Going in January for 4 days. Staying in Waukegan. What should I make sure to see, what is not worth the time? Which restaurants (looking for best food, not ambiance). What to do at night?
Thanks

Is there a particular reason you want to stay in Waukegan? There's nothing wrong with Waukegan it's just not a spot that visitors usually stay.

Are you looking for things to do in Chicago itself or the north shore where you are staying?

Your note says Chicago--does this mean you'll have a car and can drive down to the city--or are you asking for things to do and places to eat in the immediate Waukegan area?

Son is graduating from Basic training at Great Lakes NTC. We will have a car and will want to go into Chicago at least twice. Staying in Waukegan for convenience only.
Thanks for any feedback.

Quote: What should I make sure to see, what is not worth the time?

This is, of course, very subjective. What do you like to do and not to do?

I love going up into the John Hancock building, or any other tall building with nice city views. Not everyone does.

Do you like museums? Chicago Institute of Art is wonderful, if you like art. The Natural History museum has Sue, the largest t-rex in the world (I think) and many other interesting exhibits. The aquariums is also very nice, and the science and industry museum offers a lot of hands-on fun, even for adults. The river cruises are wonderful, but in January it would probably be too cold unless they have enclosed boats.

Many people like the Navy Pier (also would be very cold in January) but I consider it pretty much a waste of space. Very carnival-like atmosphere IMO.

Shopping Michigan Avenue is a popular destination, though most of the shops there are found in malls everywhere. These shops are sometimes nicer than their mall counterparts, though, making it still fun to do.

You could also pick a neighborhood and explore it. I recently explored some of Lincoln Park and had great fun in the unique shops. And there were restaurants everywhere. Looking forward to visiting other neighborhoods on future trips!

So, those are some ideas. But if you can clarify your likes/dislikes that would help!

Every city has tourist "must see" sites i.e.- Empire State Bldg (NY), Fisherman's Wharf (SF), Fanueil Hall (Boston), etc.
I am trying to find out what are Chicago's "must see" sites. We will probably not come this way again.
Thanks

If you enjoy architecture, two unique Chicago opportunities come to mind. The Chicago Architectural Boat Tour is great. The Frank Lloyd Wright homes tour is supposed to be interesting.

You might want to get Oprah tickets to one of her show tapings.

If you like sports, going to a Bears game in January is a memorable experience. Whatever you do, it will be very, very cold.

If you check out the chicago section of fodors you can get a good description of the city with suggested itineraries for the number of days you have. This, along with going to the library to check out various travel books, will be the best way to find out the "tourist must-sees", rather than relying on people here to remember everything. Those books are pretty complete, then you can come back here for more detailed questions about the specific sights that interest you.

You should be able to get a good rate at a downtown hotel in January, especially on a weekend, and I would recommend that for a night rather than staying in Waukegan the whole time. Waukegan is an hour and a half away from the downtown in light traffic, 2 hours during rush hour; if it snows, travel times can double.

Michigan Avenue is a lovely walk; the lights from Christmas stay up until Spring. You can duck into any number of restaurants and shops when you get cold. Navy Pier wouldn't be on my list for that time of year. The Art Institute, Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium are all first-class, and as enjoyable in January as in June. There are free concerts weekly at the Chicago Cultural Center, near the Art Institute. Marshall Field's downtown store is beautiful, and worth a visit. The Chicago Architecture Foundation does run tours through the winter, and is highly recommended by this former docent. (No boat tours, though - the river freezes!)
Go to choosechicago.com for more links and ideas.

Chicago theatre is most active during the cold months - if you enjoy comedy, get a ticket to Second City. See theatre reviews, etc. at chireader.com
Also take a look at the music scene, especially jazz, folk or blues at one of the small venues in the city. For music and restaurants, check out metromix.com
Since the Chicago metro area is so large (9 million plus people!) it's best to pick your activity, then try to find a good restaurant nearby.

Unfortunately it will be way too cold for a boat tour in Jan. but I would definately have a drink at the 95th on the top of the Hancock Building. Hit any or all of the musuems on the museum campus-Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum (natural history) or the Planetarium. Navy Pier is a good stop, even though it may be too cold for the Ferris Wheel or Sears Tower. Michigan Ave is great for high end shopping or Marshall Fields on State Street. Enjoy your trip and try to get out of Waukegan as much as possible-I'll be politically incorrect and admit that most of it is a dump.

We were in Chicago for a Navy Graduation last month. I would agree with the others who stated you should still stay in Chicago. Great Lakes in only an hour away (get there early--SUCH LONG LINES FOR SECURITY CLEARANCE). Our graduate only had about eight hours of liberty and had never been to Chicago. We walked along Michigan Avenue, went to the restaurant at the Hancock building to see the views, and ate dinner at Cafe Iberco (spelled wrong--sorry).

On other trips we have gone to the Museum of Science and Industry (my favorite museum!!!) and the aquarium.

Buckingham fountain is neat at night when it is all lit up. Second city is hillarious!!

Chicago is a fantastic city and even if you just spend time walking around and checking out the building it is time well spent. Hope you have a great time. Just remember (relative to where you're from) it is COLD!!!

I second the John Hancock building 95th floor, Signature lounge for wonderful views of the city and lake. The drinks are not cheap, but sit at the window and just enjoy! Shedd Aquarium is also one of my favorites. The Natural History Museum is right next door to the Shedd and Sue is awesome! And Chicago is known for it's deep dish pizza. Uno's is loved by some here. Good food is plentiful, there is Greek town, Chinatown, Berghoff's downtown for German, etc....

You may want to consider taking the train downtown instead of driving. The trains run about every hour from very early to very late(much more frequently during the rush hours, less frequently during the weekend). The train is dependable and convenient and you don't have to deal with parking. For a schedule, go to www.metrarail.com and look up the Union Pacific North Line. Just my two cents

Only problem with the train on weekends is that that schedules can be somewhat limited-especially on Sunday.

I'm from the Chicago area. We go there a lot.

Definitely Sears Tower, John Hancock Center. My favorite restaurant it Cheesecake Factory, which is at the base of the John Hancock Center. They do have those in other big cities though. Buckingham fountain and Navy Pier are also good places. The Shedd Aquarium and Museum of Science and the one of Natural History are also good. Go down Michigan Ave and see the Wrigley Building. Go down State Street and see the architecture outside of Marshall Fields and Carson Pierre Scott stores. You could eat at the Walnut Room on the 7th floor of Marshall Fields. Also, there is a fabulous, but expensive seafood restaurant named Riva at Navy Pier that over looks Lake Michigan. For Italian food, I suggest Tuscany on Taylor (Taylor Ave. that is).