Navy Pier, built in 1916, was the largest in the world at that time. It served as a docking area for passenger excursion steamers and cargo ships. During both World Wars, Navy Pier was utilized for military purposes such as housing, training, and more. In its non-military role, the pier had many attractions, including a streetcar line, theater, emergency room, picnicking areas, dance hall, auditorium, children's playground, and more. Navy Pier, which sits on the lakefront, occupies approximately 50 acres of land, with sprawling parks, gardens, and sculptures on the lawns. The attraction also has several shops and restaurants. Navy Pier offers a variety of activities, including boat parades, air shows, sightseeing tours, festivals, and fireworks, making it the most popular tourist attraction in Chicago.
Are you looking for a fantastic night filled with entertainment and magic? Look no further than Trickery in Chicago. Witness a hilarious and outrageous performance in an intimate setting that can accommodate several people, making it a unique and unforgettable experience. To secure the best seats, arrive a few minutes before the show starts and enjoy a drink while you wait. Cups and bottle openers are also available for your convenience. Come and witness the mesmerizing magic performance of Aaron Rabkin, a renowned magician known for his wit and charm. His comical mix of parlor tricks and mind-reading mentalism will leave you spellbound. Accompanying him will be his trusty sidekick, Hoppy the Psychic Wonder Bunny. Trickery is considered the most entertaining magic show in Chicago, featuring always fun, intimate, and sometimes outrageous performances. Many have even labeled it "the best magic show they've ever seen." So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets now and experience the magic for yourself.
If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven is a perfect place to visit. Here, you can get up close and personal with over 40 exotic, free-flying butterflies and several stunning bird species from the Southern Hemisphere. The greenhouse, which spans 2,700 square feet, features serene pools of water, flowers, tropical trees, and over 1,000 butterflies, giving you the feeling of being in summer all year round. If you're interested in witnessing the life cycle of a butterfly from caterpillar to chrysalis to the very first flight, you should take advantage of the First Flight Butterfly Release. Moreover, they offer weekly Butterfly Haven Yoga sessions if you want to spend more time in the Butterfly Haven.
The Hideout is not your typical bar; it's a place where everyone is welcome, regardless of whether they fit in. This prohibition-era bar may be small, but it's been a community space for independent music and performance in Chicago for over 25 years. On Saturdays, you can enjoy live music and dancing at The Hideout. It's a hub for music, art, performance, plays, poetry, rock, and rebellion. The bar is rooted in complex, hard-playing, creative artistic expression and intellectual freedom. It's more New Deal than New Age, and while it's not for everyone, it's for anyone who wants to experience something unique and authentic.