Downtown Chicago Attractions
Navy Pier
- Shops and Dining
- Ferris Wheel
- Chicago Shakespeare Theatre
- Outdoor Sculptures
- Boat rides
- Festivals and Events
Sears Tower
- Area shopping and Dining
- Third tallest building in the world
John Hancock Center
- Magnificent Views from Signature Lounge
- Shopping at John Hancock Center and other area shop (i.e. Water Tower Place)
- Dining at “The 95 th”, tallest restaurant in Chicago with more magnificent views
Field Museum Of Natural History
- Area dining
- See neighbor – Soldier Field (Home of Chicago Bears)
- Lakefront location
Chicago River
- Architectural River Cruises
- Other boat tours – Chicago River/Lake Michigan
- Architectural Boat Tours
- Many River front restaurants
State Street And The Loop
- Shopping and Dining
- Library
- Architecture – State of Illinois Building
- The Loop
Wrigley Field/Chicago Cubs
- Go see a Cub’s Game (day games are best!)
- Friendly pubs, restaurants and shopping
Theater And Music
- Second City – for a good laugh!
- Chicago Lyric Opera
- Chicago Symphony Orchestra
- Many Great Chicago Jazz & Blues Nightclubs (House of Blues, Biddy
Financial District
- Chicago Fed Visitors Center
- Chicago Board of Trade
- Chicago Mercantile Exchange
- Many area shops and restaurants
Eating And Drinking
- Maxwell Street Polish Sausage
- Have lunch outside like a local on one of the many large building terraces
- Incredible variety of fascinating and delicious restaurants
- Hard Rock Café
Michigan Avenue
- Water Tower Place (Classic Chicago Shopping and Dining)
- The Magnificent Mile – More Classic Chicago Shopping and Dining
- Chicago Architecture
- Wrigley Building
- Chicago Water Tower – only building standing after Great Chicago Fire
Art Institute Of Chicago
- Area shopping and Dining
- Right on the Lake
Architecture And Art (Outdoor)
- Corn on the Cob Architecture – Marina City
- Chicago’s Picasso
- Merchandise Mart
- Lake Point Tower
- Many other significant buildings and artwork
Lake Michigan And Lincoln Park
- Lake Michigan beaches
- Lincoln Park Zoo
- Lincoln Park Shopping and Dining
- Biking along the beaches
- North Avenue Beach
Millennium Park – Chicago’s Newest Park
- Crown Fountain (Interactive Art)
- Lurie Garden
- Multimillion Dollar Jay Pritzker Pavilion
- Concerts and Special Events
Adler Planetarium
- Learn about the stars
- Astronomy Museum
Festivals
- Daley Plaza – Seasonal Events
- Air & Water Show
- Ravinia Festival in Highland Park
- A City of Festivals Celebration
Chinatown
- Feng Shui fun
- Chinese New Year
- Many interesting and enjoyable shops and restaurants
South Side Highlights
- Prairie Avenue Historic District
- Pullman Historic District
- US Cellular Field (Home of Chicago White Sox)
Lincoln Park Zoo
- Free Zoo
- Right on the Lake
- Open all Year
Grant Park / Buckingham Fountain
A short drive or train ride from Carleton Hotel Oak Park
John G. Shedd Aquarium
A short drive or train ride from Carleton Hotel Oak Park
Museum Of Science And Industry
A short drive or train ride from Carleton Hotel Oak Park
Chicago Cultural Center
A short drive or train ride from Carleton Hotel Oak Park
Museum Of Contemporary Art
A short drive or train ride from Carleton Hotel Oak Park
Harold Washington Library
A short drive or train ride from Carleton Hotel Oak Park
Cheney Mansion
Designed in 1913, this 12,000 square foot mansion feels like an elegant English country home. It’s a popular venue that’s used to host events that range from community functions to private receptions.
Oak Park Public Library
If you have a certain book in mind, chances are that the Oak Park Public Library can point you in the right direction. This wonderful library is also a great resource for getting information and enjoying a variety of different community events.
Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
Known as one of America’s most celebrated architects, the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio provide insight into this designer’s genius. You can tour the visionary structure for yourself to see how this famous architect approached the construction of his unique buildings.
Hemingway Birthplace
Ernest Hemingway made a significant contribution to American literature. And his legacy began in Oak Park, where he was born and raised. You can tour his birthplace and visit the museum to gain a fascinating perspective of his eventual gifts as a writer.
Frank Lloyd Wright Unity Temple
It’s one of the most imaginative buildings of the 20th century and you can find it in Oak Park. This Frank Lloyd Wright creation serves as a monument to his talent as well as an important gathering place for community events.
Oak Park Conservatory
Listed as one of the village’s top three historical sites, the Oak Park Conservatory offers a number of different kinds of gardens you’ll love to explore. Enjoy the lovely atmosphere of this scenic attraction in Oak Park.
Ridgeland Common Pool and Ice Skating
This year-round complex is the ideal location for ice skating and hockey leagues. It’s also perfect for swimming and includes a spacious outdoor field.
Rehm Pool and Park
The Park District of Oak Park operates this public area that’s great for a wide range of sports. With its field, tennis courts, volleyball courts and playground, you’ll always find a fun, athletic activity to enjoy during your stay.
Farmers Market (Saturdays, June – October)
Want some fresh produce? Then you don’t need to look further than the Farmers Market. For high quality, locally grown items at reasonable prices, make sure to stop by while you’re in Oak Park.
Oak Park Festival Theatre
As the Midwest’s oldest professional classical outdoor theater, you’re sure to enjoy the experience of watching one of its fine productions. Don’t forget to check out the schedule before your arrival so that you can experience this popular attraction.
Mills Park
If you like to wander along walking paths, Mills Park is the perfect location. Situated within the village, it offers a scenic backdrop and access to all of the great amenities Oak Park has to offer.
Scoville Park
Right next to the Oak Park Public Library, you will find this public park. Summer concerts often take place here and there’s a small playground for children as well.
Austin Gardens
This urban forest includes multiple acres that can be found adjacent to Oak Park’s commercial district. There’s also an environmental center that hosts community events and nature classes.
Oak Park Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Looking for great things to do and experience in Oak Park? Then this is the place to turn. You’ll discover what’s happening in Oak Park and beyond as you plan your trip.
Oak Park/River Forest Chamber of Commerce
For additional ideas on fun events to enjoy, this is another terrific resource to use while you’re staying in Oak Park. There’s never a shortage of exciting activities in this dynamic area.
Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust
He’s considered one of the most famous and celebrated American architects. Now you can visit the historic house and studio designed by this distinguished figure, which is located in Oak Park.
Unity Temple Restoration Foundation
Known as one of the most innovative buildings of the 20th century, this Frank Lloyd Wright creation is a sight not to be missed. It’s also a beloved gathering spot for different community events. Make sure to stop by while you’re in the Oak Park vicinity.
The Historical Society Of Oak Park & River Forest
Interested in discovering the history of Oak Park and River Forest? Then this is definitely the perfect attraction to visit. You’ll enjoy insightful exhibits, photographs and artifacts donated by local families as you find out historical details about this wonderful region.
Downtown Oak Park
Great shopping, delicious dining and a wide variety of fun events are all available to you in downtown Oak Park. You’ll always come across fun things to do when you’re in Oak Park’s downtown neighborhood.
Pleasant District
If you’re in the mood to explore closer to your accommodation, then the Pleasant District is the perfect community for you. With its great dining options, antique shops and jewelry stores, you’ll certainly find something that suits your taste and style.
Hemingway Museum
Widely seen as one of America’s greatest authors, Ernest Hemingway is also a popular figure in Oak Park’s own history. You can visit his childhood home and museum to gain insight into how he got his celebrated start.
Wonderworks Children’s Museum
Learning can be a joyous experience. That’s what the Wonderworks Children’s Museum strives to convey to its visitors with exhibits, outings and creative play.
Historic Pleasant Home
In addition to Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural gems, another outstanding design can be found in Oak Park. The Historic Pleasant Home represents the style of Prairie School architecture and contributes to how living space is structured today.