Warm up in this West Side conservatory’s humid and tropical palm room or the arid desert room. Designed by renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen in 1906, the conservatory showcases thousands of plant species from around the world throughout eight indoor gardens. The conservatory is open Wednesday through Sunday, with hours varying by day. While entry is free, though a $10 donation is suggested. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. Note: The conservatory is nestled within the historic 173-acre Garfield Park. Be sure to check out the field house’s giant golden dome.
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Home to the world’s largest Tiffany stained-glass dome, the Cultural Center opened in 1897 as the city’s first central public library. Located downtown, it’s now a free cultural venue, with rotating art exhibits, music and dance performances, and tours. The center is open to the public and is a fun stop to warm up during any downtown adventure.
The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
Founded in 1961 by Dr. Margaret Taylor Burroughs and named in honor of Chicago’s Haitian-born founder, Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable, this free museum celebrates Black culture and the African American experience. Nestled in the South Side’s Washington Park, the museum’s holdings include more than 15,000 pieces of artwork and historical memorabilia. Special exhibitions, workshops, and lectures highlight works by particular artists, historical events, and collections on loan.
Snuggle up to kittens available for adoption at the CatCade, a nonprofit cat rescue and arcade. Visitors can book an hour to interact with the rescue cats and play such games as Pac-Man, Galaga, Super Mario Kart, Double Dragon, and The Simpsons. The entry fee supports the nonprofit’s operating and medical expenses. Note: Cuddle Bunny offers the same idea as CatCade but with rabbits.
Although the center’s famous architectural boat tours along the Chicago River don’t run in the winter, docents host plenty of indoor building tours and walking tours throughout the year. Most of the tours are in or near the downtown Loop neighborhood; the tours cost $35 and run an hour to an hour and a half. Upcoming tours include visits to the Chicago Board of Trade, the Fine Arts Building, the Inland Steel Building, the Monadnock Building, and more. Bonus: A tour ticket also grants admission to the Chicago Architecture Center where you can learn more about the city’s rich architectural history.
