The Illinois Railway Museum is where you can learn about the history of railway transportation and its impact on the country. The Museum houses over 400 pieces of original equipment from when railroad transportation was essential for industrial purposes and everyday life in America. These pieces of equipment include horsecars, steam locomotives, and passenger cars. The Museum also exhibits and operates restored rolling stock and equipment on a demonstration rail line. Moreover, it collects, preserves, and maintains a reference library of publications, technical information, and other materials related to railroads, railways, and transportation for research and other purposes.
If you're searching for a zoo knowledgeable about its animals, you should visit the Lincoln Park Zoo. It is one of the oldest zoos in the country and houses over 1,250 animals within its exhibits and attractions. During your visit, you will witness various animals, such as zebras, big cats, polar bears, penguins, gorillas, reptiles, monkeys, and more. Established in 1868, the Lincoln Park Zoo is rich in history. It is situated in Chicago's Lincoln Park and covers an area of 35 acres. One of the zoo's most unique features is a burr oak tree that goes back to 1830. For younger guests, the Children's Zoo and the Farm-in-the-Zoo exhibits offer hands-on experiences. Children will also enjoy the indoor play structure, while the Farm exhibit allows guests to pet animals like goats and feed the cows.
The Adler Planetarium is a must-visit spot for astronomy enthusiasts and those interested in space exploration. Founded by philanthropist Max Adler in 1930, it was the first planetarium built in the Western Hemisphere and remains the oldest. The planetarium boasts three full-size theaters, including the Sky Theater planetarium, where visitors can enjoy various shows and presentations about the night sky. The Sky Theater projector can recreate every aspect and movement of the night sky, giving visitors an incredibly realistic experience. The Definiti Space Theater, an addition made in 1999, comes equipped with a digital full-dome video environment for an immersive experience. Visitors can also enjoy sculptures outside the planetarium, such as the "Man Enters the Cosmos" sundial and a statue of renowned astronomer Nicholas Copernicus. The lobby's dedication plaque is also a work of art, depicting the gods and goddesses that represent each planet, except for Pluto, which had yet to be discovered at the time of the plaque's creation.
If you're a fan of Shakespeare, you should attend the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier. This professional theater company was founded in 1986 by Barbara Gaines and is the third largest in the Midwest. They produce works from the Shakespeare canon and other theatrical performances, with over six hundred performances annually at the Courtyard Theater and the Upstairs space. The theater has won numerous awards, including 36 Joseph Jefferson Awards, three Laurence Olivier Awards, and a Regional Theatre Tony Award. The theater also has a family series for younger audiences and special student pricing.