Experience
Chicago

Lincoln Park Zoo is a 35-acre zoo in Lincoln Park. Opened in 1868, Lincoln Park Zoo is among the oldest zoos in the United States. It’s open 365 days a year and is one of the few zoos across the US that offer free admission and it’s walking distance from the Lincoln Park campus.

Located on the south bank of the Chicago River, the award-winning, pedestrian-friendly Chicago Riverwalk stretches 2 KM from Lake Michigan to Lake Street. Along the way you'll discover intimate coves, breezy cafes, wineries and bars, public art, monuments, museums, and a boat load of excursions on the water.

The Magnificent Mile is one of the most iconic shopping areas in the world. The cosmopolitan, history-packed strip on downtown Michigan Avenue leads you from department stores to multi-story retail centers to luxury boutiques to brand name retail chains-all within a scenic stroll of each other.

The Friendly Confines is a historical landmark on the north side and is the second-oldest ballpark in the major leagues. The ivy-lined outfield walls, historic man-operated scoreboard and the bleacher bums rallying the team to victory, makes catching a game at Wrigley a must stop for any sports fan.

The Field Museum is a must-see destination in Chicago. Where else can you meet Maximo the Titanosaur, the largest dinosaur ever discovered; experience SUE, the most complete and best preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex ever discovered; descend into an ancient Egyptian tomb, and explore over 10,000 years of Chinese history and culture, all in one afternoon?

Millennium Park is more than an attraction - it's an expression of the Chicago experience. The lakefront campus, located in the heart of downtown Chicago, is home to the iconic Cloud Gate statue (aka "The Bean"), interactive fountains, tranquil gardens, free events, public art, skating rinks, rock climbing, and plenty of green space.

Chicago's 42 KM of scenic lakefront includes numerous public parks and gardens, an 29-mile Lakefront Trail- and more than two dozen free beaches that open to the public every summer in Chicago. Get out on the water with a paddleboard, kayak or jet ski rentals. You can also rent bikes and cruise down the Lakefront Trail, take a beach front yoga class, reserve a court and play beach volleyball, or just kickback in the sand and soak in the sun and skyline views.

The sky's the limit in Chicago-literally. Two one-of-a-kind observations decks, in two of the world's most famous skyscrapers, make your elevator trip the ultimate route to thrill-riding fun at the Skydeck at Willis Tower or 360 CHICAGO at 875 N. Michigan Ave.

Way too many events to count. One that our students love is Lollapalooza. Each year, thousands of fans travel from around the world to experience Lollapalooza in Chicago. Attendees get to experience the festival's legendary musical acts, scenic lakefront setting, and unbeatable summer atmosphere against the backdrop of Chicago's magnificent skyline.

Chicago loves to celebrate, which is why we're home to world famous holiday traditions. Watch the Chicago River turn green on St. Patrick's Day, admire millions of twinkling holiday lights on Michigan Avenue, and see a stunning firework display light up the sky over Lake Michigan.