City Guide
Chicago, Illinois
Six places worth the detour in Chicago. Start at the Garfield Park Conservatory, where a humid greenhouse floor makes the city grid feel a thousand miles away.
At a glance: 8 place guides, vibes that skew scenic and historic.
Editorial index last updated
Our picks in Chicago
Ranked. Start at the top and work down as far as your weekend allows.
- 1
Garfield Park Conservatory: A Lush Tropical Escape in the Windy City
Thousands of exotic plants live under a soaring glass ceiling. It is a humid refuge from the concrete grid that stays green all year.
- 2
Tiffany Dome: Chicago's Massive Stained-Glass Masterpiece
Tens of thousands of glass pieces form a luminous ceiling spanning 200 feet. You can find zodiac motifs hidden in the largest dome of its kind.
- 3
Willis Tower Skydeck: Stepping Out Into the Chicago Sky
Glass cubes extend past the edge of the building 103 stories up. You walk out over the street for a view that reaches four states on clear days.
- 4
Myopic Books: A Multi-Level Sanctuary for Chicago Bibliophiles
Multiple floors of used books create a literal labyrinth in Wicker Park. The inventory moves fast, so the shelves look different every time you visit.
- 5
International Museum of Surgical Science: Chicago’s Gory History
Barber-surgeon saws and heart valves are displayed inside a lakeside chateau. The building is modeled after a palace at Versailles.
- 6
Woolly Mammoth Antiques: Chicago’s Premier Cabinet of Curiosities
Taxidermy and vintage medical tools fill this crowded Andersonville storefront. It functions like a cabinet of curiosities for the morbidly inclined.
Know before you go
The Green Line stops at Conservatory-Central Park Drive, about twenty minutes from downtown. Most buildings open at 10 a.m. but the Oz Park gates are open from 6 a.m. daily. The Skydeck entrance is on the south side of Jackson Boulevard. Many spots close by 5 p.m. on weekends.
Common questions about Chicago
How do I get to the conservatory from downtown?
Board the Green Line at State/Lake and ride for about twenty minutes. The station platform is right next to the gardens.
Are there any free tours available?
The Cultural Center has docents who lead free tours. These happen every Thursday and Friday.
Can I see the bronze statues at Oz Park at night?
The park stays open until 11 p.m. daily. You can find Dorothy at the corner of Orchard and Webster.
Is the conservatory accessible for everyone?
The entire facility is wheelchair-accessible. This includes the station nearby and the outdoor garden paths.
