While holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas tend to bring out our celebratory side, Presidents’ Day hasn’t ever quite gotten its due. In spite of the long weekend we get to honor America’s great leaders, many of us do little more to revere our past presidents than sleep late and order takeout. This Presidents’ Day weekend, enjoy something special at every turn with a trip to Chicago. Pack your parka and discover just what makes February in Chicago so special this year:
Skating in Millennium Park:
There’s no denying the iconic beauty of Chicago’s Millennium Park. Home to some of the world’s best public art, like Anish Kapoor’s famous Cloud Gate, and surrounded by the sights and sounds of the city, the park itself is an experience unto itself. This winter, make your trip to the Windy City an even more magical one by hitting the park’s ice rink, where you’ll mix and mingle with locals and visitors alike while taking in some of the city’s iconic sights.
Chicago Botanic Garden Orchid Show
Indulge your inner flower fanatic this winter by making a pit stop at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s annual orchid show. Feast your eyes on thousands of the world’s most unique and beautiful orchids this winter while learning about the flowers from experts at the Illinois Orchid Society. If you’re eager to take one home, make sure to come on a weekend, when the plants are put up for sale.
Chicago History Museum
From Abraham Lincoln to the World’s Fair, Chicago has been home to some of the world’s most notable places, people, and events. Visitors to the city can learn all about the Chicago’s influential, wondrous, and often sordid history this Presidents’ Day weekend with a trip to the Chicago History Museum. Whether you’re eager to experience the city’s history with a viewing of The Great Chicago Adventure Film, check out the kid-friendly Sensing Chicago exhibit, or sit in on one of the Chicago Voices talks hosted here, there’s something for everyone at this engaging educational space.
Handmade Market Chicago
If you’re a lover of eclectic goods, head over to the Handmade Market during your Chicago vacation. This Presidents’ Day weekend, peruse handmade goods from artisans from local to Chicago and those visiting from around the world. Hosted at the Empty Bottle, this unique maker fair offers everything from handcrafted jewelry to wall hangings to intention candles, all eager to find a place in your home.
The Field Museum Free Admission Days
One of Chicago’s most iconic institutions, the Field Museum is a sight to behold for anyone who is enthralled by natural history. Those lucky enough to visit this Presidents’ Day weekend can check out the museum’s wealth of taxidermied nature scenes and ancient artifacts while potentially saving a few bucks if they attend with friends from the Chicago area. In an effort to promote community engagement, Presidents’ Day weekend is one of the dates when Illinois residents can check out the museum for free.
Instead of wasting the long weekend with another Netflix marathon, make the most of it by heading to Chicago and enjoying the best the city has to offer. From flowers to the Field Museum, you’ll enjoy non-stop excitement if you hit the Windy City this Presidents’ Day weekend.
