Here you will find information on all kinds of fun things to do while visiting Chicago. You will also learn about the various areas, neighborhoods and history that make up the "Windy City". From the world renowned architecture to the exciting night life, you will find it all here!

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Areas & Neighborhoods Defined

The Loop and Vicinity - This area is considered Downtown Chicago. The Loop is a hub of commercial buildings, cultural buildings, and governmental buildings. Like every large city this area is almost deserted after dark so be leery of walking down unlit streets or alone.

What to Do and See
Chicago is a world leader in architecture i.e. The Sears Tower (The worlds second tallest tower), the Rookery, Chicago Board of Trade (The worlds largest commodities, futures, & options exchange) & Art Institute of Chicago (houses one of the worlds greater art collections). Scattered through out this area is also a spectacular collection of public art sculptures by famous artist such as Picasso, Miro’, & others.

After Dark This area is the home of world-class performing art centers; The Auditorium Theatre, Civic Opera House, & The Orchestra Hall to name a few.

Grant Park

This park has a lot to offer. The centerpiece of the Park is Buckingham Fountain. During the spring & summer months it spurts water up to 165 feet in the air & is illuminated by a colorful light show at night. It is the home of many art sculptures & famous monuments. At the North End of the Park is a sports plaza consisting of tennis courts, ice skating or roller rink, & a field house. The Petrillo Music Shell is located here. This is the site for many favorite must see annual events (For a schedule call (312/744-3315). At the Southern end of the park is the home of the great trio of museums. The Field Museum of Natural History, (312/922-9410), Alder Planetarium, (312/322-0304), & the worlds largest indoor Aquarium, the John F. Shedd Aquarium
(312/939-2438).

Magnificent Mile This is North Michigan Avenue spanning from the bridge to its northern tip at Oak Street. This in general is the most desirable spot for tourists to stay. The city’s finest hotels & restaurants are considered to be here.

What to Do & See
*Museum of Modern Art (312/280-2660) This is the largest contemporary art museum in the country & has collected more then 7000 artworks. John Hancock Center Observatory (312/751-3681) located on the 94 floor offers a spectacular view of Lake Michigan & on a clear day tourist can see portions of the three states surrounding the corner of Illinois. Enjoy a drink & the spectacular views at the Signature Lounge.

River North This area runs adjacent & to the west of The Magnificent Mile. What used to be known as the warehouse district this area has transformed into one of the city’s hotspots. The trendiest restaurants, nightclubs, & art galleries are found here.

The Gold Coast This area is basically defined as follows; Lake Shore Dr. Between Oak Street & & North Avenue. Some of the city’s most expensive real state & historic architecture reside here.

Lincoln Park The city’s largest Park an elongated 1200 of acres worth. It begins at North Avenue & spans along Lake Michigan to Ardmore Avenue. This park house the top rated Lincoln Park Zoo, many bathing beaches, a sporting field with tennis courts, golf course, gardens , a botanical conservator, & two museums.

Hyde Park This area is one of Chicago’s most successfully integrated middle-class-neighborhoods & the home of the University of Chicago.

What to Do & See
One of the city’s most famous attractions is located here. *The Museum of Science & Industry (800/468-6674) it consists of over 2000 exhibits that span over 14 acres. It features the Henry Crown Space Center & a five story Omnimax Theater. This park also houses other museums & an architectural landmark The Robie House, one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s finest works.It is approximately a 30 minute train ride from The Loop.

Navy Pier 49 (800/595-PIER) Built during World War I this pier has been transformed into one of Chicago's top attractions. The location of the Pier is convenient to most hotels in the downtown area either by foot or a short car ride.

What to See & Do

The Crystal Gardens: A glass-enclosed atrium consisting of dancing fountains, 70 full size palm trees, & impressive garden patches.The Skyline Stage is a white-canopied open-air stage that hosts concerts, film screenings, & an array of performance groups. A beer garden with live entertainment.There is a grand exposition space that hosts a diversity of trade shows & conventions.
Features Joe’s Be-Bop Cafe & Jazz Emporium: a savory Southern BBQ style restaurant with nightly live music.

Boat Rides: there is a variety of boats to choose from including sailboats, dinner ships, speed boats & tour boats.

