Driving Through Chicago, what to see (Wilmette, Lincoln: house, restaurant, garage)

[c0wb0yup]

My family will be taking a vacation this summer across America. We will be close enough to Chicago and would like to take a short tour of downtown via automobile. We are only passing through, and none of us have ever been to a large city the size of Chicago. Can anyone tell me a good route to sort of "see the city"? Is there a relatively scenic road i can take? I also wondered if anyone can tell me anything about parking near the John Hancock skydeck, I would love to see the city from the top. If anyone has any restaurant opinions about places near the Hancock building, that would be great too. Not really looking for a fancy meal, maybe something along the line of one of the famous Chicago pizzas I hear about. I will be coming from the south, from I-65 and headed out I-80 toward the west when i leave. Also we will be in a chevy suburban, if it matters for parking. We will be on a day visit, and it will be on a Saturday afternoon in August. Thanks in advance!

[jdiddy]

Take the skyway to lake shore drive.

If you are going to park by the Hancock, either find metered street parking (easier west of Michigan) or use spothero to find a cheaper garage spot. Just note that on a Saturday afternoon in the summer there can be long waits to head up to the signature lounge or the observatory.

[svicious22]

Originally Posted by jdiddy

Take the skyway to lake shore drive.

If you are going to park by the Hancock, either find metered street parking (easier west of Michigan) or use spothero to find a cheaper garage spot. Just note that on a Saturday afternoon in the summer there can be long waits to head up to the signature lounge or the observatory.

Yes, take the Skyway to Stony Island Ave (unless you have an unusually low tolerance for "urban" areas in which case skip south Lakeshore and go directly to downtown) over to South Lakeshore Drive to downtown and park and walk around some near Grant/Millenium Parks. Then drive down Michigan Ave north and hit Hancock and there are several pizza options up that way. Though further out of your way, it is worth driving north of downtown on Lakeshore Dr past Lincoln Park and the marinas especially if it is a nice day, though if the Cubs are playing absolutely time around the before and after because traffic can be bad. You can cut over to I90/94 at some point and head back to I80.

[c0wb0yup]

Awesome. I had actually looked at Lakeshore, starting near Stony Island, this confirms that for me. Thanks!

[nana053]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhYI...yer_detailpage

[rwocmo]

There is so much to see and do, much of it outside the downtown area. If you have time, head north. The Home Alone house in Winnetka (yes, it's the actual house, and is occupied- be respectful of the residents) is fun to see. Look it up, I won't put their address here- AND, one of the great sites, in my opinion, is the Baha'i temple in Wilmette. It's simply stunning, and wonderful for even a quick stop. Do go inside.

The Bahá'í House of Worship for North America | Official Presence

Have fun- it's a great town.