Chicago History Museum, Chicago (must see)

Set on a beautiful piece of land near the Lincoln Park Zoo and the lakefront, this institution traces Chicago's rich history, beginning with its first explorers and settlers, through the city's development, to major events in modern-day Chicago. The interior is a mix of vintage and modern, with everything kept pristinely clean and tidy. It's an easy-in/easy-out museum, great to wander about for a couple of hours without the jostling crowds.

Many people may not know that the Chicago History Museum has one of the largest costume and textile collections (50,000 pieces) in the country, dating from the 18th century to present day. It also has an incredible collection of artifacts and original paintings that are unique to Chicago and US history, including the bed that Abraham Lincoln died in, slave shackles from Civil War time, original paintings by Norman Rockwell; a restored turn-of-the-century train car and many other fascinating objects. For sports fans, there is a display of some of the famous athletes in Chicago history, including Ernie Banks, Michael Jordan, Dick Butkus, Mike Ditka, Bobby Hull, and Stan Mikita.

As a side note, the 2nd-floor exhibits are more entertaining than those on the ground floor. Since most of the museum's exhibits are not interactive, there may not be a lot of appeal for little kids; however, there's a special area set aside just for them, with activity-based learning.

Opening Hours:
[Museum] Mon, Wed-Sat: 9:30am-4:30pm; Tue: 9:30am-9pm; Sun: 12-5pm
[Research Center] Tue-Fri: 1-4:30pm; Sat: 10am-4:30pm
[Café] Mon-Sat: 9:30am-3pm; Sun: 12-4pm