Great For Kids or Kids at heart- On the pier & it’s 50 acres of lakefront property, you will also find a carrousel, a 15-story Ferris Wheel (a replica of the original Ferris Wheel built in 1893 for the Chicago’s World’s Fair), an ice rink/reflection pool, arcade games,

The Chicago Chidren’s Museum, & a 3-D Imax theater. During the summer, enjoy the nightly fire works display.

North Pier (312/836-4300) This is a two block long complex that is a fun recreation spot for tourists. It fronts the Chicago River’s Ogden Slip & was originally built in 1910 for warehouses. Now the pier consists of an array of novelty shops, galleries, restaurants, & night clubs. For the kids or the kids at heart There is a virtual reality gaming area.

Buckingham Fountain
Grant Park, Congress Pkwy. and Columbus Drive
312/742-7529.
The popular landmark and tourist attraction will be turned on signaling summer. Visitors can enjoy a dazzling light and water show, which runs from dusk to 11pm.
Operates May 1-October 1

Centennial Fountain
300 E. McClurg Ct., at Chicago River
312/751-6635
May 1-October 1; 10 am-12 midnight

Chicago Board of Trade
141 W. Jackson Blvd.
312/435-3500
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 am-2 PM. Free admission.

Chicago Board Options Exchange
400 S. LaSalle St.
312/786-5600

Chicago Cultural Center


The first stop on any visit to Chicago should be the Chicago Cultural Center, where the city's official Visitor Information Center is located. The remarkable landmark structure was completed in 1897 as the city's first permanent main library. Constructed to be "an enduring monument worthy of a great and public spirited city," in the words of the founding library board, the "people's palace," as the building has come to be known, is a testament to the foresight of Chicago's turn-of-the-century cultural leadership.  
Today this magnificent building, recently cleaned and restored to its original splendor, is the civic venue that links the arts community and the general public. It became the nation's first free municipal cultural center in 1991 when the Chicago Public Library moved into its new home at the Harold
78 E. Washington St.
312/346-3278

Chicago Mercantile Exchange

30 S. Wacker Dr.
312/930-8249
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7:30 am-3:15 PM. Free admission.

Chicago Stock Exchange
440 S. LaSalle St.
312/663-2980

Cuneo Museum & Gardens
1350 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills
847/362-3042
Elegance surrounds you in this Italianate villa. View treasured art, tapestries and European furnishings. Formal gardens accented with antique statuary and fountains. Interpretive tours and special events. Hours: Tues.-Sun. 10 am-5 PM; Closed in the month of January.

Daley Civic Center
Washington and Dearborn Sts.
312/346-3278
Picasso Sculpture, "Under the Picasso"

The Hancock Observatory
875 N. Michigan Ave.
888/875-VIEW
The 94th-floor observatory, more than 1,000 feet above Chicago at the John Hancock Center, features an outside Skywalk, the Midwest's highest open-air experience; Windows on Chicago, which takes you on a virtual reality tour of more than 80 city sites; Soundscope 3-D "talking" telescopes that speak in four languages and create startling real sound effects; a Chicago history wall; and a theme park- style ticketing area that recreates the construction of the John Hancock Center. Open daily 9 am-midnight. Admission: Adults $8, seniors and children ages 5-17 $6, children 4 and under free.

James R. Thompson Center
100 W. Randolph St.
312/814-6660

New Maxwell Street Market
Sundays Only
Canal and Roosevelt Sts.
312/922-3100

Merrill C. Meigs Field
15th Street at Lakefront near Adler Planetarium
773/465-0388
Only Observation deck at an airport in the Chicagoland area to observe flight operations. At terminal building facing the runway. Open daily 6 am - 10 PM.

The National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini
(at Columbus Hospital)
2520 N. Lakeview
773/388-7338

Navy Pier (see above map)
600 E. Grand Ave.
312/595-PIER, outside Chicago 800/595-PIER
Chicago landmark with over 50 acres of parks, gardens, shops, restaurants and attractions of every kind. Enjoy the Ferris Wheel and Carousel. Also visit the Chicago Children's Museum, Skyline Stage and Joe's Be-Bop Cafe & Jazz Emporium.
IMAX 3D Theatre:

