I will be taking my DD16 to Chicago as part of the college tour in two weeks. We will be spending 3 day in Chicago and then travel to Michigan. Any suggestions on activities?
Thank you.
Chicago has great museums (Natural History, Art Institute, Science and Industry). But they’re expensive. There might be free-admission days. En route to Michigan, the Indiana Dunes.
So many things to do and see, especially along the lake shore, and all that rich architecture:
The Art Institute
– do not miss the Louis Sullivan Chicago trading floor that was preserved there (great for both aspiring architects and markets types) 
http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/artwork/156538
– Grant Wood’s American Gothic is there
– Georges Seurat’s Sunday Afternoon on La Grande Jatte is there
The Field Museum
Adler Planetarium
The Chicago Tribune building (look for the stones imbedded in the building)
If U of Chicago is part of the tour, FLW’s Robie House is part of campus now. And then there are all of the FLW houses in Oak Park.
Shopping on Michigan Avenue.
Navy Pier, the Lincoln Park Zoo (free), walking along upper Michigan avenue, walk the lake front. Not free, but well worth the price (in my opinion 
) is the Chicago Architecture boat tour. In the warm weather months there is always something going on in Grant Park. Chicago is a great city, lots to do and see. Have fun.
We have a long list of activities in Michigan since we never visited this state. We will just rent a car and drive along the coast all the way to Mackinaw Island.
I would suggest a visit to The Art Institute, Millennium Park and an architectural boat tour. But if you share your likes/interests and specific schools you’re visiting, you may get ‘better’ replies.
P.S. Check the weather forecast before you pack for the trip. 
We will be visiting University of Chicago and Northwestern University.
If you drive up Lake Shore Drive, you may enjoy a pitstop in the Wrigley Field area, but check the Cubs schedule, it gets pretty congested for a few hours before a game and of course, afterwards. Lincoln Park Zoo is lovely on a good weather day and you can walk along Clark or walk over to North Avenue Beach.
Bahá’í House of Worship is beautiful and might be worth a visit. Navy Pier and the Mag Mile are nice to explore (though touristy)…and yes(!) on visiting The Tribune Tower.
Sorry if I wasn’t clear, ballerina! All of the activities I suggested pertain to Chicago.
@berniesmom i got it. Thank you. I am actually looking for Chicago activities since Michigan part of the trip is almost finalized.
I was also going to suggest a visit to the Baha’i house of worship- it is a short drive north of Northwestern. Downtown, visit the Signature Lounge - 95th floor of the John Hancock building. Gorgeous view of the city and lakeshore. Under 21 allowed during the day with an adult up until 7pm (on their website). Agree with others - Art Institute, Lincoln Park Zoo.
John Hancock Tower. Signature Room. Eat there. Amazing views.
It’s a terrific culinary destination as well. Check out Rick Bayless’s restaurants.
Chicago Pizza / Second City Comedy / Blues music.
Cubs game, if time, budget, and interest permit. The friendly confines of Wrigley is one of the best places to watch baseball.
No one has yet mentioned the Sears tower and the new Skydeck with the ledge.
If you’re a foodie Chicago has a nice scene. Dinner at Alinea is a once in a lifetime event, but $$$'s and 4 hours. Some treats that take much less time and money - Intelligentsia coffee if you’re a coffee connoisseur; Hot Doug’s if you want to sample a gourmand’s menu of a 100 types of hot dogs.
Downtown Evanston is nice and will help give you a feel for NU. Hyde Park is grittier.
Northwestern is quite a bit north of the city. In that part I’d suggest: Chicago botanic gardens ( in Glencoe) , Ravinia music Festival ( highland Park) Old Orchard ( a beautiful outdoor mall)
Great evanston restaurants: Found Kitchen and Social House, Tapas Barcelona, Le peep ( breakfast), Stained Glass Bistro
@al2simon Sadly Hot Doug’s has closed as the owner retired.
Evanston isn’t really that far from the Loop.
Ah yes, you have to try Italian beef (I’m partial to Al’s), a Chicago-style hot dog, and I like Gino’s East and Lou Malnati’s for their Chicago-style pizza.
Edwardo’s isn’t Chicago-style but good too.
Wonderful ideas everyone! Thank you!
If you are into sports:
The Blackhawks will be starting the Stanley Cup Finals soon and they might be playing while you are there.
Also check the schedules of the Cubs (North Side) and White Sox (South Side).
Bar none, make sure you exkerience these food items ehile in the Windy City:
- Chi-style deep dish pizza
- Chi-style thin crust pizza
- Italian beef sandwich
Chicago is a great city. As long as parking doesn’t cut too much time out of your day, you’re virtually guaranteed to experience good times and great eats.
^ I can not imagine that Stanley Cup tickets will be available (unless you are able/willing to spend a LOT)!
Are you visiting both NU and U of Chicago on the same day or on different days? ( I think they would be difficult to visit on the same day)
On different days. We plan to spend 3 days in Chicago.