A Tech And Gadget Lover's Guide To Chicago

Chicago has a history of great innovations and inventions, from the skyscraper and the vacuum cleaner to the zipper and the electric dishwasher. While it may not be considered among the most prominent cities for technology today, there are still some great things for tech and gadget fans to check out, whether you want to learn, make, or play.

The Maker Lab

On the 3rd floor of the Harold Washington Library Center is The Maker Lab, a creative space providing Chicago with access to some pretty high tech gear. It launched in 2013 as a six-month experiment but was made permanent after it drew a huge response. Equipment includes digital design software, 3D printers, and laser and electronic cutters. Workshops are available to learn how to use the technology, and there are 15 open hours a week to take advantage of.
Harold Washington Library, 400 S State St, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 312 747 4300

Wanger Family Fab Lab

Techweek Chicago

Techweek Chicago is the city’s leading technology conference and festival, bringing together students, tech enthusiasts, and aspiring entrepreneurs at various locations downtown for four days in late June. First held in Chicago in 2011, the conference has since spread to eight different North American cities, with events taking place throughout the year. Techweek includes talks from tech leaders, awards for excellence in tech and entrepreneurship, and community workshops.
Techweek, 444 N Michigan Ave, Ste 650, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 201 273 9210
https://www.instagram.com/p/BG6tOa1DS2o/

Robot City Workshop

Robot City Workshop opened in Lakeview in 2008 as the center for all things robotic in Chicago. As well as selling a wide range of robot kits, components, supplies, and tools, it’s spreading the gadget bug to the next generation with after-school programs, camps, and parties. For adults, Robot City offers both beginners workshops and advanced classes that teaches electronics, soldering, and robot programming, and it even hosts monthly robot date nights.
Robot City Workshop, 3226 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL, USA +1 773 281 1008
https://www.instagram.com/p/xIPknRmmhW/?taken-at=3759060

Arcade bars

The trend for bars with full vintage video game arcades inside has grown a lot in recent years, and Chicago has a number of options for fans of classics like Donkey Kong, Asteroids, and Pac-Man. Emporium Arcade Bar has locations in Wicker Park and Logan Square with Double Dragon, Street Fighter and Tron as well as the classics, Headquarters Beercade in River North has Frogger, Space Invaders, and Mortal Kombat.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BJlcHuwDxMq/?taken-by=hq_chicago

Apple Store

Apple’s new flagship store for Chicago is currently under construction near the Chicago River and is sure to be more than just another shop for tech lovers. While the exact details of the store are shrouded in mystery, the 20,000-sq-ft (1858 m²) building itself will be high tech, and will reportedly house similar features to other new stores, including a video wall Apple calls “The Forum.” The store has no official opening date yet but is expected to open in late 2017.
Apple Store Chicago, 401 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, USA

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.