Family Vacations in Illinois: Magnificent Mile

John Hancock Center on Chicago's Magnificent Mile.
A band of white lights around the 100th
floor of the John Hancock Center is
visible all over Chicago at night.

Chicago's Magnificent Mile stretches along North Michigan Avenue between Oak Street and the Chicago River. The 100-story John Hancock Center may be the most prominent building on this stretch, but don't overlook the other architectural gems. The Tribune Tower, with its decorative buttresses and gothic design, was once called "the most beautiful and eye-catching building in the world."

Park Tower, a 67-story skyscraper, preserves the facade of the landmark 1917 Perkins, Fellows, and Hamilton Studio. And there's the distinctive Old Water Tower. Built in 1869, the tower has become a symbol of Chicago -- it was one of the few buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire.

Today it stands near Water Tower Place, a gargantuan high-rise shopping mall with more than 100 specialty shops. Which brings us to the truly magnificent part of the Magnificent Mile: Bloomingdale's, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Lalique, Ralph Lauren, Neiman Marcus, Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss, and Hammacher Schlemmer. Chicago's Magnificent Mile -- bring your credit card.

Magnificent Mile Information

Address: N. Michigan Ave and E. Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL
Telephone: 312/642-3570

Check out the next page for details about the famous Chicago Blues Festival.

To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:

  • Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
  • Chicago City Guide: Find out where to stay, what to do, and where to eat when you visit Chicago.
  • Illinois State Guide: Learn about Mobil Travel Guide-rated hotels and restaurants in Illinois, as well as other recreational activities.
  • Scenic Drives: For those who think that getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.