Chicago has arguably the best skyline in the entire USA. To make it even nicer is the view of Lake Michigan with the skyline in the backdrop. Anyone who watches television has at least once seen their favorite characters pondering the situation while overlooking the city of Chicago. I set out to find these views and get some photos overlooking the skyline. Here are some of the best views and places for a photo shoot in Chicago.
Montrose Harbor
This is where we travelled the furthest to get a view of the skyline from Lake Michigan. The Montrose Harbor is about 30 minutes north from where we stayed in River North. It was an easy ride to get there and easy to find and gave panoramic views of the city. You can sit on a park bench or walk around the harbor while seeing the entire skyline in a distance.
North Avenue Beach
This was one of my favorite views of the city. North Avenue beach is just beside Lincoln Park and is just north of downtown. Here you get a close up view of the skyline while standing on a beach or boardwalk. The water is Caribbean blue and the view is phenomenal. If you're just going for photos, park outside Lincoln Park and cross the street to the beach, but be quick because the first 30 minutes of parking are free, after that the parking costs rise rapidly. If the weather was better we'd have stayed longer and paid the parking, but it was chilly and there was no one on the beach and very few people in the park.
Navy Pier
Aside from going to look for views from the city, you're probably going to Navy Pier anyways. Enjoy strolling through the shops, eating at one of many restaurants or the Ferris Wheel. Because of high winds the day we were there, hence the name Windy City, the Ferris Wheel was closed. Still it was nice to walk around the pier, both inside and out. The views of the city are phenomenal. I can only imagine the views from the Ferris Wheel, but I've heard it sells out quick so book your tickets in advance. If Ferris Wheels aren't your thing, there's a parkade on the pier that would give wicked views of Navy Pier with the skyline in the background. We were cold and tired so I didn't bother trying to find a way up there though.
Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium is located just east of the loop and on the water of Lake Michigan. It is near Soldier Field, the Field Museum and the Adler Planetarium, so there is a lot to do there. Just outside the aquarium is also some of the best views of the Chicago skyline. Before heading into the aquarium, we walked along side the water, took some photos and enjoyed the blue water and stunning skyline. There are also good views from the cafe and terrace in the aquarium. We had time to kill on our last night and ended up coming for panoramic night time views of the Chicago skyline too... it was worth it.
The Willis Tower
Do I need to say more? The Willis Tower was the world's tallest building for 25 years and is still the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere. Not only is there a number of cool shops and restaurants in the building, but the museum on the way up is engaging, informative and interesting. Once you reach the top you can see 4 states, and from the glass Skydeck you will see panoramic views of the city and Lake Michigan, all while standing on 2 inch class and 103 stories above the Chicago streets.
The River Walk
One of the reasons I loved staying in River North was because of the River Walk. If you want an up close view of the skyscrapers and some of the best architecture in the city of Chicago, and even the entire USA, all while walking crossing the bridges and walking along the River the River Walk is a must when visiting Chicago.
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