Chicago

Student Travel In Chicago

(Planning Student Group Trips to Chicago)

Chicago

“THE THIRD-MOST-POPULOUS CITY IN THE UNITED STATES, CHICAGO

IS HOME TO MYRIAD CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL WONDERS.“

Whether you are looking for a downtown hotel right in the center of the action or something more affordable in the outlying areas of the city, we are here to help.

We also provide additional resources, such as pricing for popular attractions, travel guide services, and transportation. To start planning your group trip, give us a call!

Chicago is also home to a number of historical and cultural attractions, including the Lincoln Park Zoo and the River North Gallery District, which houses the country’s largest concentration of contemporary art galleries outside of NYC. 

The downtown area of Chicago is accessible by both foot and public transportation, and it is brimming with shopping and dining options you are sure to enjoy.

What truly makes the city of Chicago unique, however, is its marvelous architecture. Famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright-designed many of Chicago’s downtown buildings, and the Oak Park neighborhood is where he developed his prairie style of architecture.

When you are ready to start planning your trip to Chicago, we encourage you to include some of the following activities in your itinerary.

Attractions

Attractions

  • 360 Chicago (formerly John Hancock)
  • Adler Planetarium
  • Brookfield Zoo
  • Buckingham Fountain
  • Botanic Garden
  • Federal Reserve BankField Museum

Attractions

  • Frank Lloyd Wright Home
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center
  • Lincoln Park Zoo
  • Millenium Park
  • Navy Pier & Imax
 

Attractions

  • Shedd Aquarium
  • Sightseeing Cruise
  • Skydeck (Willis Tower)
  • Six Flags Great America
  • WhirlyBall
  • Wrigley Field Tours

Universities 

  • University of Chicago
  • DePaul University
  • Northwestern University
  • Robert Morris University
  • Roosevelt University
  • Art Institute
  • Vandercook College

Performing Arts 

  • Lyric Opera
  • Chicago Symphony
  • Joffrey Ballet
  • Blue Man Group
  • Broadway in Chicago
  • Shakespeare Theater

Sports 

  • Bears Football
  • Blackhawks Hockey
  • Bulls basketball
  • Cubs Baseball
  • White Sox Baseball
  • Fire Soccer
  • Center Stage

RESTAURANTS

  • Ed Debevics
  • Gino’s East Pizza
  • Medieval Times
  • Hard Rock Café
  • House of Blues
  • Bubba Gumps
  • Rainforest Café
  • Spirit Cruises
  • Pizzeria Uno
  • Tommy Guns Dinner Theater

SHOPPING

  • Magnificent Mile
  • State Street
  • Fashion Outlets
  • Premium Outlets
  • Water Tower Place

TRANSPORTATION

  • O’Hare Airport(ORD)
  • Midway Airport(MDW)
  • Amtrak
  • Chicago Transit Authority

Chicago

The Windy City.  That “toddlin’ town”.  City of the big shoulders.  Chicago is an almost mythical place and the 2nd most populous city in the USA.

Known for its inspiring architecture, Chicago offers much, much more to students.  Educational student tours for groups in Chicago can take on many shapes, depending on what you’re taking your students there to learn.

Let’s look at some of what Chicago has to offer the curious minds of visiting students.

Chicago Architecture Foundation

On August 31, the new Chicago Architecture Center opens to the public.  Located for 25 years at the Railway Exchange Building on Michigan Avenue, the Center will now be situated in the heart of the city, occupying a massive 20,000 square foot facility.

This location is directly over the dock from which students may board the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise.   This is one of the USA’s top 10 tours and one of Chicago’s most loved.  Accompanied by skilled docents, students will learn about 50 of Chicago’s most acclaimed architectural landmarks on this 90-minute cruise.

Art Institute of Chicago

It’s well worth the effort involved to book a student tour to get the most from this incredible storehouse of artistic treasures.

Fall and Spring tours are available for students of all ages, with Fall tours running between September 26 and January 28 and Spring tours available between January 30 and May 26.  Student tours are booked on a first come first served basis, so educators should visit the tour scheduler to book.

A docent-led tour gives students a professional perspective on what they’re seeing, with expertise walking with them through this iconic educational resource.

Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Museum

The home and studio of one of the USA’s most acclaimed architects can be toured or select a visit to some of his local gems, including the only home designed by Wright to be wheelchair accessible.

At his home and studio, find out more about Wright, his design philosophy and how he lived, with the assistance of trained interpreters or experience the Accessible Usonian – the Laurent House in Rockford.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural genius can be experienced in and around Chicago at numerous sites, giving your students a firsthand look into the mind and contributions of an American genius.

Museum of Science and Industry

Sprawled over 14 acres, Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry is the largest facility of its kind in the USA.  With over 400,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, students will get in touch with their sense of wonder, experiencing the mysteries of nature, space exploration and technology.

The Science Storms exhibit takes you and your students into the 40-foot vortex of a tornado.  That’ll give ‘em something to talk about when they get home!

Peak Performance Tours

For over 20 years, Peak has been creating unique educational adventures for students.  We tailor our experiences to educator vision, while making them unforgettable for students and supportive vehicles for teaching.

Ready to go?  Contact us to request information on your dream itinerary and go, with Peak!