Natalie & Tristan
Things To Do
The Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago's finest museum! Natalie's favorite painting (Edward Hopper's Nighthawks) lives in the middle of the American section. Spend an afternoon exploring artwork by masters like Van Gogh, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Rembrandt, or check out ancient Egyptian artifacts and the Thorne miniature rooms!
Field Museum
Home of world-famous Sue the T. Rex (the most complete T. Rex fossil ever discovered!), the Field Museum is an explorer's heaven. The Grainger Hall of Gems has dazzling jewels on display, the Ancient Egypt exhibit showcases one of the largest mummy collections in the US, and the Hall of Americas provides an anthropological view of extensive indigenous cultures and traditions in North and South America. When you're finished journeying through history, check out the museum's elegantly detailed diorama habitats on the Nature Walk!
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
The CSO is regarded as of the greatest orchestras in the world. The ensemble became famous for its explosive “Chicago Sound” under the legendary Georg Solti — a moment that changed American orchestral history forever. The walls of the hall have heard some of the biggest names in classical music history — Ravel, Rachmaninoff, Strauss, Elgar, Prokofiev, Casals, Menuhin, Horowitz, Rubinstein, Toscanini — the list is endless. If you have any free time on your trip to Chicago, find a concert on their website and, if there are seats available, treat yourself to an evening of world-class music.
Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio
This is the place where Frank Lloyd Wright lived and worked during the early years of his career, and where so many of his ideas first came to life. The house and studio sit on a quiet residential street in Oak Park, and the guided tours take you through Wright’s original rooms, sketches, and workspaces. Natalie adores Frank Lloyd Wright — all of her bookmarks are "Wright" themed after his style, and she devoured her parent's Frank Lloyd Wright coffee table books for years. This outing is perfect for anyone who loves design, history, or simply walking through a truly unusual gem of a home. You can take the Green Line straight from the Loop and stroll the charming surrounding neighborhood afterward.
Pequod's Pizza
If anyone wants the true Chicago deep-dish experience, Pequod’s is the spot Chicagoans usually swear by. Known for its signature caramelized crust and super-comforting, skillet-baked pies, it's iconic without feeling touristy. A perfect stop for a laid-back, very Chicago meal!
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
One of the largest science museums in the world, the Museum of Science and Industry is an interactive, hands-on experience for people of all ages! Some of Natalie's most cherished childhood memories and learning experiences are in this museum. Housed in a historic building from the 1893 World’s Fair, it features everything from a real WWII submarine to a towering indoor tornado, immersive exhibits, and huge, beautifully designed galleries. You can also see chicks hatch in real time! It’s in the iconic Hyde Park neighborhood and makes for a fun, easy half-day outing away from downtown.
Bahá'í House of Worship
Located in Wilmette (the hometown of Natalie's family), this stunning temple is one of the most beautiful architectural sites in the Midwest. Surrounded by serene gardens and open to all visitors, it’s a calm and absolutely breathtaking. You can pair it beautifully with a visit to nearby Gillson Park, sitting just on the coast of Lake Michigan.
Garfield Park Conservatory
Often called one of the most beautiful conservatories in the country, Garfield Park Conservatory is a lush, indoor oasis filled with glass-domed rooms of tropical plants, desert landscapes, and winding garden paths. It’s peaceful and warm, especially if you want a break from the city or need an easy, low-effort activity. Best of all, admission is free, and it’s only a short ride from downtown. A great choice for anyone who loves nature, photography, or a calm, cozy afternoon indoors!