November Weather
 

Going to Chicago the end of November. I am told it's the last weekend for the Architectural River Cruise. Will it be way too cold? What other indoor activities should we look into that time of year?

Chicago will be freezing! Overstuffed down coat, ugly hat and clunky mittens cold! That being said, if the river cruise is running you may be the only ones on it so you'll def. get a bang for yoour buck by way of a personalized tour. Staying indoors; the museums, planetarium, aquarium, tons of wonderful shopping, great restaurants-you name it.

November in Chicago is a crapshoot. That said, we've been having fantastic weather this season, so you may luck out. Be prepared in your clothing choices and wear layers. I always find myself cold one minute and hot the next from going in and out of buildings.

I highly recommend the Art Institute if you like that sort of thing. The Christmas window display at Marshall Fields on State St. will be the story of Cinderella. Have a great time in Chicago! I'll be there in December and can't wait.

I agree with the other posters on the fickle weather and places to go, but the really big thing is to wear comfortable shoes. No fancy heels in downtown Chicago for walking!! The women office workers wear tennies and carry their heels in a bag to put on at their destination. A scarf to wrap around your neck and ears is also a must, the wind finds its way around your ear and down your back!! I would give 80% odds it will be very cold and windy.
While old Marshall Fields (Is it now Macy's?) and State Street are interesting and crazy busy during the week, I prefer Michigan Ave. (The Magnificant Mile) on the weekend for shopping.
Go to Watertower Place for fun shopping and across to Bloomies (Bloomingdales) too! If you are there on a Sunday, the Sunday Brunch at the top of the Hancock is a wonderful experience.

I do believe the boats have indoor areas if it's bitterly cold. Add to that, cold is relative. :) If you're from Florida, it's gonna be cold. If you're from the north, it may not be horrible to you.

Marshall Field's on State is not yet Macy's. Definitely check it out! And it's good we have options - I prefer shopping on State Street on the weekends to Michigan Ave because it's less crowded.

What other types of activities interest you? And what days will you actually be in town?

The weather in Chicago is very unpredictable. I have gone shopping the day after Thanksgiving and it was 70 degrees. Yes, uncommon but possible...we have had a warmer than normal fall. However, even in the summer it can be cold so dress warm (scarf, gloves, etc). The Architectural River Cruise is very nice. I would definetly try to get to a couple of our museums. I really like the Museum of Science and Industry but it is a little further south. The Shedd Aquarium is great, too.

I meant to say "even in the summer it can be cold on the water". But then again it can just be cold also in the summer, too. :-)

It sounds like you may be from the South, in which case, you'll probably find it too cold for the cruise. On the other hand, if you are used to cold weather you'll probaly find the cruise tolerable, even if it is cold, which it may not be. Given that it's the off season, you shouldn't have any trouble buying tickets the day of, so why not just wait until you arrive and see what the weather is like. It's one of the top attractions, so if possible you should try to go.