Visiting Chicago? Learn why you should stay near Museum Campus for easy access to world-class museums, lakefront views, downtown attractions and much more.
Museum Campus is home to some of Chicago’s most iconic museums. Located on a 57-acre park right on the shores of Lake Michigan, it’s a must-visit if you’re looking for a fun day of education and entertainment for all ages.
Choosing a hotel nearby allows you to make the most of your time in Chicago. With easy access to museums and other attractions, plus convenient transportation options, staying close to Museum Campus can improve your whole trip.
Here are five reasons why you should consider booking a hotel near Museum Campus.
1. Easy Access to Chicago’s Top Museums
One of the biggest advantages of staying near Museum Campus is that you’ll have easy access to some of Chicago’s best attractions. All three museums are steps away from each other, making visits easy.
If you’re planning on visiting all three museums, consider purchasing the Chicago CityPASS or Chicago C3 pass, which can save you up to 50% on admission. Check CityPASS’s website for current details and attractions before purchasing.
### Field Museum of Natural History
Want to explore 4.6 billion years of history in one day? The Field Museum of Natural History is the destination for you. Founded in 1893 to house exhibits curated for the World’s Columbian Exposition, the Field Museum now houses millions of objects.
Step into the museum, and you’ll find artifacts from ancient civilizations, rare gemstones, wildlife displays and so much more.
It’s a must-visit for dinosaur lovers too, home to Máximo, the 122-foot-long Titanosaur, and SUE, the most complete T. rex skeleton ever discovered.
### Shedd Aquarium
The eleventh-largest aquarium in the world, the Shedd Aquarium is fun for animal lovers of all ages. When it first opened in 1930, it was the largest indoor aquarium in the world. It continues to be at the forefront of marine conservation and species protection to this day.
It’s currently home to over 30,000 animals, and you'll encounter colorful fish, octopuses, turtles, sea otters, penguins and beluga whales. You’ll even be able to get up close to the animals with animal encounters and touch tanks.
### Adler Planetarium
Explore space and the galaxies far beyond our own at the Adler Planetarium!
The very first planetarium to open in the U.S., the Adler Planetarium is housed in an impressive domed building on the northern tip of Museum Campus. Inside, you’ll find interactive exhibits, educational events and shows in the Sky Theater. Visitors of all ages will enjoy learning about the wonders of space and astronomy.
2. Enjoy Stunning Lakefront and Skyline Views
Need a break from learning to enjoy the great outdoors? Chicago’s Museum Campus is located right on the shore of Lake Michigan. Staying nearby means you’ll be a short walk away from beautiful lakefront walking paths, bike trails, beaches and green spaces.
Start your mornings out watching the sun rise over the water, or end your day with a peaceful lakeside walk. Some of the best Chicago skyline views are from the Museum Campus area.
If you need even more nature, head south past McCormick Place Convention Center and check out the trails that weave through Burnham Wildlife Corridor and the McCormick Bird Sanctuary. This space serves as an important habitat for migrating birds and native prairie and woodland plants.
3. Convenient Access to Downtown Chicago
There’s more to explore in downtown Chicago than just museums.
Staying near Museum Campus puts you in a convenient, central downtown location, within easy walking or public transportation distance of some of the city’s best attractions and neighborhoods, including:
- Grant Park: “Chicago’s Front Yard,” Grant Park is situated just north of Museum Campus. It hosts festivals and events year-round.
- Millennium Park: No visit to Chicago is complete without a stop at Millennium Park and the famous “Bean” sculpture. North of Grant Park, Millennium Park hosts concerts, festivals and events throughout the year.
- The Art Institute of Chicago: If you can’t get enough of Chicago’s museums, the Art Institute is a must-see, with a world-class collection of almost 300,000 pieces from all over the world.
- The Loop: Chicago’s central downtown, The Loop is the business, cultural and transportation hub of the city. You’ll be able to enjoy shopping, dining, historic architecture and so much more.
- River North: Located a short transit ride away from Museum Campus, be sure to add the River North neighborhood to your itinerary. It’s filled with some of the best dining and entertainment options in the city, and you’ll be able to enjoy a walk along the Chicago River too.
4. Easy Access to Events and Entertainment
If you’re in town for a Bears game, concert or convention, booking a hotel near Museum Campus puts you close to the city’s top venues:
- Soldier Field: This stadium hosts football and soccer games, as well as concerts and other events year-round. Soldier Field is located just south of Museum Campus.
- McCormick Place: In town for a convention? McCormick Place Convention Center is the largest convention center in North America, with events happening every week. Staying near Museum Campus makes it easy to attend convention events and Chicago’s best attractions.
- Year-round entertainment: There’s always something happening in Chicago. Even if you’re not attending a football game or convention, you’re sure to find cultural celebrations, lakefront events and live performances that are worth checking out. Be sure to check what’s on the schedule during your upcoming visit.
5. More Time Exploring, Less Time Traveling
You didn’t come to Chicago to spend hours on public transit or in the backseat of a rideshare. One of the best (and most overlooked) benefits of staying in a central downtown location is that you’ll have more time to enjoy and explore Chicago.
Downtown Chicago is highly walkable, and many of the city’s top attractions are located just a few minutes’ walk away from Museum Campus. You’ll be able to easily spend your day walking between museums, parks, restaurants and entertainment venues without having to worry about how to get there.
If you do need to get somewhere a little further away, central downtown is well-connected by Chicago’s CTA train and bus network.
Book Your Stay Near Museum Campus
Whether you want to explore ancient history, visit beluga whales or watch the sun rise over Lake Michigan, Museum Campus is the place to do it.
If you’re looking to experience more and spend less time on public transit during your next trip to Chicago, staying close to Museum Campus is a smart choice.
Located around a mile away from Museum Campus, Congress Plaza Hotel offers luxury stays with panoramic views, right in the middle of downtown Chicago. Book your next stay with us today.