Robie House Frank Lloyd Wright Architectural Landmark.
5757 S. Woodlawn St.
708/848-1976
Located on the campus of the University of Chicago and managed by the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio Foundation. This spectacular structure features 174 exquisite art glass windows and doors. Tours offered daily, as well as public programs and special events-all of which focus on Wright's legendary creativity.
233 S. Wacker Dr.
312/875-9696 (Enter at Jackson Blvd.)
The world's tallest building. Open daily: March-September 9 am-11 PM; October-February 9 am-10 PM. Adults $8, Senior Citizens $6, Children 5-12 $5, Children under 4 free. Family Pass $20

Chicago paintball Factory
1001 W. VanBuren St.
312/563-1777
Chicago's first and only indoor paintball venue featuring a 35,000-sq.-ft. strategic pursuit arena. A great place to come to relieve stress while promoting teamwork in a fun, interactive atmosphere.

DisneyQuest
SW Corner of Ohio & Rush St.
818/526-4242
DisneyQuest is a five-story, 100,000 square foot, interactive adventure with four worlds of entertainment, along with themed eateries and a retail shop. Opening Summer 1999. Open daily.

Donley's Wild West Town
Rt 20 and South Union Rd., Union
815/923-8000
Recreated wild west town. Perfect fun for families with children 3-11. Features train rides, gold panning, wild west shows, roping, pony rides and much more. All included in one $8.00 admission price. Call for Fall/Winter hours. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 10 am-6 PM; Fri. & Sat. 10 am-sundown. VISA, MC.

Empress Casino Hammond Corporation
825 Empress Dr., Hammond, IN
888/4-EMPRESS
Only 15 minutes from Chicago. Hot casino action with over 1,600 gaming positions. Dine in the Empressive Buffet or the Harborside Steakhouse overlooking Lake Michigan. Must be 21. Monday is senior day at Empress! Hours: Mon.-Sun. 8 am-4 am. AE, V, MC, DC, DS.

Empress Casino Joliet Corporation
2300 Empress Dr., Joliet
888/4-EMPRESS
An Egyptian paradise in the Midwest only 45 minutes from Chicago. Over 1,000 slot machines and 50-plus table games. The Empress thrills again and again! Great dining and 102-room hotel on property. Hours: Mon.-Sun. 8 am-6 am. AE, V, MC, DC, DS.

Enchanted Castle Restaurant and Entertainment Center
1103 S. Main St., Lombard
630/953-7860
Chicagoland's largest indoor family entertainment complex! Q-Zar Laser Tag, RAGE Movie 'n Motion ride, Virtual Speedway, imagination Station, Adventure Playland, Indoor Miniature Golf, Bumper Cars, Karaoke and 280 games. Open daily at 11 am. AE, V, MC.

Fox River Games
1891 N. Farnsworth Ave., Aurora
630/585-5651
Paintball! The sport with a SPLAT! Armed with high-tech paintguns, your teams will battle on various rugged terrain. Teamwork, leadership and strategy will determine the winner. After a few war stories, laughs and a little clean-up, you will be ready to compete again. Plan an outing for your employees, business associates and friends and have a BLAST! Hours: Sat. & Sun. 8 am-4 PM; Mon.-Fri. reservations only.

Majestic Star Casino
One Buffington Harbor Dr., Gary, IN
888/2B-LUCKY
Located just off I-90 or I-80/94 at Buffington Harbor in Gary, Indiana. Spacious and elegant four-deck floating casino with over 900 of the Midwest's newest and most diverse slot machines; 50 table games and more! Restaurants, lounge and gift shop. Free admission 24 hours! Res. Accept., Valet, X.

Medieval Times Dinner
& Tournament
2001 N. Roselle Rd., Schaumburg
847/843-3900
A two hour tournament with six knights on horseback competing in games of skill, combat and jousting, all while you enjoy a four course medieval feast in a climate controlled 11th century castle. Open year round. Hours: Wed. & Thurs. 7:30pm; Fri. & Sat. 8pm; Sun. 4pm. Res. Req., X, AE, V, MC, DS.

NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway
Woodfield Shopping Center, Golf Rd. at Rt. 53, Schaumburg
847/517-4233
Entertainment complex featuring race car simulators driven by 700 horsepower engines, reaching speeds of 200 mph. Great party venue or team building activity. 12 to 200 people. Hours: Mon. - Fri. 10am-10pm; Sat. 9:30am - 10pm; Sun. 10am-8pm. AMEX, V, MC.

