Chicago's Best Free Attraction 2008

A year-round refuge for those in need of a dose of greenery or a blast of desert air.

Reviews:

• “A little caution”
• “Breath taking”
• “Beautiful green space”

Tips: If the free lot connected to the conservatory is full, there’s plenty of free parking in Garfield Park proper, just across Lake Street to the south.

Garfield Park Conservatory

A multimillion-dollar crown jewel of the Chicago Park District features some of the city’s most striking structures.

Reviews:

• “Take it from a Chicagoan!”
• “Chicago Should Be Proud”
• “Grand Addition”

Tips: Underground parking is available directly beneath the park in three garages. The Millennium Park Garage is accessible from Columbus Drive between Randolph and Monroe streets.

Millennium Park

This Grant Park attraction is the perfect spot for a romantic stroll.

Reviews:

• “Romantic!”
• “Beautiful simplicity”
• “Great “Walkby” Attraction"
• “Visual Pleasure”
• “The Beauty Of Europe”

Tips: Located in the heart of Grant Park. You can get a picture-perfect view of the Loop and the waterfront from here.

Buckingham Fountain

This elegant, 36-story skyscraper is home to the self-proclaimed “World’s Greatest Newspaper.”

Tips: The newsroom is closed to the public, but tours of the Tribune’s printing plant at Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street can be arramged by calling (312) 222-2116.

Tribune Tower

An architectural delight that is a magnificent showcase of literature, art and knowledge.

Reviews:

• “OK for free”
• “Free Culture”
• “Cultural Chache!”
• “Respite with grandeur”
• “valuable resource”

Tips: More than 600 free performances and exhibitions are held each year at the CCC.

Chicago Cultural Center

A comfortable, family-friendly setting with Chicago-style dogs and juicy Italian beef.

Reviews:

• “Best food of my life!!!”
• “The best fast food in the country. Best Italian beef in Illinois”
• “Better Than Wiener’s Circle”
• “Portillo’s They are everywhere.”
• “portillos”

Tips: Craving something a little more healthy? Barnelli’s Pasta Bowl shares the same space and offers salads, wraps and more.

Portillo’s Hot Dogs

This tourist-packed peninsula extends for more than half a mile into the swells of Lake Michigan.

Reviews:

• “nice tourist attraction”
• “Beautiful from afar”
• “the best ever in da city”
• “A must see for visitors”
• “Navy Pier”

Tips: Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, free fireworks light up the sky on Wednesday and Saturday nights.

Navy Pier

Reviews:

• “Bring a blanket”

Butler Field

This bustling beach is one of Chicago’s sexiest summertime hangouts.

Reviews:

• “escape the grind”
• “Best Massage Therapist around”
• “Rio on the Prairie”
• “What a crowd”

Tips: The public restroom, in the underpass beneath the lakefront path, is open from 6am to 11pm.

Oak Street Beach

Pilsen Little Village Cmnty

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