The Travel Professor
Join me on a journey across the broad spectrum of interesting travel topics. We’ll discuss destinations domestic and abroad, some familiar and some off the beaten path. We take a look at suppliers like cruise lines, air carriers and tour operators and find their bargains and special offerings. Got questions? Email thetravelprofessor@gmail.com.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

A Night (or days) at the Museums: Chicago Style

Chicago is a bustling, energetic city that never stops no matter the season. It’s a destination with world-class cultural attractions, diverse neighborhoods and architectural wonders. Chicago is known for critically acclaimed restaurants, world-famous museums, first-class shopping, adventurous nightlife, action-packed sporting events and a thriving theater scene.

Chicago is world-renowned for its diverse collection of museums, which explore a variety of subjects including Chicago history, art, African-American culture, astronomy, natural history and much more.

Those visiting Chicago should plan on spending time at Chicago’s Museum Campus. This scenic park along the shores of Lake Michigan conveniently links the
Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum, the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum of Natural History.

The Shedd Aquarium offers one of the world’s largest array of more than 8,000 aquatic mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and fish. After exploring the oceans, attendees can gaze up at the heavens in the nearby Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum. The Field Museum offers exciting displays of mummies, Egyptian tombs, Native American artifacts, and dinosaur skeletons are on display. It is also the permanent home of Sue, the world's largest, most complete and most famous Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Other Chicagoland museums include
the Museum of Science and Industry, the Art Institute of Chicago (one of the world’s leading art museums), the DuSable Museum of African-American History , the Museum of Contemporary Art, and if children are along be sure to plan a stop at Navy Pier’s Children’s Museum.

This is my short list. There are just too many venues to list. A complete list can be obtained at the city’s
Michigan Avenue’s visitor’s center located across from the historic water tower. This is located at the northern end of the famed shopping strip termed the “Magnificent Mile”.

Next time I’ll take you on a Chicago style shopping excursion. Happy travels!