Illinois Travel Guide 2009 - (Page 58) © SHEDD AQUARIUM The Smart Museum of Art University of Chicago, 5550 S. Greenwood Ave. On the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus, the Smart Museum of Art houses a permanent collection of more than 10,000 objects, spanning 2,000 years of both Western and Eastern civilizations. 773/702-0200, www.smartmuseum.uchicago.edu Free Garfield Park Conservatory 300 N. Central Park Ave. Designed by Jens Jensen from 1906 to 1907, the conservatory is famous for its flower shows, exotic-plant collection and jungle climate—a botanical garden under glass. 312/746-5100, Donation www.garfieldconservatory.org Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain Grant Park at Congress Pkwy. Dubbed “Chicago’s Front Yard,” Grant Park consists of the Museum Campus and Millennium Park. Grant Park is also home to Buckingham Fountain. Modeled after Latona Fountain basin at Versailles in France, but twice its size, the fountain is the centerpiece of Grant Park. From summer through the end of fall, evening light shows enhance the spectacle. 312/742-PLAY, www.chicagoparkdistrict.com Free Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows Shedd Aquarium Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. A permanent display of 150 stained glass windows makes this the first museum in the U.S. dedicated solely to this art form. It showcases both secular and religious windows, and is divided by artistic theme into four categories: Victorian, Prairie, modern and contemporary. 312/595-5024, www.navypier.com Free Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr. This amazing indoor aquarium features more than 20,000 animals. Watch divers hand-feed sea turtles and other underwater creatures. The Oceanarium shows marine life of the Pacific Northwest region—home to whales, dolphins, sea otters and other marine mammals. Call about free-admission days. 312/939-2438, www.sheddaquarium.org $ Spertus Museum 610 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago’s Jewish museum offers public programming for adults and children, including exhibits and research facilities. 312/322-1700, www.spertus.edu $ Lakefront Trail Bryn Mawr Ave. to 75th St. During all seasons, walkers, runners, bikers and in-line skaters take advantage of Chicago’s scenic beaches and harbors. Free Lincoln Park Conservatory 2391 N. Stockton Dr. The wonders of nature bloom year-round in this botanical garden, designed by J.L. Silsbee. One million people come each year to see exotic plants from all over the world. 312/742-7736, Free www.chicagoparkdistrict.com COURTESY OF LINCOLN PARK ZOO Swedish American Museum Center STAY GREEN CHECK OUT THESE ECO-FRIENDLY PLACES TO LODGE IN CHICAGO The InterContinental Chicago is the first hotel in the city to receive the Energy Star award for its eco-friendly initiatives and highly efficient energy use. Some of its earthfriendly efforts include the installation of a green roof and the use of organic meat and produce provided by local purveyors. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts instituted The Fairmont Green Partnership in 1990, pioneering sustainable best practices in the lodging industry. Recycling, the installation of water- and energy-efficient fixtures, habitat and species protection, and green-themed hotel packages are all part of the Fairmont’s Green Partnership policy. Kimpton Hotels follows a rigorous eco-program called EarthCare in all of its hotels, including Chicago’s Hotel Burnham, Hotel Allegro and Hotel Monaco. Eco-friendly practices beyond energy and water conservation include the use of soy-based inks and recycled paper, in-room designer recycling bins and environmentally friendly cleaning supplies. The Green Team at the Hyatt Regency Chicago has plans to use FDA-approved electrolyzed water for cleaning, eliminating the waste from more than a half-dozen chemical solutions and their packaging, which would otherwise end up in the local water supply and landfills. At The Talbott Hotel, Renewable Choice Energy supplies all of the hotel’s electricity in the form of wind energy credits from wind farms across the country. The hotel currently has plans to install a green roof. The Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association denotes these and other eco-friendly hotels with a special icon in its print directory and on its Web site at www.stayillinois.com. 5211 N. Clark St. Located in Andersonville, a Swedish enclave in Chicago, visitors learn about SwedishAmerican history through artifacts, photographs and exhibits at this cultural and learning center. 773/728-8111, www.samac.org $ Ukrainian National Museum 2249 W. Superior St. This museum collects Ukrainian historical items and folk art, including everything from festive costumes to colored eggs. 312/421-8020, www.ukrainiannationalmuseum.org $ OUTDOORS/RECREATION Check the Illinois Department of Natural Resources site (www.dnr.state.il.us) for hours of operation before your visit. Lincoln Park Zoo Lincoln Park Zoo 2200 N. Cannon Dr. Thousands of exotic and endangered species fill animal houses, habitats, pools and exhibits. Stop at the Farm in the Zoo, and be sure to see the Regenstein Center for African Apes and the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool. 312/742-2000, Free www.lpzoo.org Chicago River Canoe & Kayak Take an up-close view of the Chicago River by renting a boat from Chicago River Canoe & Kayak or join one of their outings. Lessons available. 773/704-2663, www.chicagoriverpaddle.com MATTHEW GILSON Buckingham Fountain 58 ILLINOIS. MILE AFTER MAGNIFICENT MILE. enjoyillinois.com http://www.garfieldconservatory.org http://www.smartmuseum.uchicago.edu http://www.navypier.com http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com http://www.sheddaquarium.org http://www.spertus.edu http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com http://www.samac.org http://www.ukrainiannationalmuseum.org http://www.dnr.state.il.us http://www.chicagoriverpaddle.com http://www.lpzoo.org http://www.stayillinois.com http://www.enjoyillinois.com
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