The Top Free Museums and Attractions in Chicago
Travelling on a budget? Bookmark this list of the best free activities – from outdoor attractions to exhibits at cultural institutions – in the city of Chicago.
1. Cloud Gate
Architectural Landmark
2. Museum of Contemporary Photography
Museum
3. Chicago Cultural Center
Historical Landmark
5. Lincoln Park Zoo
Zoo, Park
Lincoln Park Zoo has one of the most extensive zoo-based conservation and science programs in the US, and pledges to take the best care of its animal residents. Spend the day with black rhinos, zebra, sloths and the delightfully named Allen’s Swamp Monkey – all for the price of zero dollars.
6. Lincoln Park Conservatory
Park, Botanical Garden, Zoo
The Lincoln Park Conservatory, with its glass walls and exotic plant species, feels like a sanctuary in the middle of the bustling city. The Victorian-era building is divided into four spaces: the Fern Room, Orchid House, Palm House, and the Show House. Each houses thousands of plant and flower varieties that thrive in the conservatory’s balmy conditions all year round.
7. The 606
Park
8. Jane Addams Hull-House Museum
Building, Museum
9. Promontory Point
Memorial, Park
10. Oz Park
Park
For more inspiration, discover our guide on the must-visit attractions in Chicago.
This article is an updated version of a story created by Samantha Looney.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
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