Screenz Digital Universe
2717 N. Clark St.
773/348-9300
Chicago's premier multimedia entertainment and information center. Explore the Digital Universe with 45 networked computers. Surf the Internet, play the hottest games, use our Home Office or sip a latte in our cafe. Great for parties and corporate events!

Six Flags Great America
I-94 at 132 East (Grand Ave.), Gurnee
847/249-1776
The most popular family entertainment center in the Midwest. Divided into seven historical themed areas, the park features over 130 rides, shows, attractions, gift shops and restaurants; live stage shows and a special children's area. Open May­Oct. Call for hours and rates.

USA Rainbow
4836 N. Clark St.
773/271-5668
Chicago's largest entertainment center 35,000 sq. ft. of fun. Rollerblading, roller-skating, dancing, full service bar, music, private parties and special events. Fun for all ages. Call for schedule. MC, V.

WhirlyBall
1880 W. Fullerton Ave.
800/894-4759,
880 E. Roosevelt Rd., Lombard, 630/932-4800. The new indoor sport of the '90s! A fast-paced combination of hockey, lacrosse and basketball, played in a high-tech electric bumper car. Unique idea for corporate outings. Available 24 hours! Call for rates. Serve small snacks; private catering available. Hours: Sun.-Sat. 10 am-2 am. AE, V, MC, DC, DS.

Baha'i House of Worship
100 Linden Ave., Wilmette
847/853-2300

Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Rd./East of
Eden's Expwy., Glencoe
847/835-5440
This 385-acre living museum offers visitors of all ages and interests the unparalleled beauty of more than 20 different gardens, including the English Walled and Rose Gardens, the Japanese Islands, the Prairie Demonstration Garden, the Fruit and Vegetable Garden, the Waterfall Garden, a nature trail and more. Located 25 miles north of Chicago on Lake Cook Road, one-half mile east of the Eden's Expressway. Narrated tram tours offer visitors an overview of the entire garden ($3.50 adults, $1.75 children and seniors). Admission is free. Parking is $5 per car weekdays, $6 per car weekends and holidays.

Chicago Park District
312/742-PLAY (7529)
Explore one of our more than 500 parks and playgrounds this spring! The Chicago Park District offers scenic views, historic buildings and miles of lakeshore to enjoy. For more information on park locations, call 312/742-PLAY.


Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N. Central Park Blvd.
312/746-5100
Programs highlight one of the largest indoor plant collections in the United States. Open 9 am-5 PM daily. Free admission.

Lincoln Park Conservatory
2400 N. Stockton Dr.
312/742-7737
Located in the heart of Lincoln Park, offers visitors a beautiful plant and flower collection. Stroll through the Palm House, the Fernery and the Cactus and Succulent House in the Conservatory from 9 am-5 PM daily. Admission is free.

Morton Arboretum
Rt. 53 at Rt. 83, Lisle
630/968-0074
A 1,500-acre outdoor museum with trails and a visitor center. Collections of cultivated trees, shrubs and woody vines from various parts of the world. Visitor Center has a restaurant and a book and gift shop.

Osaka Garden
Jackson Park, Hyde Park
(behind the Museum of Science and Industry)
5900 S. Lake Shore Dr.
312/747-2474
This authentic Japanese garden with pavilion, moon bridge, Shinto gate and traditional Japanese horticulture was a gift to Chicago from Japan for the 1893 World's Colombian Exposition.

American Theater Company
3855 N. Lincoln, 773/929-1031

Aragon Entertainment Center
1106 W. Lawrence Ave.
773/561-9500
Built in 1926, the famous and historic ballroom quickly became Chicago's premier place for world-renowned live entertainment. Its unique architecture, design and ambiance have made it a multi-use facility.

Auditorium Theatre
50 E. Congress Pkwy.
312/922-2110
Tickets 312/902-1500
The national landmark, built in 1889 by Adler and Sullivan is a major center for the performing arts presenting the finest in international cultural and community programming to Chicago. The theatre's extraordinary sight lines and fine acoustics make it one of the world's greatest performance arenas.

