History of State Street: How It Remained a Great Street
Was State Street always such a vital part of the city? How did it become the heart of the Loop?
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Chicago Loop Insights
Your insider's guide to the best things to do, see, and experience in Chicago.
Willis Tower celebrates 50th anniversary
3 MIN READ — Following transformative $500M redevelopment, Willis Tower celebrates milestone with series of community programs.
Bertha Palmer’s Chocolate Brownie: The Hidden Gem of Chicago
Surprisingly, only some locals and far fewer travelers know about the Palmer House’s chocolate brownie despite its notable history.
Exclusive Wedding Venues in the Chicago Loop
4 MIN READ – Whether you’re looking for a skyline view, down to earth luxury along the Riverwalk, modern or traditional buildings for your special day, the Chicago Loop has it all. So, take a trip around the Loop and find the best venues to hold your next shindig.
Then and Now: A Brief History of the Chicago ‘L’
Elevated tracks appeared to be the right choice, as subways were too expensive to consider. And so the first ‘L’ train (then Chicago and South Side Rapid Transit Railroad) was built in 1892, and its inaugural journey took place on June 6, spanning 3.6 miles in 14 minutes.
Couch Place, the Alley of the Death
2 MIN READ – Couch Place, or the Alley of the Death, is an eerie back street in Chicago that has a tragic history. Some people passing through claim that the alley is haunted. Do you know what happened here?
Loop locations you didn’t know were historic
4 MIN READ – In a neighborhood like the Loop, every building has a story. In addition to the rich history of State Street, “that great street,” read on to learn about the significance of some of your favorite businesses and institutions. You might be surprised how many historic spots you didn’t know you’ve been walking past in “Everyone’s Neighborhood.”
Ida B. Wells Drive: A Prominent Street Honoring a Bold Civil Rights Leader
In the summer of 2018, Chicago City Council passed an ordinance to rename Congress Parkway after Ida B. Wells Drive to honor the civil rights leader’s remarkable legacy of social and political heroism.
What's Happening
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Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard First Lady
March 14, 2026
Chicago’s top-rated architecture boat tour, 90 minutes with expert CAC guides, stunning skyline views, open-air seating, and onboard amenities.
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Creepy Cruise
March 20, 2026
Explore Chicago’s haunted past on a nighttime river cruise featuring ghost stories, mob history, and eerie secrets of the Windy City.
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Sightseeing River & Lake Cruises
April 16, 2026
Chicago River & Lake Michigan cruise with skyline views, iconic landmarks, and engaging guides sharing the city’s history and stories.
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Chicago by Night River & Lake
April 16, 2026
Experience Chicago at night on a 90-minute river and lake cruise, featuring a glittering skyline, cool breezes, and lively, family-friendly commentary.
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Theater of the Mind - with The Goodman
April 21, 2026
Directed by Andrew Scoville. Co-created by Academy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winning artist David Byrne* and writer Mala Gaonkar, Theater of the Mind is a new theatrical…
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3D Fireworks Cruise
May 23, 2026 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Cruise from the Chicago Riverwalk to Lake Michigan for skyline views and a 3D-enhanced fireworks show with music and narration.
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Summer Art Classes at SAIC
May 31, 2026
Let your creative potential shine this summer with a class at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, with options available for kids, teens and…
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Champions of Magic Tour
June 5, 2026
From June 6th until July 5th, the phenomenal Champions of Magic bring their acclaimed illusion spectacular to Chicago. Featuring their biggest illusions ever, experience the Broadway-scale…
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Iceboy! The Musical
June 19, 2026
MUSIC BY MARK HOLLMANNLYRICS BY MARK HOLLMANN AND JAY REISSBOOK BY ERIN QUINN PURCELL AND JAY REISSDIRECTED BY MARC BRUNISTARRING…