4-Day Adventurous Itinerary in Chicago

  • Day 1: Go on a Bike Tour of the City
    15 minutes (3 miles) from Millennium Park

    Start your adventure in Chicago by renting a bike and taking a tour of the city. You can choose from various tours that take you through different neighborhoods, giving you a chance to explore the city's history and culture. You can also stop by a few of Chicago's famous landmarks, including Navy Pier and Wrigley Field.

  • Day 2: Visit the Museum of Science and Industry
    30 minutes (8 miles) from Millennium Park

    The Museum of Science and Industry is the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere. It's home to various interactive exhibits, including a German U-boat from World War II and a full-sized replica of a coal mine. You can easily spend several hours here and learn something new about science and technology.

  • Day 3: Kayak on the Chicago River
    10 minutes (2.5 miles) from Millennium Park

    Explore a different side of Chicago by kayaking on the Chicago River. You can rent a kayak and paddle through the heart of the city, passing by landmarks like the Willis Tower and the Navy Pier. Along the way, you'll also learn about the river's history and its role in shaping the city.

  • Day 4: Hike in the Indiana Dunes National Park
    1 hour 15 minutes (45 miles) from Millennium Park

    Take a break from the city and head out to the Indiana Dunes National Park for a hike. The park has over 15 miles of trails, taking hikers through wooded areas, sand dunes, and lake views. You can also try sandboarding on some of the dunes, offering a fun and unique adventure.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Bike Tour (3 hours, $45)
  • Museum of Science and Industry (4 hours, $30)
  • Kayaking Tour (2 hours, $60)
  • Indiana Dunes National Park (5 hours, $5 for parking)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $140

Transportation

Chicago has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses and trains, making it easy to navigate the city without a car. The cost of a single ride on public transportation is $2.50. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available if you prefer to travel directly to your destination, but these options may be more expensive.

Useful Tips

If you have more time in Chicago, you might want to consider visiting some of the city's other famous attractions, such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the Willis Tower Skydeck, or the Shedd Aquarium. If you have less time, you can eliminate some of the stops from this itinerary or combine them into a shorter trip.

Airports

Chicago has two major airports: O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). O'Hare is located 14 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, while Midway is located 8 miles south of downtown. Both airports have various transportation options to downtown, including public transportation, taxis, and ride-sharing services.

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