Maryland to St. Louis to Chicago and Back Itinerary - September 2023

  1. Day 1: National Aquarium, Baltimore
    10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Downtown Baltimore

    Explore the wonders of marine life in the National Aquarium located at the Inner Harbor. With over 20,000 animals from over 800 species, the aquarium offers a unique and educational experience for all ages.

  2. Day 2: Gateway Arch, St. Louis
    8 hours (800 miles) from National Aquarium, Baltimore

    Take a trip up the Gateway Arch, the tallest arch in the world and an iconic symbol of St. Louis. The arch offers breathtaking views of the city and the Mississippi River, and the museum at the base of the arch provides insights into the history of the city.

  3. Day 3: City Museum, St. Louis
    25 minutes (9 miles) from Gateway Arch, St. Louis

    Spend a day at the City Museum, a playground that combines art, architecture, and fun to create an immersive experience. From the rooftop Ferris wheel to the underground caves, the museum offers endless exploration for all ages.

  4. Day 4: The Art Institute of Chicago
    5 hours (300 miles) from City Museum, St. Louis

    Visit one of the oldest and largest art museums in the country. The Art Institute of Chicago has a collection of over 300,000 works of art, including famous pieces such as Grant Wood's "American Gothic" and Georges Seurat's "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte."

  5. Day 5: Navy Pier, Chicago
    12 minutes (2.5 miles) from The Art Institute of Chicago

    Take a stroll along Lake Michigan and visit the Navy Pier, one of the top tourist destinations in the Midwest. The pier offers a variety of attractions, including a Ferris wheel, an IMAX theater, and the Chicago Children's Museum.

  6. Day 6: Willis Tower Skydeck, Chicago
    15 minutes (3.5 miles) from Navy Pier, Chicago

    Stand on the ledge of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and experience the breathtaking views of Chicago from the Willis Tower Skydeck. The Skydeck also offers interactive exhibits and a glass-bottomed balcony for a truly thrilling experience.

  7. Day 7: Chicago Riverwalk
    15 minutes (2.5 miles) from Willis Tower Skydeck, Chicago

    Take a relaxing stroll along the Chicago River and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city. The Riverwalk offers beautiful views of the river and the architecture of the city, as well as restaurants, bars, and shops.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • National Aquarium, Baltimore (2-3 hours, $40)
  • Gateway Arch, St. Louis (2-3 hours, $18)
  • City Museum, St. Louis (4-5 hours, $15)
  • The Art Institute of Chicago (2-3 hours, $25)
  • Navy Pier, Chicago (2-3 hours, $30)
  • Willis Tower Skydeck, Chicago (1-2 hours, $25)
  • Chicago Riverwalk (2-3 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $153
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