The best activities in Chicago's spring

Tumbling headlong out of an icy winter, mighty Chicago’s spring activities go beyond those of other American metropolises. Suddenly, sub-zero temperatures give way to tulips unfurling on Michigan Avenue, while restaurants return to regular trade along the atmospheric Riverwalk. The buzz is so infectious that it’s easy to get swept up in it, especially on March 17th when St. Patrick’s celebrations erupt throughout the city in Irish pubs and taverns. On sunnier days, stroll the scenic waterfront or enjoy a twilight cruise with cocktail service. You can even sample deep-dish pizza at iconic Chicago landmarks.

01

Springtime flower displays

The season’s beautiful colors in vibrant glory

Chicago in spring is an artist’s dream. Come April, great swathes of the city explode with blossoms, especially in public green spaces. Visit Jackson Park’s Garden of the Phoenix where ethereal sakura petals blow in the Windy City breeze like confetti at a wedding. It’s a great place to enjoy a picnic, especially by the moon bridge.

Alternatively, stop by the 19th century Lincoln Park Conservatory where Victoria-era statues tinkle water into tranquil koi ponds and exotic varieties of orchids bloom beneath towering palms. If you’re ambling around Downtown, stroll Michigan Avenue to see thousands of tulips imported from the Netherlands. They’re planted along median strips spanning 33 blocks.

Concurrently, Garfield Park Conservatory delivers a visual feast of flowers including hydrangeas, hyacinths, and powderpuff trees; kids will recognize these magical-looking plants from the Dr. Suess book The Lorax. While entry to the grounds is via donation, access to the conservatory itself requires booking in advance.

02

Sightseeing cruises for lifelong memories

The iconic skyline from a whole other vantage point

There’s no better way to see Chicago town than aboard one of its many sightseeing vessels, whether that’s sailing the serpentine Chicago River at noon or gliding across the skin of Lake Michigan come sundown. Either way, you’ll enjoy jaw-dropping views of the city’s visually arresting skyline, including major architectural landmarks like The Rookery and Tribune Tower.

Highly recommended is the Tall Ship Windy, a traditional rigged sailboat that departs from Navy Pier and features a glittering fireworks display at dusk, or the glass-enclosed Odyssey ferry at City Experiences which serves a chef-prepared meal at a window side table, accompanied by craft cocktails and music from DJs. Meanwhile, Seadog Cruises delivers a 30-minute, high-speed ride across dramatic Lake Michigan—bring a towel though as the water is choppy!

03

Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations

The Emerald Isle’s most exuberant event

Of all the cities in the United States, Chicago has to be one of the best when it comes to St. Patrick’s celebrations. The locals actually dye the river green; a tradition that can be traced back to 1962. Head down to the Riverwalk in the morning to watch boats partake in this time-honored custom before dropping by an Irish tavern to drink shamrock-hued beer.

Catch the St Patrick’s Day Parade on Columbus Drive between Balbo and Monroe, where you’ll enjoy music from the Shannon Rovers Pipe Band, floats decorated with proud Irish flags, and troupes of traditional dancers. For a slap-up Irish meal, swing by Lizzie McNeill’s Pub for a three-hour open bar and breakfast before 11 am, or head to its giant party tent which can be found on the banks of the river.

04

Eclectic local markets to explore

Fresh produce and unique bargains to bag

When the weekend arrives and the weather is fine, peruse goods at one of Chicago’s open-air emporiums. For vintage treasures and rare antiques, visit Randolph Street Market in the trendy West Loop neighborhood, where you can unearth valuable items like old-world jewelry, glinting glassware, and collectable vinyl records. Alternatively, swing by the Plant Chicago Market at Davis Square Park for hand-harvested honey and freshly baked bread, before learning about sustainability from the city’s urban farmers.

If you’re into all-things epicurean, nothing beats the Chicago French Market, a short stroll from the river’s south branch, for merchants selling gourmet treats like Parisian pastries, Mexican tamales, and fluffy American donuts. Meanwhile, Green City Market draws crowds with its cooking demonstrations and organic fruit and veggies. It’s held on Saturdays, from April, in leafy Lincoln Park.

05

Rosehill Cemetery

Historic beauty spot set in 350 acres of garden

It might be a graveyard, but Rosehill Cemetery instantly beguiles with its gothic-style Joliet limestone gatehouse (circa 1864) which features a three-story bell tower and narrow lancet windows that look fresh out of the pages of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale. The resting place of several members of the 8th Illinois Cavalry, the unit that fired the first shots in the Battle of Gettysburg, Rosehill is abundant with remarkable artistry in both its statuary and headstones.

Open to the public and offering free guided walking tours, Rosehill is home to notable graves including the Frances Pearce Stone which showcases white marble sculptures encased in a box of crystal-clear glass, and the John G. Shedd mausoleum—an elaborate family crypt featuring exquisite stained-glass windows. On the cemetery’s doorstep, visitors will find the West Ridge Nature Reserve which houses an abundance of animals and beautiful bird species including white-tailed deer and great blue herons.

06

Lakefront Trail

Hike or bike besides the state’s Great Lake

Chicago’s picturesque Lakefront Trail boasts 18 miles of pedestrian pathways that skirt the edges of mammoth Lake Michigan. Popular with cyclists, walkers, and rollerbladers, this popular paved route can be found on the city’s eastern edge where it hugs a wealth of beaches and waterfront neighborhoods like Uptown, Bronzeville, and South Loop.

The Lakefront Trail features breathtaking views of Chicago’s epic skyline, making it the perfect place to spend spring break discovering photogenic restaurants and bars; the vistas here can make the meal. Castaways Beach Club can be found on the roof of an ocean liner-style building on the shores of North Avenue Beach. Visit for the ritzy lobster rolls and Blue Pom Margarita.

07

Centennial Wheel and Butterfly House

A fun day out for the whole family

If you’re travelling with kids, head to Centennial Wheel on Navy Pier—a sky-sweeping carnival ride which soars to heights of 200 feet and boasts 360-degree views of the skyline and lake. Really make a day of it by booking a VIP gondola for up to four people, which features a transparent glass bottom and luxurious seating.

Afterwards, visit the nearby Butterfly House, which opens every spring, to marvel at hundreds of winged beauties from all over the world as they flit about a gigantic plant-filled polyhouse. Encounter exotic varieties like the Bellus Swallowtail and the Paris Peacock. Portions of the proceeds go towards rainforest conservation.

Whether you’re heading to Chicago in the spring to see its kaleidoscopic blossoms or want to celebrate with the locals during St. Patrick’s Day festivities, the Windy City’s quality accommodation options cater to all kinds of travelers. Book a 5-star luxury hotel in The Loop or opt for a cozy bed and breakfast in a family-friendly neighborhood. You’ll experience warm Midwestern hospitality from the moment you show up.