If you find yourself taking our Chicago Architecture Tour at Michigan Avenue and are looking for some time to kill or even something after, we’ve got some highlights and recommendations for you! Or if you’re heading this way from one of our water taxis or even just finding yourself in this area, this is for you too! While these are just some things we included in our list, do not limit yourself to it! There are so many more different things to do, restaurants to eat at, coffee shops to energize at and even more near our Michigan Avenue Dock! Chicago is yours and what you make of it!
Places to Grab a Bite and Drink
When you’re on vacation days can get long and especially in Chicago where there is just so much to see. Reenergize yourselves with a cup of joe or even carb up with a slice or two, whose counting, of pizza!
Lou Malnati’s
Located on the other side of Michigan Avenue from us next to the Walgreens is one of Chicago’s best spots to grab the classic Chicago style deep dish pizza, Lou Malnatis. This joint is also a contender in the popular debate of who has the better deep dish style pizza, Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s. Tune in next week on the Ship’s Blog to see what we have to say about it!
City Winery
Located along the riverwalk is the aesthetic City Winery that allows for walk ups and or reservations with an upfront view of the river! It’s also a unique accommodation allowing recreational boats to pull up to the dock and tie off while they have some food and or drinks to wind down. They are open from Wednesdays through Sunday whether you want a table or stopping by for a quick walk up wine or beer.
Labriola
North of our dock, just a block further from Blue Bottle Cafe, is where you will find Labriola. Another spot to try deep dish pizza or thin crust. A must try from their menu is their garlic knot bread, no questions just try! They offer salads, soups, pastas, desserts, and good drinks. You can sit inside or choose to dine on the patio!
Blue Bottle Cafe
In need of a quick pick me up before your tour or just in the midst of your day, Blue Bottle Cafe where they value the origin of coffee and your taste buds. Head North of our dock and it’s located at 435 N Michigan Avenue
Parks and Museums Near Us
Up for some more activities and things to see close to Michigan Avenue there are a couple of fun and different than you average museums near us! You can even take a stroll to some of the parks of Chicago which hold different gardens, fountains, rock climbing, mini golf, and much more.
Museum of Ice Cream
An unorthodox museum where you can not only get to learn the fun history about ice cream in an engaging way but also can try some of the ice cream flavors they have to offer which includes dairy free options too!! The Museum of Ice Cream could not be in a better location from our dock, just a minute or two walk heading north! Here you will not only
Museum of Illusions
Also a 12 minute walk South of the Michigan Avenue Dock is the Museum of Illusions which is full of illusions and a sensory experience that will have your brain second guessing what you’re seeing! There are different exhibits that include installations, images, and illusion rooms that will have you scratching your head!
Millennium Park
Just South of the Michigan Avenue Bridge is Millennium Park. Home of Crown Fountain, The Lurie Garden a 2.5 acre garden that is surrounded by the beautiful city. You can rock climb in this park as well, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion will sometimes host movie nights, yoga, and live music!
Maggie Daley Park
A 13 minute walk is another park next to Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park. This may sound familiar as they are known for having their ice skating ribbon in the winter. Lucky for us, those chilly days are behind us and summer is near! City Mini Golf is an 18 hole miniature golf course located in the park and is reopening April 5th for the season!
