Must See Sights and Landmarks in Cook County Area

"Probably the most iconic part of Navy Pier is the Centennial Wheel, a large ferris wheel. It’s open year round, weather permitting. Towards the end of the pier, you can also get a really good view of the city. It also holds several free events from time to time, so make sure to check the calendar before you go."

"Built in 1916, Navy Pier was purposed as a mix-used dock for commercial freighters and warehousing, public pleasure cruises and public gatherings. The pier extends 3,300 feet out into Lake Michigan from the Chicago shoreline. Today, Navy Pier is the most visited tourist attraction in all of Chicago."

"With all the fantastic Chicago diners available in the Windy City sometimes it’s nice to change it up a bit. Lincoln Park’s Summer House Santa Monica will transport you to sunny California with its bright and breezy dining room. If you’re looking for an instant mood boost, this is it."

"Never again choose between a chocolate-chip cookie and a Rice Krispie treat. This slightly salty and super-fudgy cookie is studded with chunks of the classic bar. The whole thing is massive, yet you’ll find yourself refusing to share."

"Description: Summer House Santa Monica will transport you to the warmth of California. Try the Avocado Toast with perfectly poached eggs & house made bread!. Location: 1954 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614"

"Lakeview & EdgewaterPairs of satisfyingly chewy, oven-fresh, made-from-scratch cinnamon buns, intensely aromatic and drenched in a thick, creamy glaze, are the name of the game inside this long-revered breakfast hotspot. One whiff and you’ll never fall victim to a greasy mall kiosk bun-slinger again, we guarantee it.How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating, call your nearest location for take-out, or delivery via DoorDash, GrubHub, Postmates, and Uber Eats."

"4 Chicago Locations: Belmont Ave, Clark St, Broadway, Southport (773) 348-2378www.annsather.com. When your meal comes with a cinnamon roll the size of your head, you know your in for a treat. Ann Sather is a Chicago staple, putting a delicious Swedish twist on their pancake menu."

"Real breakfast is found in the form of two giant cinnamon rolls for only $3.50 at Ann Sather. Dining on a budget has never tasted so good."

"However, for the admission, they should include some sort of souvenir or discount gift for next visit. On another note, the Zoo is pretty big and the parking lot is conveniently close by. Admissions process on a weekend was pretty quick."

"Free admission at the Brookfield Zoo for all active, reservist, and retired members of the military with ID. Admission is also free for children age 2 and under."

"This smaller urban zoo is nestled in the heart of one of Chicago’s most popular parks, and its accessibility makes it a popular attraction for local families. Popular creatures at the Lincoln Park Zoo include the darling Red Pandas at the Kovler Lion House, the playful snow monkeys, the young snow leopard Taza, and many more. They also offer fun attractions that kids will especially enjoy, including the marvelous Endangered Species Carousel, lovingly painted and crafted, and the Lionel Train Adventure, which all the little ones will love."

"Start your morning by visiting the Lincoln Park Zoo which has free admission and is one of the oldest zoos in the USA (opening in 1868). Plan to spend two hours (or more) exploring the zoo grounds."

"Lincoln Park Zoo is a renowned 35-acre zoo in Lincoln Park and a hotspot for tourists. It’s the zoo’s pavilion, designed to provide shelter for open-air on-site classes, that offers such a fantastically picturesque snap. With the design drawing inspiration from the appearance of a tortoise’s shell, the stunning curved wooden pavilion elegantly frames the Chicago skyline."

"This Andersonville neighborhood favorite is beloved for its new American-style breakfasts, fresh bakery, charming setting, and its use of locally sourced and organic food. While other breakfast menus are serving the obligatory eggs and avocado toast, spring and summer at m.henry brings a dandelion, shallot, and leek omelette; blackberry bliss cakes; Fannie's killer fried egg sandwich; "veritable vegan epiphany" with scrambled organic tofu, rapini, sweet onions served with tempeh strips or veggie sausage, sliced avocado, a petite fruit salad or house potatoes. The flavors of fall are revealed in items like Sweet Potato Flapjacks w/Apple Cider Syrup; Rustic Peasant Quiche; and Pumpkin Pecan Hotcakes w/maple mascarpone, among many others."

"Restaurants American Edgewater. At this sweet, sunny, daytime-only café, health food is tasty enough to crave. The owners are committed to organics and offer meat-free options, but they’re okay with a little cheese, butter and sugar every now and then."

"M. Henry's all-day breakfast menu doesn't break from tradition too often. It's very egg-centric with a few quiches and pastries to round it out. But what this restaurant does, it does well."

"Outstanding Mediterranean and Lebanese food consistently comes from the kitchen of this longtime Andersonville favorite. The large menu includes a mix of meat and vegetarian options (vegan options too). Roast lamb with couscous, Moroccan chicken with apricots, and Mediterranean eggplant are just a few of the goodies that await."

"Ground Control is a comforting, casual neighborhood spot that just so happens to serve vegan and vegetarian food. The no-frills space is the perfect spot to kick back and indulge in their elevated pub-grub offerings (minus the meat). Start your meal with tofu buffalo wings and a vegan Caesar-ish salad, before moving on to roasted sweet potato tacos, beet burger, Asian barbecue seitan, or the blackened tofu po boy."

"The best restaurants in Chicago also include some of the best signage in Chicago, and Ground Control is chief among them. A fun carrot-rocket ship greets you on the sign outside, happily combining the space-with-plants theme and fun diner fare. Enjoy sandwiches, burgers, BBQ, Asian and Mexican selections that will make you wonder how vegan food has gotten so good!"

"This restaurant can be the best place for both of you because it does not only cook vegan foods but also non-vegan foods which tend to be meaty. It is such a great idea to get along with your omnivore friend, isn’t it?. Ground Control Restaurant provides various kinds of breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus including salad, soup, and liquor."