With so many great places to travel in the United States, why do so many people choose Chicago every year? Chicago has miles of beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan, world-class museums, and some magnificent architecture. Whether you are a foodie, an adventurist, a sports fan, an architect lover, a beach lover, or a kid (or just a kid at heart) Chicago has something for everyone.
Interesting things to know about Chicago
- Over 50 million people visit Chicago each year.
- The population of Chicago is almost 3 million people.
- Chicago is famous for Chicago-style hot dogs, Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, 1920’s gangsters like Al Capone and Jazz music, just to name a few.
- Chicago has some really great sports teams including Major League Baseball teams, the Chicago White Sox, and Chicago Cubs. The NBA team is the Chicago Bulls, and for American football, they have the Chicago Bears.
RVing in Chicago
There are 2 RV rental locations in Chicago. Both locations are located on the north side of Chicago. Chicago’s local transit is the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). Two lines run 24 hrs a day. The Blue Line connects Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and downtown and the Red Line Connects the north and south side via downtown. Since you will be traveling in an RV rental get to know the local transit as taking your RV to local attractions can be inconvenient as you try to find parking. Another great way to get around Chicago is by bicycle. DIVVY lets you rent one of 6000 bikes and pickup and drop off at one of over 600 locations. Just download the app to join.
Things to do Chicago: The Foodie
You may have heard that Chicago has a fierce rivalry with the Big Apple for best pizza but Chicago is also known for its variety of ethnic foods. As a ‘city of neighborhoods’, each neighborhood has different specialties to tease your taste buds!
Chicago Style Hotdog:
It wouldn’t be a trip to Chicago without an authentic Chicago style hotdog! Get the best in the city at Portillo’s! Experience this perfect dog fully loaded with all the fixins in a perfectly steamed poppy seed bun.
Deep Dish Pizza:
This city is famous for its delicious deep-dish pizza! Extra deep means extra room for cheese, sauce, and extra toppings! Try Chicago’s best deep dish pizza at Pequod’s Pizza. Wash it down with their own seasonal craft beer!
The Original Brownie:
Did you know that the brownie originated in Chicago? It was created in 1893 for the Chicago World’s Fair. Stop by the Palmer House Hilton to try one of Bertha’s famous brownies.
Polish Sausage:
Jim’s Original has been serving their Polish sausage the same way since 1939. Get it topped with yellow mustard and piled high with fried green onions and spicy hot peppers. Make sure you ask for your bag of free French fries.
For the Architect Lover
Chicago Cultural Center:
Opened in 1897 and noted as a Chicago landmark, it is the city’s official reception venue. Take the free afternoon tour and admire the stunning 38-foot-diameter mosaic glass dome.
Wrigley Building:
Comprised of two iconic buildings, both glazed in terra-cotta, they gleam in the city lights all hours of the day. Walking through the center doors brings you to a secluded park area along the Chicago River also leading to the entrance of the Chicago Riverwalk.
Chicago Architecture Center
Teach your about kid your love of architecture at this museum geared towards the whole family. The Skyscraper Gallery has replicas of the tallest building in the world including Chicago’s every own Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower). Relive the Great Chicago Fire as dynamic video, interactive touch screens, and light projections bring the devastation to life. And watch as the city rebuilds itself. If you want to know about how Chicago was established and why it became the city it is today, this is the place to go!
Things to do Chicago: For the Sports Fan
Chicago Bears:
Spend the afternoon with 61,500 other NFL fans at Soldier Field. Home to the Bears, feel the energy of the game at this luxury stadium offering all the food, drinks, and souvenirs you need to make this an experience you won’t forget.
Chicago White Sox:
There is no better way to spend an afternoon than at the ballpark. Cheer for the home teams as you indulge in the many classic snacks. Don’t forget to order a craft beer and heat to your seat in the Guaranteed Rate Field and watch our favorite game.
For the Beach Lover
North Avenue Beach:
One of Chicago’s most popular beaches relax and watch the waves or watch the many joggers, rollerbladers, and bikers cruise by on the Lakefront Trail. Many options to rent kayaks, SUPs, jet ski rentals. Relax in the sun and sand and take in the city Skyscape or play a round of volleyball.
Oak Street Beach:
Relax in the sand, spread out a blanket for an afternoon picnic, go for a swim or people watch. Close to downtown and the Magnificent Mile, this beach gives you an up-close view to some iconic Chicago buildings from this scenic beach.
Navy Pier
This is the place that even the locals hang out. Visit the 3300-foot pier that runs along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. At Navy Pier, you can take in Cirque Shanghai’s visually spectacular Dragon’s Thunder. View the breathtaking fireworks set to music every Wednesday and Saturday nights during the summer, either from the pier or on an evening cruise, the view will be stunning. Visit Pier Park and ride the 150 foot Ferris wheel or the musical carousel. How about A”mazing” Chicago where you will get lost in the Mirror Maze then stagger through the Spinning Tunnel. Join a Segway tour or rent a bike, what a way to spend the day.
Things to do Chicago: For the Family
Shedd Aquarium
At Shedd Aquarium be prepared to take a trip of the imagination to an underwater world like no other. Touch the Stingrays, go eye to eye with the dolphins, and take a walk to the south Pole with the Penguins.
Blue Man Group
Chicago is the home of the Blue Man Group. Running since the late 1980’s the Blue Man Group can still be seen at the Briar Street Theatre. Their unique blend of music, technology, and comedy appeals to people of all ages.
Alder Planetarium
Alder Planetarium was the first planetarium built in the Western Hemisphere in 1930 and is now the oldest planetarium in existence. Learn about the Curiosity Rover by viewing NASA’s full-size replica, our solar system, and the mysteries of space.
Khol Children’s Museum
What a great place to bring little ones (best for children under 8). It’s a Willy Wonka-land of toys and games and interesting things your little ones. With 17 permanent exhibits and 3 changing exhibits, there is always something new to explore. A few of the permanent exhibits are the grocery mart area, water station, train station, musical instruments, arts, potbelly sandwich shop, pet vet, and nursery. If the kids get hungry there is also a small cafeteria.
For the Outdoor Enthusiast
Millennium Park
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
Located 25 miles outside of the city this 10 mile crushed limestone loop takes you past the waterfalls, to the scenic view overlooking the river and through the marshes. This is a great place to hike, bike, or walk the dogs.
Kayak the Chicago River
View Chicago in a whole new way by paddling down the Chicago River. You can spend the afternoon paddling past the heart of downtown Chicago, past hotels and restaurants, or spend the day at North Avenue Beach and have lunch at one of the local restaurants.
Drive into Chicago during sunset to capture the magnificent skyscape and experience Chicago in an RV! One of the largest cities in the world, Chicago offers a little something for everyone. Whatever your heart desires, this city has it! Pack the maps, rent your RV, and get this fun city adventure started!
Follow us on facebook.com/usarvrentalscom or on Twitter @usarvrentalscom for promotions and exciting articles about life in an RV!
Tags: chicago rv rentals, chicogo il rv rentals, motorhome rentals in chicago, rv rentals in chicago
