 1871" plunges visitors into the chaos and aftermath of the infamous inferno that displaced one-third of its population in a mere two days.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Chicago. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Chicago History Museum on Map
Sight Name: Chicago History Museum
Sight Location: Chicago, USA (See walking tours in Chicago)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Chicago, USA (See walking tours in Chicago)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Chicago, Illinois
Create Your Own Walk in Chicago
Creating your own self-guided walk in Chicago is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Loop District Architecture Walking Tour
Chicago features an outstanding architectural legacy, having long been connected with some of architecture's most important names: Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, Mies van der Rohe, Holabird & Root, and others. The multi-layered Loop District, in particular, offers an extensive number of Chicago鈥檚 famous architectural 鈥渕ust-sees鈥� 鈥� from modern skyscrapers to historic buildings... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
The Magnificent Mile Walking Tour
The stretch of Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River to Lake Shore Drive, otherwise known as the Magnificent Mile, is regarded as one of the world鈥檚 great avenues 鈥� or Chicago鈥檚 version of Fifth Avenue. Take this self-guided walk to explore its whole stretch and surrounding area, featuring a wide selection of amazing stores/malls, world-known museums, restaurants and spectacular... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Chicago Introduction Walking Tour
Chicago, perched on the shores of Lake Michigan in Illinois, is a city steeped in history and urban vibrancy. Known by numerous nicknames such as the Windy City and the City of Big Shoulders, it boasts a skyline marked by towering structures. The area of today's Chicago, initially inhabited by Native American tribes, saw its first European-settled reference as "Chicagou" in 1679, a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Chicago Chinatown Walking Tour
Tucked away just south of the Loop, the Chinatown of Chicago was established in 1912 and is considered one of the best examples of American Chinatown. While it may be one of Chicago鈥檚 smallest neighborhoods geographically, it is big on character, colors, sights, sounds, and flavors. Here, you鈥檒l find a wide range of unique boutiques, specialty shops, religious sights, authentic Chinese... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Chicago Navy Pier Walking Tour
Additional to scenic views of the lake, the boats, and the city skyline, the Navy Pier offers a variety of attractions on the waterfront 鈥� for kids as well as adults 鈥� that draw nearly ten million people annually, making this Chicago's most visited spot. Yes, some may see it as a 鈥渢ourist trap鈥�, but it is worth the time and money to spend some time here, so take this self-guided walk... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Chicago Old Town Walking Tour
Settled in 1850 by German immigrants, Chicago鈥檚 Old Town neighborhood is a popular destination for locals and visitors who cater to the entertainment venues, restaurants, pubs, coffee shops and boutiques 鈥� all of which have turned an area once referred to as the 鈥淐abbage Patch鈥� into an attraction that rivals Navy Pier, Wrigley Field and the Magnificent Mile.
Start your Old Town walking... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Start your Old Town walking... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Chicago Souvenirs: 15 Distinct Local Products to Bring Home
One of the most fascinating cities in the U.S., if not the whole world, Chicago has no shortage of things closely associated with it, often due to their direct origin (blues, gangstership, etc.), so one might literally be spoiled for choice as to what to choose as a "piece" of Chicago to...