What a lovely museum and a must see for any parent with a kid visiting the Chicago area (parents…read moreenjoy it too). You can spend days here! Our main excitement was U-505 submarine. We bought the additional tour of the submarine and it was well worth it. My kiddo is obsessed with submarines and what a story this submarine has to tell and even more incredible how they got it here. We also loved the exhibit on Paul Tazewell which was a limited engagement to see his beautiful pieces of art (costumes) especially those from Wicked which were just out of this world. We also loved all the interactive exhibits like the one where butterflies land on you on a screen based on how still you can be. We also spent a great amount of time looking at the space artifacts and even took in a movie (additional cost) which was a great way to unwind a little after being on our feet the majority of the day. Love this museum!

Most museums ask you to imagine the past. This one puts you inside it. The Griffin Museum of…read moreScience and Industry, set in Jackson Park on Chicago's South Side, occupies the last remaining building from the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition -- and that alone makes it worth the trip out from downtown, before a single exhibit is even in view. https://lisaefreedman.com/the-griffin-museum-of-science-and-industry/

I've driven past Gary, IN soooo many times but never stopped to see Michael Jackson's childhood…read morehome. On our way back from Indiana Dunes, we decided why not just check it out since it's on our way back to Chicago anyway. I was honestly surprised how many people were there when we came, but maybe it's because of the recent movie. It looks like people bring gifts and sign their names on the sidewalk and street. There's not much else to do besides look at it. It's surrounded by a fence, which is understandable. It's a neat stop if you're on the way to or from something, but probably not something to go out of the way for unless you're a huge fan. The street is on has a few abandoned houses and right behind his house is what looks to be an abandoned high school. People do live in the nearby houses so visitors should all try to be respectful and keep noise down!

We made the trek to the city of Gary for this house. It's not just anyone's house, it's The Jackson…read more5's house! We didn't see much in the area outside of people just coming to this home. It was gated, so there wasn't much you can see except for knowing that this was once a house that the Jacksons lived in.

We recently visited Yellowstone National Park, and we remembered that the Field Museum in Chicago…read morehas a life-size bison on exhibit! If i recall, it was on the east side of the second floor. We saw a large herd in Yellowstone, and several scattered pairs and individuals. We were about ten feet from one while we were driving to Old Faithful. This felt like that experience. Yikes! Yeah, they are this big.

The Africa Fashion exhibit was everything. The colors, the fabrics, the way each piece told a story…read moreit gave me chills. Seeing over 20 countries represented in one space felt powerful and inspiring, and honestly it made me look at fashion in a whole new way. This is one of those shows you have to catch while it's here. It's not just fashion, it's history, culture, and art all in one. You can check out my full review and everything I did on Instagram and TikTok: @travelnistaonthemove

Closed when I was here early in the morning during the offseason, so I was only able to see the…read moreoutside but yes, it is a lighthouse that is since decommissioned and is no longer an active navigational aid. But it's been converted into a museum. Built in 1858 at a cost of $8,000, the Old Michigan City Light replaced an 1837 brick & stone light built at the edge of Lake Michigan. It was the second light at the site, and the predecessor to the Michigan City East Light. It was remodeled in 1904. Seven lighthouse keepers and fourteen assistant keepers served here from 1837 to 1940. [Review 20615 overall - 146 in Indiana - 1596 of 2023.]

This was a super cool museum. There was lots of cool artifacts. There is a small gift shop with t…read moreshirts ornaments and books. Got lots of pics. Sorry yelp limited how many I could post!

Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago had long been on my bucket list ever since taking an art…read morehistory class in high school, so it was a dream come true to finally see it in person. I booked my tickets in advance on the morning of my visit and walked over from River North in the afternoon. Upon entering the galleries, I went up the central staircase and immediately found myself in a room with my favorite Impressionist masterpieces, including works by Monet, Seurat, Caillebotte, Van Gogh, and Matisse...just to name a few. I wandered through the other galleries and continued to spot my favorite paintings from other art periods. I even found a mummy! The museum layout was a little confusing, but the galleries were well-labeled, and the staff was very friendly and knowledgeable in helping me find my way. Thinking that I would only spend about an hour in the museum, I ended up staying almost until closing. Before leaving, I stopped in at the gift shop to pick up some postcards to commemorate my visit. I highly recommend the Art Institute of Chicago to anyone visiting the city, and I would definitely consider coming back when I have more time on my next visit.

One of the best and biggest art museums I've ever been to…read more I brought my 11-year-old son with me on a Monday morning in August. The only downsides were just how insanely packed it was, and the price of admission - $32 for adults (but free for my son at least). But it's worth it to fork over the cash and brave the crowds. The collections are stunning and expansive and truly breathtaking. The paintings are well spaced out with ample descriptions and information. Like most museums of this size and prestige, the building and the people watching are just as interesting as the art. Definitely hope to return someday as I've barely scratched the surface!

When we first visited Color Factory two years ago, my daughters did not want to leave. On our most…read morerecent trip back to the city, they wanted to see it again. We still had a good time, but the venue was pretty much the same, so there was nothing new for them to get as excited about. We still enjoyed walking through the rooms, etc. Hopefully, the CF team can develop some new experiences in the space to get us to go back on our next visit to the city.

