Besides the Science and Industry museum, planetarium, etc...what shouldn't we miss?

Heading up for three days in October

Thanks!

I remember taking a dinner cruise on Lake Michigan a couple of years ago... the views of the city's skyline were spectacular.

Not to miss in Chicago depends on what you like. Navy Pier is nice, if you like shopping and people. Chicago has a beautiful lakefront bicycle path, and Navy Pier rents bicycles, if you like outdoors things. Cubs games are an experience. Take public transportation, they have all-day passes or 3-day passes available. chicagotransit.com. For Chicago pizza, don't go to the big chains, go to Pequod's. By far the best pizza, and almost no one knows about it.

John, I loved the Aquarium, adn the Museum of Natural History-have a blast, Chicago is such a great city! Bring a jacket, it's chilly by the lake at night!

I don't know if they're still running the architecture boat tours then, but I really enjoyed taking one a couple of years ago. I also enjoyed going out to Oak Park to see Frank Lloyd Wright houses and the Unity Temple. (The Robie House was closed then, but I'd like to see it sometime.)

I thought the Art Institute was incredible, a rare world-class art museum in the USA. I only had a few hours there, but kept recognizing paintings from books, posters, etc. as I went from room to room.

The public transportation system was very good. (Since I live in a rural area, my kids think commuter trains are the highlight of city trips.) It's a great walking city, too.

When I went, I hadn't really been looking forward to the trip, and was surprised by how much I liked it. If you like architecture, self-guided walking tours, and museums, the Michelin Green Guide to Chicago is a good resource.

While October baseball is a reality for some lucky teams, the Cubs are not often among them.

You might be able to get a tour of the (empty) park if you're interested.

Also, check out the exhibit at the Garfield Park Conservatory - outstanding.

Try looking into The Shubert Theatre for a show, then go across the street to the Italian Village (three great restaurants in one!)

Some of the things we did in 8 days and would recommend for first time visitors:
- Visitors Center on E.Randolf most helpfull. Get 'Official Visitors Guide', 'Concierge Preferred' and 'Guidebook of Special Values' with plenty of vouchers, for instance 2 for price of 1 Wendella boat tour.
- Art Institute most impressive and free on Tues.
- Good food at Ada's Deli on S.Wabash.
- Free internet at Library S.State and also visit Winter Garden on 7th floor.
- Get gift vouchers at visitors center at Marshall Fields on N.State, also ask for 2 for 1 Hancock Observatory.
- Great views from Hancock.
- Free 3 hour guide by Greeter, who walked and talked us through Gold Coast south to E.Randolf (www.chicagogreeter.com).
- Chicago dogs at Flukys on 3rd floor at Nordstrom N. Michigan.
- Auction rooms at Merchandise Mart on Kinzie.
- Chinatown less improssive than in NYC.
- When walking, keep north of Roosevelt to be on the safe side. Generally we felt quite safe and although approached form time to time by homeless guys for some change, never felt threatened. As with any city you're not familiar with, it's wise to keep your eyes open and stay in well populated areas.
- Mario's Italian Lemonade on Taylor for great Italian Ice Cream.
- Little Italy and Greektown a bit small and not worth a the effort if you're on a short visit.
- Wonderful view of the skyline from Adler end of Museum Campus.
- Use free trolley service to get around.
- Free loop tour (get tickets Sat morning at Visitors Center).
- Warmly welcomed as visitors for inspiring Sunday gospel service at St. Lukes on N. Orleans.
- Water Tower Place has some great shops.
- Also interesting Hammacher Schlemmer shop with unique products at historic Tribune Tower, N. Michigan.
- Zoo at Lincoln Park worth the walk. Go to the Conservatory while you're there.
- Walk from Lincoln Park back south to Oak Street Beach along Lake Shore Drive.
- Cultural Center on E.Randolf worth walking through.
- Walked mostly in area bordered by Chicago, Michigan, Van Buren and Clinton/N.Orleans which gave us the feel of the place.

Definitely reccomend free trip to Lincoln Park zoo and the Conservatory. Also Navy Pier, not for the tacky shopping but for the views and and possibly a dinner cruise from one of the boats that departs there.