Streeterville Leisure, Arts
and Entertainment
Situated by water on three sides, Streeterville is afforded an exciting range of recreational opportunities.
The community is lined with biking, walking and rollerblading trails, used extensively in spring, summer and fall months. Boating is also a favorite pastime of those living near the Lake, with several docks lining the length of the Streeterville lakefront. There is no better way to view Chicago’s outstanding architecture than on an Anita Dee Yacht Charters tour of our magnificent skyline.
Situated a mere block or so from Navy Pier is the Ohio Street Beach, which offers paths along Lake Michigan, with an area for swimming and a site for relaxing in the sun. Residents and tourists frequently visit Ohio St. Beach while enjoying the spectacular view of some of the world’s most famous skyscrapers.
The Lakeshore Athletic Club at 333 East Ontario Street in Streeterville is only a few blocks from Michigan Avenue. The Athletic Club recently finished a $3 million renovation and offers members a selection of amenities, programs and classes. Streeterville is also considered a mecca for cultural institutions and attractions ranging from Navy Pier to various museums, theaters and art centers. The area is home to some of Chicago’s most renowned artistic and cultural venues and offers its residents and visitors a stimulating variety of things to do, including free entry days to some of its museums and a multitude of other cultural events.
Navy Pier is the Midwest’s number one tourist attraction and draws over 8.6 million visitors a year. The Pier includes a Ferris wheel, a carousel, an old-fashioned swing ride, a miniature golf course, a cliff climb, a maze and an IMAX theater. It also includes shops, boat cruises, two performance stages, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows. Navy Pier boasts a number of restaurants, such as the Billy Goat Tavern, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Capi’s Italian Kitchen and the Dock Street Cafe. In addition, Navy Pier has been home to the Chicago Children’s Museum since 1995. The museum aims to build a community connecting play and learning with services targeted primarily to children and their families. The museum provides permanent and other educational exhibits, public programs and special events.
The Pritzker Military Library houses a collection of materials and offers a variety of programs and events centered on the idea of the Citizen Soldier. The collection consists of more than 9,000 volumes relating to warfare ranging from the American Civil War to the present day. The library provides state-of-the-art technology venues, including resources for visiting researchers, such as study carrels wired for broadband Internet access, professional quality cameras and a digital editing station.
Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) is one of the nation’s largest museums dedicated to modern art, showcasing both local and world artists. The museum moved to its present location in 1996 and offers year-round events and activities, lectures, classes, workshops, tours and family events. During the summer months, MCA hosts a variety of programs such as Tuesdays on the Terrace, Family Fun on the Plaza, First Fridays, and even a Tuesday farmer’s market that runs until the end of October. Finally, the MCA also includes a gift shop, bookstore, a theater and their restaurant — Puck’s at the MCA.
The McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum opened in 2006 and is the first museum in the nation dedicated to freedom and the First Amendment. The museum offers exhibits and focuses on educating students and the public about ways to take collective action on a variety of social justice issues.
Streeterville is also proud to be home to some of the most renowned theater companies in the city of Chicago. The Lookingglass Theatre Company is located in the Water Works building on Michigan Avenue and in the heart of the Magnificent Mile. The Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place, opened in 2005, shows hit Broadway musicals. The Chicago Shakespeare Theater is conveniently situated on Navy Pier, and is devoted to the popular works of William Shakespeare at its 510-seat, three-level theater. The Chicago Shakespeare Theatre is committed to attracting young audiences and fostering learning opportunities for students. Its arts-in-education program is centered on building long-term collaborations between a team of teachers, administrators, and students and Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s artistic and educational staff.
Streeterville is also home to a thriving contemporary art scene. The River East Art Center includes art galleries, artist studios and spaces for a variety of art events such as receptions, weddings and trade shows as well as musical, dance and spoken word performances.
With an incredible wealth of cultural and recreational institutions, Streeterville is a top choice for both connoisseurs of the fine arts as well as visitors and residents who appreciate the thriving arts and culture scene right on their doorstep.
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