The Field Museum

What sprung from the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition now stands as Chicago's Field Museum. Its neo-Classical buildings are stocked with more than 25 million artifacts—some up to 4.6 billion years old. This vast collection of fascinating relics exhilarates history buffs and curious novices alike.

The museum's main attraction is Sue, the world's largest, best-preserved, and most complete T. rex ever discovered. Purchased for more than 8 million dollars in 1997, the remarkable fossil stands 13 feet (4 m) tall and 42 feet (13 m) long. Enjoy a photo opportunity under her stunted arms and marvel at the mural depicting her as she lived.

As you take in the massive dinosaurs, ancient gems, and stunning taxidermy, stroll toward Ancient Egypt for floor-to-ceiling hieroglyphs, mummified cats, and an authentic Pharaonic tomb. Then discover the Evolving Planet exhibit, a journey through the past 4 billion years of life on Earth, from single-celled organisms to modern city dwellers.

Other highlights include the Hall of Jades, which explores China's prehistoric past and its enduring empire with more than 400 objects on display; the Grainger Hall of Gems, a breathtaking collection of hard-to-find stones and expertly crafted jewelry; and Restoring Earth, an investigation by leading scientists into wilderness conservation.