Since beginning my first year at Notre Dame, I have already overheard countless conversations about taking day trips to explore Chicago. I will admit, I am one of those insufferable people who clarify that I am from downtown Chicago, not the suburbs, when introducing myself. And so, because I am a proud, lifelong city girl, I have taken it upon myself to compile my ultimate guide for a Notre Dame student’s weekend getaway.
The South Shore Line takes about two hours to get from the South Bend Airport to Millennium Station. You’ll be dropped into the heart of the city, transported from the quiet walking paths of campus to the bustling, questionably-smelling streets of Chicago. Suddenly, the tallest building in sight is no longer the Basilica, but a 108-story skyscraper, and the friendly GrubHub robots are now screeching Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses.
Located just across the street from the train station, Millennium Park is a haven amidst the chaos of downtown and a good starting point for a frightened college student from South Bend. After taking a mirror selfie at The Bean (formally titled Cloud Gate, but no true Chicagoan has ever uttered those words), begin your day in the Lurie Garden. If you catch it before all of the plants die, the scene of blooming flowers and warm-hued foliage with a skyline backdrop is unforgettable.
Like every little kid, I spent my childhood summers wandering the Art Institute of Chicago (that’s normal… right?). It sparked my appreciation for art from a young age, and I can confidently say that the tourist blogs are right when they recommend it as one of the best museums in the city. If you don’t like staring at paintings while nodding your head and pretending to understand what you’re looking at, stop in the basement to check out the Thorne Rooms. I could spend hours inspecting the endless details of the miniatures, and it’s my second-favorite spot in the museum after the gift shop.
I would be a disloyal employee if I didn’t mention Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. For the past three summers, I have worked as a water taxi deckhand. This very glamorous job involves great views, a lot of seagull poop and constant tourist interactions (hence why I’ve decided I’m qualified to write this). After donning my neon orange polo and khaki shorts, more befitting for a Boy Scout than a teenage girl, I would spend my days cruising back and forth on either the lake or river. Three years later, I can confidently claim the river is far superior. It is fun to watch lost kayakers desperately try to make a mad dash from one side to the other, and I love waving at people walking across the famous Bascule bridges (but do NOT Google the Dave Matthews Band incident before visiting). I also have to recommend the river architectural tour. The diverse buildings flanking the river reflect the city’s unique history, and they provide much-needed protection from the treacherous gusts of the Windy City during cooler months.
If you see me power walking across campus, it’s because I am used to sprinting to catch the CTA after school. While the frustrations of the Ventra app (app used to pay train fares) made my life hell on dreary weekdays in the dead of winter, I have found that tourists delight in the novelty of our public transportation system. If you want to journey slightly north of downtown, the 151 bus will take you from where you are on Michigan Avenue all the way to the Lincoln Park Zoo, where you can explore the city’s free zoo (the only one in America!) and beautiful parks along the lakefront. The surrounding neighborhoods are worth a walkthrough too, if you’re like me and want to browse cute shops or just marvel at huge mansions. If you’d rather stick to traveling on foot, simply head north on Michigan from the river down a stretch known as the “Magnificent Mile.” I only recommend this if you have access to an Amex card or enjoy window shopping. Personally, I don’t venture into designer stores; deckhand wages don’t cover Louis Vuitton bags.
Finally, if you’re not too drained, end your day with a show in the theater district, located in the Loop. As a former theater kid with a collection of about 50 Playbills, I have to give “Broadway in Chicago” a shoutout. Tickets can get pricey, so a photo of the Chicago Theater marquee for your Instagram story may have to suffice. In short, bring your curiosity, little patience for tourists and some comfortable walking shoes. Go early, stay late and don’t miss the river tour (you’ll thank me later). And honestly, if you’re heading there, take me with you.