Exploring in Chicago: Insider's Guide

220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 (map)

The first Friday of every month is a sort of arty singles night, with Wolfgang Puck hors d'oeuvres and live music.

57th St and Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637 (map)

Chicago residents receive admissions discounts: $8 for adults; children ages 3 to 11 $4.25; seniors $6.75.

Michigan and Wacker, Chicago, IL 60604 (map)

Many of the buildings downtown are highly reflective; if you're going on a sunny day, wear sunglasses and a hat.

1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022 (map)

There's a lot of ground to cover. Begin at the Gateway Center near the entrance; pick up maps and details of the many daily events and tours.

4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532 (map)

From March through July, various wildflowers are in bloom. More than two-dozen wildflowers grow here, among them Jack-in-the-pulpit, magenta wild geranium, blue and lilac woodland phlox, greenish-white Solomon's Seal, dark red trillium.

111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603 (map)

Chicago residents receive 20 percent off fixed-admission tickets for special exhibitions when purchasing tickets at the museum.

78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602 (map)

More than 600 free concerts, performances and art exhibitions are held each year.

875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 (map)

The Hancock boasts the fastest elevator in North America. Travelling 1,800 feet per minute (20 mph), it gets you to the 94th-floor observatory in 39 seconds.