Chicago Off The Beaten Path Tips by Paulie_D

Adler Planetarium Museums Review

I love visiting planetariums (planetaria?) and I took the opportunity of a quick visit to the Adler.

It currently (9/2003) features four different shows (25 -35 minutes each) in the domed Sky and StarRider theatres. Well worth a visit, especially with kids.

Prices are from $13 for admission with 1 show included. Additional shows are $5 each. Children and concessionary prices are available.

Located on the Museum Campus it's well supported by CTA bus, Museum Campus trolley and City of Chicago Free Trolley links.

Phone: 1300 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

Website: http://www.adlerplanetarium.org

Buckingham Fountain

The fountain of fountains is located at Columbus Drive and Congress Parkway in Grant Park in Chicago. Buckingham Fountain opened in 1927 and is still one of the largest fountains in the world. The fountain produces a major water display every hour on the hour for approximately 20 minutes. Every minute, 133 jets spray approximately 14,000 gallons of water into the air. The center jet shoots water 150 feet into the air. The fountain water display operates from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Beginning at dusk the water display is accompanied by a major light and music performance. There are 820 lights choreographed with the water and music. Although the fountain is turned off in the winter, there is a holiday light and music presentation.

The fountain also serves as a popular backdrop for Chicagoans wedding photos. When I took the accompanying picture, I had to dodge at least 3 wedding parties.

The majority of the above information btained from Visit Chicago Illinois.com Visit that site for more details.

Chicago Water Tower Architecture & Public Art (outdoor) Review

The old Water Tower and Chicago Avenue Pumping Station are the only public buildings to survive in the area destroyed by the Fire of 1871. Both structures were designed in a castellated-Gothic Revival style. The tower represents a fanciful interpretation of a medieval fortress or, in a quote attributed to the famed critic Oscar Wilde, a "monstrosity with pepper boxes stuck all over it."

Nonetheless, both buildings have come to symbolize Chicago's fierce drive to continue, as well as rare monuments to the 19th century.

The Water Tower was originally built to house a 138-foot standpipe, which became obsolete and was removed in 1911. The district also includes a turn-of-the-century fire station and two small parks

Located at Michigan and Chicago Avenues

Year Built: 1869, Water Tower/pumping station; 1904

Designated a Chicago Landmark on October 6, 1971

Information obtained from CityOfChicago.org