We got up bright and early and headed into Chicago. Due to our schedule, we basically had one day to do the entire city. No problem, right?
We drove up the shore and cut in to see the Robie House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and drive around the University of Chicago. Beautiful building and a beautiful campus. Wish we'd had more time there. We decided to pretend that we had time to tour both.
Our next stop was the Chicago Art Institute. We spent several hours there. No where near enough time although Gage did claim to see every room. He did a speed version of the museum. We had a wonderful docent give us a good idea of how to navigate and hit some of the highlights. We all got waylaid by various things along the way.
Approaching the famous lions.
Who would have thought a collection of paperweights could be so appealing?
Liza and Gage played a new game: Creepy or Not Creepy. Our consensus . . . CREEPY! Greg said it was an angel and therefore NOT creepy. We disagree.
Big cities are exciting and fun. We walked to a local pub and hand lunch - great burgers! Then Greg and the kids rushed off to the Tower Formerly Known as Sears to go up to the SkyDeck and go out on the scary, ridiculous glass shelf/room/things dangling precariously above the street. I'll remind you that in May, one of the precarious glass things shattered while people were in it . . . . (see images here). Sure, it was just a coating and sure there was no danger but seriously . . . . Needless to say, Liza did not go with them.
Here is the Sears Tower (Now known as the Willis Tower) with a closeup (below) of the ridiculous platforms.
Uh, no! Just no!
They all loved it and came down giddy and excited. We hustled by cab over to the Wendella Boat Rides and took an architectural boat tour of Chicago from the river and lake. Wow, it was SO good. If you are ever in Chicago, go ride these boats! Here are a BUNCH of images (about 1/8th of the ones Liza took!) from the boat ride!
There is a lock between Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. Why? Well, funny story. The river was, at one time, so polluted that it was polluting the lake, where the drinking water comes from. So, they dug a channel and reversed the course of the river. I kid you not. Anyway, then they were draining the lake which irritated neighboring states so they built the locks. Crazy but evidently true. Going in the lock was fun.
Navy Pier.
Lighthouse in Lake Michigan.
There are other boat tours. This is Windy, the tall ship. They did go to full sail, as well.
If tall ships and river/lake cruises are too tame, you can see the city and lake by jetboat!
Our tour guide was very knowledgable.
In the lock, looking back at the lake.
We loved the Wendella Tour.
After the tour, we walked along the Miracle Mile and shopped. The kids each bought some clothing. The shopping was fabulous!
Then, we went to Carson's - Greg's favorite restaurant in Chicago. YUM! The food was fantastic!
We drove home late and tired to our little campsite in Indiana. Sure, it was only one day but I think we made the best of it!
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