Hi - I realize this is very vague. I'm in Chicago for a conference next week, and have the day I arrive to traipse around and do some street photography. Just looking for a park or two that will be good for people watching, whatever. Something akin to Washington Square Park in NYC... I'm a female, going solo and am familiar with the shopping areas of downtown. My hotel and conference are at the Hyatt Ohare, so I'm planning to train in. I'm hoping for something different than Navy Pier, and other tourist haunts.

Thanks for any ideas.

The Bean.

Another vote for the Bean!. Too, you might consider either the walking or river (boat) architectural tours, and the views from the walk between the Shedd and the Adler are pretty hard to beat, IMO.

Find the resto in the Art Institute museum with the walkway to the park with the bean.

Go to the end of this TR page (day 2):

https://chicagotrio2017.blogspot.com...institute.html

Thanks so much! Some great ideas here. I may just end up at Millenium Park, but kind of wanted to avoid those places. We'll see!

I'm not sure how you define "those places," but IME, Millenium Park is no more (or less) touristy than NYC's Washington Square, and it's big enough to absorb huge crowds. Too, the Bean and the Crown Fountain are great places for people watching.

Lincoln Park is known for its historic houses. I can't give you micro-directions, but I've walked around it in the past. Plus there's the zoo and views of the lake.

Downtown: There are also Chicago water taxis you could take and get some interesting shots. You could also take an architectural tour. Pretty sure the Chicago Board of Trade building is historic and interesting. But I never made it there.

If you have time, watch the movie While You Were Sleeping. It's very much Chicago. The U-shaped brick apartment building she lives in --that's totally a Chicago architecture style.

If you like kind of raw... taking photos of the buildings as you go by on the L. Take the L north from downtown toward Rogers Park or Dempster. Be cognizant of your surroundings if you do that.

I've heard good things about Andersonville but have never been.

Another thing that is amazing (both day and at night) is the Bahai Temple north of Chicago in Evanston or Wilmette. I believe you can't take photos inside but outside is gorgeous.

Post back after your trip.. I'd love to hear where you went.

Thanks everyone - all great thoughts. I've done the riverboat architecture tour and enjoyed it; and have walked thru some of those neighborhoods. It would be fun to rent a bike and peddle along the lakeshore, is that possible? Like rent it at one end and turn it in at the other? I leave tomorrow at 0500 and I am flabbergasted that I didn't really plan this like I usually do! It's only a day, so I'm sure I'll be fine.

To kja: I probably will end up right here, anyway. I meant no offense; as a photographer, I was looking for something new that was also reasonably safe for a solo jaunt. I also do not want to spend all day walking - I was looking for a spot to sit and let life happen around me. Millennium Park is likely to be pretty crowded on a July day (ie possibly too crowded for good photography) so I'm not sure what I'll find. I do want to pop into the art institute if time, so this area makes sense.

No offense taken. Have fun!

The DIVVY bikes would serve your purpose. Also, one of my favorite photo spots is the River View, Michigan & Lower Wacker Dr and Navy Pier. Best Skyline view is from the Planetarium as other mentioned. Reflections in the Bean are great too. My favorite photo time is after Dust, when the lights go on. Have fun.

But, close to your hotel, in Rosemont, there's a fun place to hang out, have a drink, eat and watch people There's a Rivers Casino near by too. They host live bands too. See this link.
More Park info HERE:

Just an update and thanks. I did just wind up at Millenium Park. I actually got off the train at Clark and Lake, walked along the River Walk, then turned south to the park. It was an absolutely stunning day, cool (ish), no humidity, just wonderful. Here is a fun shot from the Crown Fountain. The place was packed!

I’m glad you’ve enjoyed your stay.

THanks Andy, I did! Too short though, and I wish my hubby was with me. He loves Chicago!

Glad to hear you enjoyed your day! I love it when people report back.

Fun photo! I'm glad you were able to find some places to enjoy.

Cool photo! Thanks for sharing and reporting back.