A Winter Guide to Chicago, USA

Are you making plans to visit the wonderful city of Chicago?

You need to know what to expect, in terms of attractions and the weather, as a Winter in Chicago is both beautiful and extreme. If you can’t get enough of snowy cities, then Chicago is your best bet as it remains snowy, throughout the winter.

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The Winter Weather in Chicago

First of all, let us discuss the weather. Winter brings consistently cold days to the city and a very high possibility of snow. Temperatures range from 24°F to 34°F (-4°C to 1°C). So, you need to be prepared for this winter experience, so wrap up warm with layers.

Here are our go to winter coats, to keep warm throughout the Chicago winter:

• Ladies – Long Ultralight 850 Down Coat, ($289), which keeps you warm, even in wet conditions upto-30°F. It’s available in black, marine blue, dark plum and kelp green.
• Mens – Baxter State Parker ($299) is L.L.Beans warmest men’s insulated parka that keeps you comfortable and dry in the Chicago cold, wind and rain.

 

A Winter Guide to Chicago Activities

The #1 Selfie Spot in Chicago

You must visit the infamous Millennium Park, in the city of Chicago, known for its architecture, exhibitions and beauty. Spend the best part of the day in this snowy park.

The most instagrammable selfie spot here is at the Cloud Gate, the home of “The Bean.” It has a beautifully reflective surface that gives its own appeal to everyone who sets their eyes upon it.

Millennium Park Address: 201 E. Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60601

 

You may also enjoy reading: How to Prevent, Minimise and Fight Jet Lag!

 

Ice Skating at Millennium Park

After taking a memorable snowy selfie with your friends and/or family at “The Bean”, you can go down to the skating rink and have some fun gliding or falling to your hearts content.

It free to enter, but there is a rental fee to hire skates. The ice-skating rink is open until March 2020, weather permitting, so you can enjoy the fun again and again. For opening hours, free ice skating classes and rental prices, click here.

Millennium Park Address: 201 E. Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60601

 

Did you miss last weeks post? Check it out PreParture’s Top Travel Posts of 2019

Meet the Polar Bears this Winter

From the residency of the Arctic Tundra, there lives a polar bear named Siku, who is a 1000 lb. Polar bear. You can currently see him at the Lincoln Park Zoo.

This zoo is home to lots of other adorable and interesting animals, including snow-loving monkeys, penguins, giraffes, gorillas and a lot more! It’s a great FREE day out with the family. Please consider adopting an animal, purchase a gift for an animal on the zoo’s Wish List or making a donation to help keep the zoo open.

So, if you are going to visit this beautiful, mysterious city, then the Lincoln Park Zoo should be on the list of your top priorities as its simply magical during winter.

Lincoln Park Zoo Address: 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA

 

Get inspired before you depart by listening to a travel podcast or download some inflight entertainment:  7 Awesome Travel Podcasts to Listen to Now!

 

Rest in a Snow Globe

You can go to a few rooftop bars in Chicago, and relax in a snow globe. From here you can eat and drink, while embracing the winter and looking out at the city views of Chicago. Afterwards, enjoy a snowy walk along the Riverwalk.

Addresses for the rooftop bars offering snow globes: 

• Parker
• IO Godfrey
• ROOF on the Wit
• OFFshore at the Navy Pier.

 

Take a Stroll Down Magnificent Mile

Michigan Avenue is famous for an entire mile of shopping outlets and stores. During the winter months, it is lit up, for the Lights Festival, with thousands of lights making it one of the most magical places in Chicago.

Wrap up warm with one of favourite winter coast (see above) and take a stroll down Magnificent Mile. You may find a bargain!

 

Head North to Winnetka

If you love the movie Home Alone then head North, 16 miles, to the town of Winnetka. Here you can see the home, Kevin fought to protect when he was left and forgotten at home by his family.

It is a private resident, I’m sure you don’t need reminding to be respectful and not enter their property. You can also visit Station Park, in front of Winnetka Village Hall, Green Bay Road, where Kevin met Santa.

Home Alone House Address: 671 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka

 

Take a Chicago Movie Tour

Speaking of movie! If you love cinema, then consider taking a tour of the best known film locations, with the Chicago Film Tour. You’ll visit locations from ‘Ferris Buellers Day Off’, ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’, ‘North by Northwest’ and more! Tickets are $30.

We hope you have a great time in Chicago as it is our home and the birthplace of the PreParture App.

You can download PreParture from both Google Play and Apple App store, totally FREE! Once downloaded add the addresses from this post to build your own Chicago itinerary.