Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Farm-in-the-Zoo is a working reproduction of a Midwestern farm, com-
plete with a white-picket-fenced barnyard, chicken coops, and demonstrations
of butter churning and weaving. Of course, you'll also spot plenty of livestock,
including cows, sheep, and pigs. Inside the Main Barn (filled with interactive
exhibits), the main attraction is the huge John Deere tractor that kids can climb
up into and pretend to drive. (Can you say photo opportunity?) Allow 1 hour.
2200 N. Cannon Dr.
&
312/742-2000.
www.lpzoo.com. Free admission. Daily 9am-5pm. Bus: 151 or 156.
Six Flags Great America
One of the Midwest's biggest theme/amuse-
ment parks, Six Flags is located midway between Chicago and Milwaukee on I-94
in Gurnee, Illinois. The park has more than 100 rides and attractions and is a
favorite of roller-coaster devotees. There are a whopping 10 of them here, includ-
ing the nausea-inducing Déjà Vu, where riders fly forwards and backwards over a
twisting, looping inverted steel track, and Superman, where you speed along hang-
ing headfirst (with your legs dangling). Other don't-miss rides for the strong of
stomach include the Iron Wolf, where you do corkscrew turns and 360-degree
loops while standing up, and the American Eagle, a classic wooden coaster.
Because this is a place that caters to families, you'll also find plenty to appeal to
smaller visitors. The Looney Tunes National Park is full of kiddie rides with a car-
toon theme; other worthwhile stops include the double-decker carousel and
bumper cars. Six Flags also has live shows, IMAX movies, and restaurants. If you
take the trouble to get out here, allow a full day.
I-94 at Rte. 132 East, Gurnee.
&
847/249-4636.
www.sixflags.com. Admission (including unlimited rides,
shows, and attractions) $42 adults, $30 seniors and children under 54” tall, free for children 3 and under. May
daily 10am-7pm; June-Aug daily 10am-10pm; Sept weekends only 10am-7pm. Parking $10. Take I-94 or
I-294 West to Rte. 132 (Grand Ave.). Approximate driving time from Chicago city limits is 45 min.
Kids
9 Sightseeing Tours
If you're in town for a limited amount of time, an organized tour may be the
best way to get a quick overview of the city's highlights. Some tours—such as
the boat cruises on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River—can give you a whole
new perspective on the city's landscape. Because Chicago caters to sophisticated
travelers from all over the world, many tours go beyond simple sightseeing to
explore important historical and architectural landmarks in depth. These spe-
cialized tours can help you appreciate buildings or neighborhoods that you
might have passed by otherwise without a second glance.
CARRIAGE RIDES
Noble Horse
(
&
312/266-7878
) maintains the largest fleet of antique horse
carriages, stationed around the old Water Tower Square at the northwest corner
of Chicago and Michigan avenues. Each of the drivers, outfitted in black tie and
top hat, has his or her own variation on the basic Magnificent Mile itinerary
(you can also do tours of the lakefront, river, Lincoln Park, and Buckingham
Fountain). The charge is $30 for each half-hour for up to four people. The
coaches run year-round, with convertible coaches in the warm months and
enclosed carriages furnished with wool blankets on bone-chilling nights. There
are several other carriage operators, all of whom pick up riders in the vicinity.
ORIENTATION TOURS
Chicago Trolley Company
Chicago Trolley Company offers guided tours on
a fleet of rubber-wheeled “San Francisco-style” trolleys that stop at a number of
popular spots around the city, including Navy Pier, the Grant Park museums, the
