Are there any inexpensive or free things to do in the Great Lakes area of IL?
Everyone else is right – all the good stuff is in the city. Familiarize yourself with both trains before you go. The Metra will get you to the city, the “el” will get you around the city. They both offer discounts for buying multiple rides at a time and some passes are sharable. Don’t drive: parking is so expensive and the city is so congested that I promise you’re better off taking the train. Next, check out www.cityofchicago.org to find many things to do. I suggest the Chicago Greeter program. The city matches you up with a volunteer for a FREE 2-4 hour walking tour of Chicago. The only catch is you have to sign up in advance. Also, some of the museums have free days during the week. The Art Institute used to be free on Tuesdays, I think it’s Thursdays now…anyway you can find out for sure on the website. Skip the Sears Tower and Hancock observation decks (way overpriced) and check out the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor of the Hancock building (just a few floors away from the ob
