From sports and outdoor activities to fine dining and museums, Chicago provides plenty of recreational opportunities to keep you entertained all year round.
Chicago residents enjoy 26 miles of uninterrupted lakefront and dozens of free public beaches thanks to the city’s location on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, the second largest of the Great Lakes and the fifth largest lake in the world.
Located less than half a mile from The Clare in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, Oak Street Beach is a popular summer hotspot. Rent a chair to soak up the sun or grab a bite to eat at Whispers at Oak Street Beach restaurant. No matter what you choose to do, you’ll enjoy a spectacular view of the city skyline.
Further north, you’ll find Montrose Beach, the largest beach in Chicago, which contains one of the only fenced dog beaches in the city. Just south of the beach, you’ll find a dedicated natural habitat for rare plants and many species of birds.
Many know Chicago as the Windy City. Fewer know it as the City in a Garden. Given the 8,800 acres of greenspace within the city limits, though, it’s a well-deserved nickname. In fact, the Chicago Park District is one of the largest municipal park managers in the United States.
Venture downtown to explore Grant Park, a 313-acre public park that boasts some of Chicago’s most notable features, including Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park, Buckingham Fountain and more. Grant Park also encompasses Museum Campus, the site of world-class museums like The Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum of Natural History, the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium. What’s more, Grant Park hosts some of the city’s largest food and music festivals, such as the Taste of Chicago and Grant Park Music Festival.
To escape the buzz of the Loop, take a stroll at North Pond Nature Sanctuary at Lincoln Park Conservancy, or you can head west to Humboldt Park. Another option is to visit the gardens at Jackson Park, often referred to as the Garden of the Phoenix or the Osaka Garden. The cherry blossom trees are a highlight of the garden, especially when they’re in full bloom during spring.
Chicago may be a metropolitan area, but there are plenty of opportunities for walking and exploring. The 18-mile paved Lakefront Trail, for instance, is frequented by walkers, joggers and bikers, who wish to enjoy the Lake Michigan shores juxtaposed by the city skyline. Meanwhile, The 606 serves as 2.7 miles of multi-use recreational trail through the Logan Square area.
Prefer to stay downtown? Check out the Chicago Riverwalk, a 1.25-mile path along the Chicago River that features various venders and areas to relax and enjoy the waterfront.
Chicago offers a diverse array of museums, bolstering the city’s cultural scene. Visit Museum Campus for some of Chicago’s most popular museums, including the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium. The Art Institute of Chicago features thousands of artworks and hosts rotating exhibits, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, located a couple of blocks from The Clare, displays new and contemporary art and cultural works.
Outside of Chicago’s downtown area, you’ll find the Chicago History Museum in Lincoln Park, the Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park and the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen. As you explore the dozens of Chicago neighborhoods, you’re sure to encounter even more museums and exhibitions.
Chicago and festivals go hand-in-hand, no matter the time of year. Popular among residents of The Clare is the Grant Park Music Festival and the Chicago Dragon Boat Race For Literacy, a summer concert series featuring the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus. The annual Chicago Blues Festival and Chicago Jazz Festival also highlight the city’s love for music.
Looking for events beyond music? The Chicago International Film Festival takes place each fall and screens the best in international cinema from new filmmakers and seasoned veterans alike. During the holiday season, Chriskindlmarket opens in Daley Plaza as an open-air, European-style marketplace. Simply put, there’s no shortage of events and activities throughout the city of Chicago.
The Clare is dedicated to providing residents with innovative programming to complement all that Chicago has to offer. From exclusive musical performances to well-renowned lecturers, residents of The Clare have the opportunity to broaden their horizons every day at the place they call home.
For more information about senior living at The Clare, please contact us.
