Chicago History Museum, Chicago (must see)

Set on a picturesque piece of land near the Lincoln Park Zoo and the lakefront, this institution traces Chicago's rich and often complicated history, starting with its first explorers and settlers, through the city's development, to major events in modern-day Chicago. Inside, you'll find a harmonious blend of vintage and contemporary elements, with everything kept pristinely clean and tidy. It's an easy-in/easy-out museum, great to wander about for a couple of hours without the jostling crowds.

What many might not realize is that the CHM houses one of the nation's largest collections of costumes and textiles, a staggering 50,000 pieces spanning from the 18th century to the present day. It also boasts an astonishing trove of artifacts and original artworks that are not only significant to Chicago's history but also integral to the broader context of U.S. history. These include the very bed in which Abraham Lincoln took his final breath, haunting reminders of Civil War-era slave shackles, original paintings by the iconic Norman Rockwell, a restored turn-of-the-century train car and other fascinating curiosities. For sports fans, a special treat is the display honoring Chicago's legendary athletes, from Ernie Banks and Michael Jordan to Dick Butkus, Mike Ditka, Bobby Hull, and Stan Mikita.

Among permanent exhibitions, "Chicago: Crossroads of America" stands out as a celebration of the city's cultural contributions, from the birth of urban blues to the triumphs of skyscraper architecture, and sheds light on significant events like the Haymarket Affair, unraveling the complexities of an 1884 labor rally where a bomb altered the course of history and led to the conviction of eight anarchists for conspiracy. In "Sensing Chicago", young visitors can step back in time to experience the city's bygone era by catching a fly ball at Comiskey Park, donning costumes inspired by Chicago-style hot dogs, and taking a spin on a penny-farthing bicycle. "City on Fire: Chicago 1871" plunges visitors into the chaos and aftermath of the infamous inferno that displaced one-third of its population in a mere two days.