Cruise Planners

The Chicago History Museum was founded in 1856, but unfortunately, most of its initial collection was destroyed during the Great Chicago Fire. The destructive fire resulted in the loss of some of the museum's original artifacts, including the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln. Since its reconstruction, the Chicago History Museum has amassed an impressive collection of historical artifacts relevant to Chicago and the nation. The collection comprises furniture used by Abraham Lincoln, the clothing he and his wife wore on the night of his assassination, and the first passenger car used in the Chicago 'L' system. Additionally, the museum has other materials, such as manuscripts, paintings, sculptures, and photographs that relate to the local history of Chicago. The Chicago History Museum also boasts an extensive collection of over 50,000 costumes and textiles from the late 19th Century to the present day.

If you're looking for a romantic date spot in Chicago, consider ROOF on theWit. This lounge within the Wit Hotel offers a breathtaking city view from its outdoor patio and hangover space. Whether you're in the mood for steak or pizza, their dinner menu offers a wide range of delicious entrees. ROOF is a luxurious retreat that can be found on the 27th floor, offering unique hand-crafted cocktails, delectable cuisine, stunning views of the skyline, and vibrant design and entertainment. It has been crowned Hotel Bar of the Year by the Nightclub & Bar Awards and recognized by Travel+Leisure as one of the top 3 rooftop bars in the world. Guests can indulge in the finest acoustic music series, world-class DJs, and live runway shows.

The Adler Planetarium is a must-visit spot for astronomy enthusiasts and those interested in space exploration. Founded by philanthropist Max Adler in 1930, it was the first planetarium built in the Western Hemisphere and remains the oldest. The planetarium boasts three full-size theaters, including the Sky Theater planetarium, where visitors can enjoy various shows and presentations about the night sky. The Sky Theater projector can recreate every aspect and movement of the night sky, giving visitors an incredibly realistic experience. The Definiti Space Theater, an addition made in 1999, comes equipped with a digital full-dome video environment for an immersive experience. Visitors can also enjoy sculptures outside the planetarium, such as the "Man Enters the Cosmos" sundial and a statue of renowned astronomer Nicholas Copernicus. The lobby's dedication plaque is also a work of art, depicting the gods and goddesses that represent each planet, except for Pluto, which had yet to be discovered at the time of the plaque's creation.

The Ravinia Festival is a popular event that attracts over 600,000 visitors annually. The festival takes place from June to September at Ravinia Park, which hosts 120 to 150 music events. The Breaking Barriers Festival is part of a successful series of concerts and symposiums focusing on female conductors. This time, the festival celebrated female composers in classical, jazz, and singer-songwriter genres. The festival featured three evening concerts, panel and roundtable discussions, workshops pairing composers and conductors, and other events collaborating with New Music USA and The Chicago Network.