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Terrific Things to Do in Downtown Chicago

Rutuja Jathar
From Lake Michigan, huge movie sets, to beautiful parks, and jazz music, Downtown Chicago has it all. For those who are planning to visit this part of the city, here's some information on things to do and the places that you must visit.

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Chicago is one of the largest cities in the United States of America. Situated in the state of Illinois, it was founded in the year 1833 right after the war with the native Americans.
Chicago is located on the southwest shores of Lake Michigan and at the watersheds of the Mississippi river. It is also known as the Windy city.
Downtown Chicago, popularly called The Loop, is the historical center of the city. It is bounded around a transit circuit with the Wabash Avenue on the east, Lake Street on the north, Wall Street on the west, and the Van Buren Street on the south. This area is always bustling with plenty of happenings.

Millennium Park

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Located near Lake Michigan, Millennium park is a popular civic center in Chicago. The park covers almost 25 acres of area in the Northern Grant Park. It is the biggest center for culture and arts. Planning for building the park, began in the year 1997 and was completed in 2004.
It has a lot to offer like the Cloud Gate, Lurie Garden, Wrigley Square, Harris Theater, Crown Fountain, Pritzker Pavilion - the home of the nation's last remnant of free outdoor classical series, the Pavilion projects, the Boeing Gallery, Nichols Bridgeway, and Chase Promenade.
Most importantly, Millennium Park is the world's largest rooftop garden and the admission to the park is absolutely free. In all, the Millennium Park is worth visiting, and is one of the most important locations in Downtown Chicago.

Oak Street Beach
Located at the end of the 'Magnificent Mile', the Oak Street Beach is arguably one of the best urban beaches that you can find. Situated at the curve of the Lake Shore Drive, you will be facing Lake Michigan on the east and huge skyscrapers on the south.
There are many vendors that offer great fast food, drinks, and cheap deals for trendy sunglasses. You can take a brief walk to Oak Street Beach from Michigan Avenue as well.

Navy Pier

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Navy Pier is situated at the lake front of the East Grand Avenue. It is one place that you shouldn't miss on your visit to this city. The hustle-bustle of various shops, funny jugglers, musicians, clowns, and the never-ending city traffic, is amazing.
You will come across the Shakespeare theater, restaurants, bars, the Stained glass museum, etc., but the best part is the firework display performed each Wednesday and Saturday night. Also see the fireworks from Dock Street, which is at the southern edge of the Navy Pier.

Movies in the Park
The most happening place for all movie aficionados - the Chicago Park district, offers a series called 'movies in the park' for its community residents. Location of movies in the park switches to various nearby parks. The movies begin at dusk, hence, many of the residents make plans for picnic with picnic baskets, lawn chairs, and blankets as well.
Most of the movies are free and some can be seen by paying a nominal fee. You can check the listing for your favorite movie and enjoy it with your loved ones.
Downtown Chicago is a place that you should include in the list of attractions that you might visit, while in the city. With so many interesting places and things to do here, this is definitely the place to be.