Things to do in Chicago - 3 days - 3rd week of July - besides shopping. Any suggestions for good web-sites?

Thanks

1. Wrigley Field
2. Navy Pier
3. Science Museum &/or Natural History Museum
3. Shed Aquarium (largest in world)
4. Sears Tower &/or Hancock Building
5. Uno's pizza (original location downtown)
6. Billy Goat Inn (cheese burger, cheese burger, pepsi-chips)
7. Disney Quest (kids?)

It's probably going to be hot in Chicago then, so you're probably best planning indoor activities. One of the best would be a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago, one of America's great museums.

Try metromix.com, listing of bars, restaurants, clubs, activities, etc. Art Institute if you like art museums, Oak Street beach for swimming, or travel to north suburban Wilmette via metra or el and enjoy Gilson Park, across from the striking Bahai Temple and featuring a harbor, coast guard station, great beach etc. Ravinia or Grant Park for outdoor music festivals. The boat tours of river and onto lake are interesting: learn how they reversed the Chicago River, go through the locks, etc.

Metromix.com and www.chicago.il.org are the two best web sites I've found, also try www. navypier.com. The chicago.il.org web site has a link to events during the month of July and also a link to the new city pass if you're interested in seeing a lot of museums. Too bad you're not here on July 29, that's when Venetian night is this year, better fireworks than the 4th of July.

If you're a basketball fan, the IMAX theaters in Chicago just opened the Michael Jordan IMAX film this weekend, not sure when the ending date is. There's one on Navy Pier, one at the Museum of Science and Industry and a couple in the suburbs.

My favorites in Chicago-Art Institute, Lincoln Park Zoo, Shedd Aquarium, Museum of Science & Industry, walking the lakefront (Oak Street beach is very popular and crowded), the view from the top of the Hancock Building, eating pizza. Although people rave about Gino's, I actually prefer several of the others more-Pizzeria Uno, Giordano's, Edwardo's, etc. And you usually don't have to wait as long.

The Planetarium is very nice too. Gino's East downtown is the place for Pizza..of course Uno's is good too but you have to say you have been to Gino's.
So many great ideas on here. You will love the friendly people and the ease of public transportation which is recommended for the downtown areas..or a cab. Driving can be difficult and parking expensive. Check and see when THE TASTE OF CHICAGO is this year. That is an event.

Thanks for all your help.

One more question, is The Drake well located?

The Drake is in an excellent location, very close to shopping on Michigan Avenue (Magnificent Mile) and Lake Michigan near Oak Street beach.

By the way, The Taste of Chicago always begins prior to the 4th of July, usually wrapping up the weekend after the 4th of July.

also try to do a boat tour on the chicago river, like the architechture tour. i believe these leave near wacker dr. & michigan ave. i live here and i still want to do it!
hope you are getting great rates at the drake! a very nice, old, established hotel!