Black Ensemble Theater
4520 N. Beacon
773/769-4451
"Chicago's Golden Soul"; Open-run

Briar Street Theatre
3133 N. Halsted St.
773/348-4000
Now showing Blue Man Group, New York's award-winning off-Broadway hit. Blue Man group features three performers covered head-to-toe in blue paint and an amazing band. As outrageously funny as astonishing! X, AE, V, MC, DS.
"Blue Man Group" Open-run

Chicago Center for Performing Arts
777 W. Green St.
312/226-8444
This multi-venue center will include a 400 seat theater, a 200 seat playhouse, one 250 and one 150 seat cabaret, a restaurant and an outdoor plaza. Live theater, music and local talent will be showcased.

Chicago Theatre
175 N. State St.
312/902-1500.

The Children's Theatre
Fantasy Orchard
Ivanhoe Theatre, 750 W. Wellington Ave.,
773/539-4211

Chopin Theatre
1543 W. Division St.
312/409-8123

Cineplex Odeon IMAX Theatre
Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave.
312/595-0090
Presenting IMAX films in 3D and PSE digital sound, located in the family pavilion at Navy Pier. Advance tickets available by phone, call 312/644-IMAX (4629). Group rates for 20 or more, call 312/595-0090. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9:30 am-10 PM; Sun. 10:30 am-9:30 PM. Res. Accept., X, AE, V, MC.
IMAX 3D Theatre. Call for current showing info.

City Lit Theatre Company
1225 W. Belmont St.
773/327-5252

ComedySportz
3209 N. Halsted St.
773/549-8080
Every Friday and Saturday at 8 & 10:30 PM.

DePaul University, The Theatre School
Merle Reskin Theatre
60 E. Balbo Dr.
312/922-1999

Drury Lane Theatre
2500 W. 95th St., Evergreen Park
708/422-0404

Emerald City Theatre Company
909 W. Armitage Ave.
773/529-2690

ETA Creative Arts Foundation, Inc.
7558 S. South Chicago Ave.
773/752-3955

Footsteps Theatre Company
5230 N. Clark St.
773/878-4840

Ford Center for the Performing Arts
24 W. Randolph St.
312/855-9400
Livent is proud to restore the once lavish Oriental Theatre into a new, 2,180-seat, state-of-the-art theatrical showcase. The Chicago premiere of "Ragtime," the show that USA Today calls "the best musical of the year" is now enjoying an open run.
"Ragtime"; Open-run

Fourth Wall Productions
4300 N. Narragansett
773/481-8535

The Free Associates
750 W. Wellington
773/975-7171

Goodman Theatre
200 S. Columbus Dr
Information and tickets, 312/443-3800
Chicago's oldest and largest non-profit theater is committed to presenting the classics with new vision and premiering new plays with dedication and respect for the playwright's art.

ImprovOlympic
3541 N. Clark St.
773/880-0199
"Improv Comedy Show" Wed-Sun 8 & 10 PM

Ivanhoe Theater
750 W. Wellington
773/975-7171
"Metamorphoses"; Open-run
"Late Nite Catechism"; Open-run
"Hellcab"; Open-run

Lifeline Theatre
6912 N. Glenwood Ave.
773/761-0667

Live Bait Theater
3914 N. Clark St.
773/871-1212

Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre
10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire
847/634-0200

Medieval Times Dinner
& Tournament
2001 Roselle Rd., Schaumburg
800/544-2001
Re-enactment of an 11th-century medieval tournament and banquet, with six colorfully attired knights on horseback competing in games of skill, jousting matches and sword fights. Call for show times. Closed Mon. & Tues.

Mercury Theater
3745 N. Southport St.
773/325-1700
"His Ways: A Salute to Frank Sinatra"; Open-run

Musical! The Musical
Royal George Gallery Theatre
1641 N. Halsted, 312/988-9000
A completely spontaneous 2-act modern Broadway-style musical, created from an audience suggestion of an existing story. The reviews are in: "Quite Remarkable"-Chicago Tribune,"Recommended" Chicago Sun-Times, "Magical...Powerfully Entertaining!"-New City, "A Tuneful Good Time!" The Reader.

The Next Theatre Company
Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St.,
847/475-1875
New Tuners Theatre
Theatre Building, 1225 W. Belmont
773/327-5252

North Shore Center
for the Performing Arts
9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie
847/673-6300.

