DK Travel : Chicago : Places of interest

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Hershey’s Chicago

When candy-manufacturer Milton Hershey visited the city of Chicago in 1893, he purchased the equipment that he would use to revolutionize the chocolate industry. With mass production he was able to lower the cost of manufacturing milk chocolate, once a luxury item, making it affordable to all. Today, the Hershey Foods Corporation is the largest North American producer of chocolate and non-chocolate confectionary. Hershey’s Chicago, a new themed store on Magnificent Mile, stocks all the well-known brands such as Hershey’s, Reese’s, and Kit Kat, as well as the latest products and goods unique to the Chicago store. Sugar-free versions of the most popular products are also available. A hit with children is the store’s interactive “bake shoppe” where visitors can customize cookies, cupcakes, and brownies.
Historic Water Tower & Pumping Station

When the Great Fire of 1871 swept north, only the 1869 Water Tower and Pumping Station escaped ruin. Built by William W. Botington, the castellated Gothic-Revival Water Tower, modeled after a medieval castle, was once called a “monstrosity” by critic Oscar Wilde. It now houses the City Gallery (specializing in photography), and the fountain and chairs outside make it a focal point for downtown street life. The Water Pumping station across the street still functions, and also houses a visitor center and the Lookingglass Theater, co-founded by Friends star David Schwimmer.
Jane Addams’ Hull House

When European immigrants were flooding Chicago to work in its rail and stock yards during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Jane Addams bought Hull House for a specific purpose. From here, she offered social services and facilities to this immigrant working class, including day care, employment counselling and art classes. A great social reformer and winner of the 1931 Nobel Peace Prize, Addams also championed the rights of women and helped usher in child labor laws. Her original office, furnishings, and artwork are still in place for visitors to see, supplemented by temporary exhibits that tell the story of the settlement at Hull House and the invaluable work of its residents.
John G. Shedd Aquarium

The second of the three Museum Campus sights, the Shedd is also one of the oldest public aquariums in the world. Dive in to discover the many treasures of the aquatic world.
John Hancock Center

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill designed this 1970 landmark using the signature X’s on the facade as cross-braces to help the 1,100-ft (335-m) building withstand the winds coming off Lake Michigan. An alternative to soaking up the view from the 94th-floor observatory is drinking it in from the Signature Room restaurant and lounge on the floors directly above. Many say you get a better view from here than from the South Side’s Sears Tower – and the lines are usually shorter too.
Lincoln Park Conservatory

Take a free trip to the tropics at this spacious conservatory, just next to Lincoln Park Zoo. Opened in 1893, the glass structure is a year-round, 80° F (40° C) sanctuary from the Chicago’s bustle, and offers a welcome respite from the city’s long winters. Paths meander past lush palms, flourishing ferns, and exquisite 100-year-old orchids. Avoid the crowds by coming on a weekday when, unless a seasonal show is taking place, it’s a quiet space, with the sound of trickling water as background music.
Lincoln Park Zoo

Free admission encourages repeat visits to the Lincoln Park Zoo. Many exhibits, including the working Farm in the Zoo and the Children’s Zoo, allow kids to pet the animals. In summer a motorized “train” makes a scenic loop around the park, while on the pond, swan-shaped paddleboats float among the ducks.
Lincoln Park Zoo

Who’s watching who at this beloved city zoo, which attracts more than three million visitors annually.
Lincoln Square

Beer, bratwursts, and grainy rye breads are order of the day in this bustling German enclave, where a 96-ft (29-m) outdoor mural depicts a rural German village. The hub of activity is a relatively small strip of Lincoln Avenue, between Lawrence and Western Avenues. The area maintains Old World charm with its German shops, delicatessens, bakeries, and an old-fashioned apothecary.
Little Italy, Taylor Street

The rich smells of garlic, basil, and baking bread waft from restaurants that line one of Chicago’s oldest southern Italian neighborhoods. Though the streets have fewer Italians than when immigrants arrived in the late 19th century, you’ll still see Italians chatting on street corners and toting groceries from Italian markets.