The Dawes House is a home on the national register of historic places. It is managed by the Evanston History Center. Built in 1894 on a lakeshore site over two acres, the house incorporates many classic Tudor and Jacobean design elements. At over three stories tall, the house has six bedrooms. Tours are available.
A four-story replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa sits directly in front of this YMCA facility. The area around the Tower has a reflecting pool and amphitheater seating for occasional concerts. Inside, the YMCA offers housing, child care and a wide variety of recreational and fitness pursuits. They include aquatics programs in the two pools, fitness, sports such as basketball and racquetball, a large weight room, and classes in dance, triathlon training, martial arts and other subjects for children, adults and seniors.
The Ridge Historical Society is a Chicago-based non-profit dedicated to the preservation of Chicago's historic neighborhoods of Beverly, Morgan Park and Washington Heights. The organizations regularly hosts community events celebrating life in early Chicago. Visit the Ridge Historical Society's website for information upcoming events, membership benefits, volunteer opportunities and more.
The Administration Building houses the hub of Frankfort's government offices. This includes offices for the mayor, the village board, the public works department, the village administrator and others. Residents can pay water bills, building fees and fines at the building.
Frankfort was founded in 1855 (incorporated 1879) by German settlers from Pennsylvania. Recently, the village has been honored as one of the premier suburbs in the Chicago area and the country, thanks in part to its historic downtown and its emphasis on maintaining a wealth of green spaces in the community.
Perfectly located right in the Magnificent Mile, the John Hancock Center remains one of Chicago's most famous skyscrapers. 360 Chicago, the center's 97th-floor observation deck, is open day and night and on clear days offers a sweeping view that crosses state lines. The skyscraper also boasts a sky-high restaurant, lounge, cafe, and the thrilling Tilt adventure.
Parking and public transportation at the John Hancock Center
The John Hancock center has a public parking garage on the 6th-12th floor of the center, and guests who go to 360 Chicago can validate their parking ticket for a small discount. There are other public parking garages in the surrounding area. The John Hancock Center is served by CTA bus 125, the Water Tower Express.
Best and worst times to go to the John Hancock Center
The best time to go to the John Hancock Center is on a clear, sunny day, for the best visibility. The clearest days of the year are usually between May and October. On beautiful days, lines tend to be long and are longest in the middle of the day and on weekends. The shortest lines are first thing in the morning on weekdays and after dark.
Admission to the John Hancock Center
The 360 Chicago has an admission free, with prices for adults and children. Visiting is not inexpensive but costs less than observatories for other comparable US skyscrapers. Going to the restaurant or lounge does not have an admission fee but requires guests to make a purchase.
Must do at the John Hancock Center
From the 39-second elevator ride to the beautiful views at the top, the 360 Chicago observatory is an experience not to be missed. For visitors who have time to return after dark, 360 Chicago also provides an incredible light show around the city. The John Hancock Center sells a day-and-night pass for visitors who'd like to see the view at both times.
Other places to visit near the John Hancock Center
The John Hancock Center is right in the middle of the Magnificent Mile, giving visitors numerous world-class shopping, dining, and theater options within a few blocks. The beach is a short walk away, as is the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Insider tip for visitors to the John Hancock Center
If lines to 360 Chicago are long and you don't have time to wait, the line to the lounge is usually shorter. The lounge has beverages and appetizers and similarly incredible views.
Author's bio: Kacie Berghoef is a freelance writer who grew up in Chicago and currently lives in San Francisco. Stay in touch with Kacie on Twitter at @kberghoef.
A goldmine of local information, the Glencoe Historical Society is the authority on village history. Volunteers curate the Society's museum and staff its research center, which maintains the Society's collection and helps residents research village history and genealogy.
The Glencoe Historical Society is located behind the Eklund Garden in a building that was donated by Sara "Sally" Eklund, a longtime Glencoe resident. The Eklund Garden is open at all times. Inside the Glencoe Historical Society, visitors can see Mr. Eklund's tool bench, which has been preserved by the Society. The museum exhibit is on the ground floor, and the loft above houses the Society's office space, the research center and the collection.
The Glencoe Historical Society accepts gifted items and items on loan. If you are interested in donating or loaning items, contact or stop by the Society.
The Grosse Point Lighthouse is a National Historic Landmark that dates back to 1873. Visitors are allowed to tour the facilities and climb the 141 steps to the top. Due to fire regulations, groups climbing the tower must have no more than 12 people and children under 8 years are not allowed inside. Tours run on Saturdays and Sundays from June to Sept., but the facility is closed on holidays and may close periodically due to extreme heat.
