All Aboard! Travel to the Windy City and enjoy these spots

If you are ever stuck at the train tracks before class you may notice a Metra train or two speeding by on its way to its next stop. 

Through the Elmhurst train station, you’ll be able to travel all the way to the heart of Chicago. There are a wide variety of places that you can explore downtown, but here are some of our personal favorites that we recommend. 

Graphic by- Rachel Fratt

The Museums

While accessing these locations may require an Uber or a long trek through the loop, there is no denying the museums that Chicago has to offer are spectacular. Even better, there are some discount days for students, so make sure you are aware of when they happen. 

If you have visited the museums before, don’t worry! There are always new exhibits to explore. The Art Institute has two new exhibits starting on Aug. 20, and more upcoming exhibits in the fall. The Field Museum is the perfect spot for history buffs or anyone who wants to learn something new. 

Moe’s Cantina

This restaurant has a very special place in The Leader’s heart. Many of our old staff members highly recommended it, so now it is our job to relay the message to our new readers. 

This restaurant has a location in Wrigleyville, but the closest location to Chicago OTC is in River North, which is only a thirteen minute trek. While they serve regular dinner hours, they also have a decent night scene for any party animals out there.

The website states that, “Moe’s Cantina is an authentic Northern Mexican Restaurant and tequila bar in the heart of the city. Moe’s offers a menu of shareable small plates, traditional full-sized entrees, signature tacos and a cocktail list featuring house-made sangria, handmade margaritas, premium tequilas, and more.”

Millenium Park

While we can admit this suggestion is a little basic, Millennium Park is a gorgeous part of the city that is nice to stop by every now and then. Live your tourist fantasy and stop by all the hits that the park has to offer, including the infamous Cloud Gate (the Bean) and the Lurie Garden. 

Millennium Park is also close to Maggie Daley Park, the Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park, and is right by the lakefront path. There are many hidden gems this area in downtown has to offer, and being so close to the Loop means that there’s endless opportunities. 

Carnivale

If you love dinner and a show, this is the restaurant for you. Located in the West Loop, Carnivale also has a special place in The Leader’s heart. 

The website states that those who dine at Carnivale can, “Enjoy Latin fusion cuisine, exotic cocktails, and one-of-a-kind desserts inspired by the cuisine & culture of Mexico, South America, and Central America.” The brightly colored decorations and incredible cuisine will be enough to make you want to return again and again. 

Navy Pier 

Another basic suggestion, but one that has so much to offer. Navy Pier is a staple of Chicago and a hot spot during the summer, so you definitely do not want to miss out on all it has to offer.

Graphic by- Rachel Fratt

Navy Pier is home to the iconic Centennial Wheel, historic carousel, and wave swinger. After a fun day of enjoying all the rides it has to offer, you can stop at any of the restaurants and enjoy a bite to eat. However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed time we suggest taking a stroll through the shops and finding something new to take home. 

If the amusement park, restaurants, and shopping aren’t enough to grab your attention, look no further than the cultural scene. Navy Pier is also home to the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, where you can find immersive performances such as The Notebook, which begins Sept. 6. Further, the Richard H. Dreihaus Museum is an incredibly beautiful museum that will surely leave you in awe. 

Whether these suggestions help you or not, Chicago has many amazing locations that you can explore and easily access through the train. Explore to your heart’s content and immerse yourself in the luxury that is downtown.