Scenic Walks in Downtown Chicago
I do a lot of walking, living in Chicago. This is something that I have come to take for granted, since I do it every day, but I realize that many Americans do not get the chance to walk to their destinations. Chicago is a great city to see on foot. What I've put together here are a few short walks that you can take to see some of Chicago's cooler sights and get some exercise, too! Enjoy!
Michigan Avenue: This one is a no-brainer. Start at Michigan and Delaware and just walk south to Millenium Park. On your way you will pass the Water Tower, which is the only building in the downtown area that didn't burn down in the great fire. You will pass three different malls: Water Tower Place (at Chestnut), 900 N. Michigan, and Westfield. You will pass the beautiful and historic Chicago Tribune building with its flying butresses, and the Wrigley Building with its clock tower. You will pass the John Hancock building, which is slightly reminiscent of the Sears Tower. You will pass flagship stores for the Gap, Banana Republic, Pottery Barn, Tiffany & Co., Salvatore Ferragamo, Coach, Zegna, and Apple. Then, you cross the Chicago river. When you get to Millenium park, take a rest break and check out Cloudgate (or as the locals refer to it "the Bean"), and the cool tower fountains that feature moving faces...that spit!
The River Walk: You can take a set of stairs at Michigan and Columbus and get down to the Chicago River Walk. This is a beautiful path that runs next to the river. It is complete with benches and shade trees. It's kind of hidden, too, so the foot traffic is light. You can watch the tour boats as they pass and people watch on the bridges above.
Washington Street from Michigan to Clark: This is a short one, but after you stop by Millenium park, take Washington street west. On your walk, you will pass State street shopping, the historic Hotel Burnham (home of the Atwood Cafe - YUMMY!), and two outdoor art pieces. In front of the Daley center, at Washington and Dearborn, there is a large Picasso. It kind of looks like a dog, but it's Picasso, so it's difficult to say what it is for sure. Across the street, next to the County Court building and the Chicago Temple Methodist Church, there is a large Miro and a really cool curvy wooden bench. If it's a Sunday, you can go into the Chicago Temple and take a free tour of the sky chapel. The Chicago Temple is Chicago's oldest downtown church, boasting an interesting juxtaposition of church on the ground floor and top floor, sandwiching dozens of floors of office space in between. Just up Clark Street in front of the Thompson Center, there is another large outdoor art piece in black and white. Bring your camera - the photo ops are endless!
If you have nice weather when you are here, by all means, take advantage of it. Take a walk!