This was the most wonderful experience! I highly recommend it if you're in Chicago. It's located in…read morethe Willis Tower, so if you're going to the Skydeck it's a quick little jaunt over before or after. I wasn't sure what to expect, and it ended up being so much better than I imagined! All the people working were friendly, knew what they were doing, and helped us have the best experience we could have. I loved every part of it, and it was awesome tying in all the senses to color! The tasting one was so fun, I ended up guessing mine right! I think my husband and I had the most fun with the partner drawing activity, that's a keepsake for sure, haha! Other faves were the poem and balloon exhibit and of course, the ball pit. We came with our 6 year old nephew but I think the adults had more fun than he even did! It was fun to let loose and be a kid again. I was thankful for all the fun photo ops, it made it easier to get great pics without having our phones out the whole time. The only bummer was the ice cream. We paid $1 per person for it and it was just one tiny little ball with a wooden spoon, and I could taste the spoon more than the ice cream.

Beautiful restoration with amazing original period furnishings. Lovely garden and extremely…read morewell-done railway car exhibit on lower level. Enthusiastic and friendly staff, plenty on street free parking.

We were visiting the Michigan City area for a family vacation. We love exploring historic homes,…read moreespecially of the Gilded Era. We decided to do the guided house and garden tour for $20 per person. It was well worth it. Our docent professor Craig was the absolute best! He knew every detail about the history of the Barker family, their beautiful home and lavishly furnished home, as well as the history of the family business. One thing that impressed me most was that the heirs of the original Barker family have made it their life's mission to spend an unlimited amount to restore the ancestral family home back to its former glory! This is a Michigan City treasure and I highly recommend visiting- especially in the summer when the garden is in full bloom!!

Be prepared to WNDR…read more After eight years of basic sciences, Step 1 (being scheduled and rescheduled and scheduled and rescheduled and scheduled due to the pandemic), clinical rounds, Match Day and a PhD defense, my daughter definitely earned the right to celebrate curiosity. Such a fun place to be surrounded by family and friends. Ordered catering. Had a candy bar set up with bottles with a prescription for happiness. Brought chocolate brains from Texas. Fun to go through the WNDR Museum. Love the rooms filled with so many interesting artistic expressions. Cakes with inspiring messages. Neon signs. An eye-catching display room (good for the future ophthalmologists in the crowd.) Set up a bar with cocktails and mocktails themed for the occasion. Have a: Med School Mule. Dip(a)loma. Action Potential. Fun to explore the rooms after hours. 3-D glasses required. Smile. Walk through the lights. See your reflection. Imagine. Everyone has an artist within. Life is full of choices. The secret is there are no wrong ones.

I think all the folks complaining about the experience should try experiencing it with a little…read morekid. I came with my SIL and my 19 month old nephew on a quiet Sunday. He had been cooped up in the house for a few days due to weather and needed to get out and about. My brother had taken him about 6 months ago and he enjoyed it even as a baby so I was hype to see it with him now that he's a little older. Rundown: -SIL paid for the tix so I dunno how much it cost -easy parking -no lines around 11am on a summer Sunday -in and out in about 45 minutes Notable exhibits: -the first one is an eye scan. I have soft tissue injury icks but I survived -the jellyfish mirror room - kids (and adults like me) go wild for this -any of the tactile ones where you touch and music happens -the ball and mirror room. Nephew went crazy for this as balls are his fave thing. -My ABSOLUTE fave was the DJ beats making room. I mixed some sounds while nephew danced. Some of us writing reviews for this place are old, jaded, have "seen it all" and seem to be approaching this from a transactional angle - I spent this so I want such and such experience. But if you watch a child's eyes light up at all the colors and sounds, watch how excited they get when they realize that their movement and their touch changes the floor pattern or the music, then you really get to experience what the place is about - Wonder!

We were not planning on stopping here during our summer camping/ beach vacation, but due to the…read morewild fires and poor air quality we needed to pivot to an indoor activity. I'm so glad we had the chance to stop in. The staff were so friendly and great with kids. The museum was very clean and organized. There are multiple buildings to check out and we didn't get to half of it! Would come back to check out more. The other bonus is that you can leave for lunch and come back if you are still wearing your wristband.

Was in town with my girlfriend who surprised me with the sunset cruise. Didn't look inside the…read moremuseum, but the boat ride/sail was amazing. 2 hours on the water with other great people. Capt Abby (Abbie/Abbey?) was a rockstar!

The best surprise of my visit to Pontiac. This museum has such an amazing and eclectic collection…read moreof items to delight everyone. From the outside it seems like any regular historical building -- but the quantity and quality of the displays within create a fun spot to enjoy an afternoon with plenty of learning opportunities. I'm not sure you'll find any larger collection of Route 66 themed items than on the lower floor here. Being immersed in these objects really gave me a feel of the history of Route 66. Attached to this are several other museums covering everything from murals to the Titanic to the Civil War to the 1940's and more. Truly a must visit set of museums that's worth a special trip.

Amazing people with great service. Super friendly definitely recommend stopping here. They…read morerecommended things to do places to go