8 hours in Chicago for 1st time visitor....suggestions?
 

I'll be flying in to Chicago on October 11th to attend a retirement on the 12th. I'm staying at NTC Great Lakes, and have a rental car and am looking for something to do the afternoon of the 11th (I arrive around 11:00 am). There will be a group of us going to Chicago on the 13th to see the matinee for Wicked and have dinner, but I want to utilize my free afternoon on the 11th to see some sights. Can someone suggest the best way to spend an early October afternoon? FYI, I'm well-travelled, love history and really enjoy the "When in Rome....." concept. Thanks!

Consider spending some time at the Chicago History Museum -- it's a great venue.

For this short of time, choose one thing you really like, and do that. If you have any time left over, just drive along Lake Shore Drive.

Amongst the "one things" you can do in Chicago that are of high quality:

1) Chicago Art Institute
2) Museum of Science and Industry
3) Brookfield Zoo
4) Miracle Mile (for shopping)
5) Shedd Aquarium

If the Chicago Cubs happen to be playing a game on that date, just go to any sports bar on the north side and enjoy the crowd. If it seems they are cheering like they haven't won a championship in a long time; well, there's a reason.

Thanks for the advice. I was considering seeing both the Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium...is that unreasonable?

Not at all, they're right next to each other.

If the weather is nice, you could take one of the Chicago Architecture Foundation's river cruises. They're 90-minutes and leave from the SE corner of Michigan Ave and Wacker. Check their site at www.architecture.org.

The architecture boat tour is fantastic. Make sure you buy your ticket in advance as they often sell out.