Organic Theater Company
2851 N. Halsted
773/404-4700

Pegasus Players
1145 W. Wilson
773/878-9761

Pheasant Run Resort's
Dinner Theatre
4051 E. Main St., St. Charles
630/584-MEGA

Profiles Theatre
4147 N. Broadway
773/549-1815

Rosemont Theatre
5400 N. River Rd.
847/671-5100

Royal George Theatre Center
1641 N. Halsted St.
312/988-9000
Forever Plaid now in its 4th smash year! A glorious hit parade of famous, popular songs that transports the audience back to a kinder, gentler time. A ton of fun for all ages. You'll walk away singing.
"Art" Open-run
"Flanagan's Wake"; Open-run
"Musical!, The Musical" (Gallery Theatre); Open-run

Seanachai Theater Company
1225 W. Belmont
773/327-5252

The Second City Theater
1616 N. Wells St.
312/337-3992
Since 1959 The Second City has been entertaining audiences with its signature brand of sociopolitical satire. The starting point for many famous actors, directors and writers, The Second City is a Chicago institution not to be missed! Schedule is as follows: Mon. 8:30 PM; Tues. through Thurs. 8:30 PM; Fri. and Sat. 8 & 11 PM; Sun. 8 PM. Prices vary. No drink minimum. Free improvisation after last show every day except Fri. Dinner/Theater packages available.
"84th Revue" (Main-stage) Open-run
"20th Revue" (ETC) Open run
"The Best of Second City" Open run (Mondays only)

Shakespeare Repertory Theater
1016 N. Dearborn St.
312/642-2273
Shakespeare Repertory is Chicago's internationally acclaimed professional theater dedicated to presenting the works of William Shakespeare to all of Chicago and its visitors. One of America's fastest-growing theaters, the company will bring Shakespeare to 90,000 Chicago students and adults this year.

Shattered Globe Theatre
2856 N. Halsted
773/404-1237

Shear Madness Mayfair Theatre
636 S. Michigan Ave.
312/786-9120
Chicago's hilarious whodunit where the audience gets to solve the crime. The play, in its 16th year, is a three-time winner of the Chicago Tribune's "Best Play of the Year" award. Set today in a unisex hairstyling salon that is the scene of a wacky murder, the play is filled with up-to-the-minute spontaneous humor, and is delightfully different every time you see it. Shear Madness holds the Guinness record as the longest-running play in the history of the American theater. This is the only show with a Monday evening performance.

The Shubert Theatre
22 W. Monroe St. Ticketmaster
312/902-1500
"Chicago-The Musical"; Open-run

Steppenwolf Theatre Company
1650 N. Halsted St.,
312/335-1650
Mainstage

The Theatre at American Girl Place
111 E. Chicago Ave.
877/247-5223
Opening in November with debut of "The American Girl Revue", an original musical based on the popular characters and stories from the American Girls Collection. Appropriate for girls 7 and up.

The Theatre Building
1225 W. Belmont Ave.
773/327-5252
"Dirty Little Showtunes!"; Open run

Tony 'N Tina's Wedding
Piper's Alley, 230 W. North Ave.
312/664-8844
Theatrical performance satires an Italian-American wedding in which the audience participates in a fictitious ceremony. Go through the receiving line into the reception, participate in the champagne toast, have dinner, dance and enjoy the improvised madness. Hours: Tues.-Fri. 7:30 PM; Sat. 5 PM & 9 PM; Sun. 5 PM, First Wed. of each month. Res. Req., Valet, X, AE, V, MC, DC, DS, $$.

Victory Gardens Theater
2257 N. Lincoln Ave.
773/871-3000

Chicago a Capella
The Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport,
Chicago Sinfonietta
Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave.,
312/857-1062

Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave.
Phone Charge 312/294-3000
With the expansion of Orchestra Hall, which boasts a larger stage and more vibrant acoustics, as well as large open lobby areas, the home of the CSO was transformed into a vital performance center and a stimulating social environment for music lovers of all ages.

The programs of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra reflect maestro Daniel Barenboim's interest in the present and the future as well as his commitment to the great orchestra masterpieces so beloved by audiences the world over. Whether it is a familiar Beethoven symphony or a work being performed for the very first time, concert-goers can expect the very best. In addition, there are various other series, including Pops, World Music, CSO Presents and Ameritech Jazz at Symphony Center. Call for details on season. Group sales 312/294-3040.

Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra
312/939-2207
The Classical Symphony Orchestra
Preston Bradley Hall, Chicago Cultural Center,
78 E. Washington
DePaul University Concert Hall
830 W. Belden
773/722-5463

Fourth Presbyterian Church
126 E. Chestnut St.
312/787-2729
Lyric Opera of Chicago
20 N. Wacker Dr.
312/332-2244
The recently renovated Civic Opera House is home to the world renowned Lyric Opera of Chicago from September through March. Broadway touring shows are presented during the spring and summer.

Moody Bible Institute
1609 N. LaSalle St.
312/329-4404
The Moody Church
1630 N. Clark St.
312/943-0466
Music of the Baroque
Various locations
312/551-1415

Old Town School of Folk Music
4544 N. Lincoln Ave.
773/525-7793
New location! The Old Town School of Folk Music preserves, presents and promotes folk, ethnic and world music.

The Protoge Philharmonic
312/341-1521
Ravinia Festival
Lake Cook & Green Bay Rds.
Highland Park
847/266-5100
The Ravinia Festival is located 25 miles north of downtown Chicago and is an internationally renowned summer music festival. Outdoor performance season runs June through September. Call for information on the 1999 summer season which will present great music in the great outdoors for its 64th season.
Sherwood Conservatory of Music
1312 S. Michigan Ave
Call for performance schedule.

Three Arts Club
1300 N. Dearborn
312/944-625

University of Chicago Presents
University of Chicago
773/702-7300

Brookfield Zoo
8400 W. 31st St., Brookfield
708/485-2200.
Brookfield Zoo is open daily 10 am to 4:30 PM. Visitors can tour the zoo via motorized safari rides from late spring through early fall. Admission is $6 adults, $3 seniors and children 3-11, children under 3 free. Oct.-March Tues. and Thurs. are free; April-September Tues. and Thurs. prices are $4 adults, $1.50 seniors and children 3-11, children under 3 free. Parking is $4 for cars; $8 for buses. Brookfield Zoo is located at First Ave. and 31st St. in Brookfield, just 14 miles west of downtown Chicago. The zoo is accessible via the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways, Tri-State tollway (I-294), Burlington Northern commuter line and PACE bus service.
Permanent Exhibit
Habitat Africa! A five-acre Savannah exhibit that highlights Africa's diverse wildlife, habitats and conservation issues to encourage humans to act on behalf of the world's wild places.
The Swamp: Wonders of Our Wetlands--This naturalistic, mixed-species exhibit immerses visitors in the mystery and splendor of two unique American ecosystems--a southern cypress swamp and an Illinois river scene.
The Living Coast: Encounter Humboldt penguins, green sea turtles, small sharks, rays, chinchillas, vampire bats and free-flying birds.

Lincoln Park Zoo
Cannon Dr. at Fullerton Pkwy.
312/742-2000
A 35 acre garden oasis in the heart of the city, Lincoln Park Zoo is open 365 days a year and admission is always free. Visit more than 1,000 animals, including three Siberian tiger cubs. Enjoy lunch at the brand new Park Place Cafe. Shop the zoo shops. Take a paddle boat ride or a Zoo Key audio tour. There's always something wild going on at the zoo! Located minutes from downtown at Lake Shore Drive and Fullerton Parkway. Paid parking available on Cannon Drive. The zoo is directly accessible via the 151 CTA bus line. Weekdays: 9 am - 5:00 PM (buildings); 9 am - 6 PM (grounds).

Reputed to be the Windy City, Chicago actually ranks 14th for wind velocity in the U.S. Chicago's winters are mostly sunny with an average of 30 inches of snow for fine cross-country skiing from November through March. January mean temperature is 21 F (-6 C) with a low of 12 (-11 C) and a high of 29 (-2 C). In spring, expect an average high temperature of 55 F (13 C) and a low of 40 F (5 C) with approximately 11 rainy days in March, April, and May. Weather from June until September is near-perfect for outdoor activities, but expect a few tropically hot days with temperature and humidity both hitting 100 (38 C). By mid-July and continuing through late September, Lake Michigan is perfect for swimming. The Lake's warm waters keep the city temperate throughout the fall with a high of 50 F (10 C) with some early morning lows in the upper 30's F (3-6 C). Local weather reporters often talk of "lake effect" to indicate conditions near Lake Michigan where the water temperature and wind make summer extremes more moderate and winter conditions may be more intense