Best Accessible Trip to Chicago & BeyondFrom downtown delights to breathtaking nature, save these ideas to plan your trip to Chicago, plus a day trip in central Illinois! To make planning a breeze, we put together the best things to do and where to stay with accessibility information for the Windy City and a day trip in central Illinois.AuthorsSteller
DestinationsIllinoisItinerary

Things To Do in Chicago

Skydeck Chicago
Look out above towering Chicago buildings on the glass Skydeck...if you dare! This popular sightseeing attraction on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower offers jaw-dropping views over Lake Michigan and one of the best views of downtown. On a clear day, you can see as many as four different states. The Skydeck involves going out onto a glass ledge that extends out 4.3 feet from Willis Tower. More than a million people from all over the world visit this exhilarating experience every year! The Skydeck is accessible and ADA compliant. The Ledge is also accessible, as well. There are also sensory bypasses for some exhibits, and service animals are welcome.
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Skydeck - Willis Tower Admission
Book ahead and avoid lines! 🎟️
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The Art Institute of Chicago
The world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. The museum is home to thousands of pieces by both famous and lesser-known artists. Visit the museum to see artworks by Vincent van Gogh, Georges Seurat, Georgia O’Keeffe, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Grant Wood, Andy Warhol, Katsushika Hokusai, Pierre-Auguste Renoir...the list goes on! There are free guided tours daily. Check the schedule to see what tours are happening on the day of your visit. The museum is wheelchair accessible throughout with ramps and elevators, an Access Information brochure is available in Braille or large print, and there is an interactive Pathfinder system that allows visitors to map out an accessible route in the museum.
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Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago
Get inspired at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), one of the world's largest contemporary art venues! MCA is home to a permanent collection of over 2,500 contemporary pieces from the 1920s to the present day, as well as rotating exhibits from artists all over the world. Check out works by Takashi Murakami, Jeff Koons, and Felix Gonzalez-Torres. The restaurant and bar at MCA, Marisol, is also worth a visit. Dinner is an immersive art experience with dishes by James Beard Award-winning chef Jason Hammel. MCA is committed to providing an accessible experience for all. There are services available to assist with mobility, as well as services for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, and for people with blindness or low vision.
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Optimo Hatmakers
Optimo Hats is a Chicago-based hatmaker known for its traditional techniques and high-quality materials. The founder, Graham Thompson, has spent his career dedicated to restoring the lost art of fine hat-making. Renowned for their style and craftsmanship, Optimo Hats has earned a reputation as one of the top hatmakers in the industry! Stop in to see their collection of hats, which many consider to be works of art in their own right. 🎩
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Scratch Goods
Need a time out during your trip? Scratch Goods sells small-batch, food-grade skincare products that are all hand-packed in Chicago. Known for their natural ingredients, Scratch Goods has built a reputation for high-quality skincare that’s both effective and kind to your skin. Check out their events, like the popular Mask Bar. The 60-minute workshop teaches you how to do an oil facial cleanse and massage. You’ll also learn to mix your own clay mask, and you’ll take home tips and techniques you can use every day.
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Garfield Park Conservatory
This lush, green haven is an oasis within the city. 🌿 No matter the time of year, stepping into the Garfield Park Conservatory, which is billed as “landscape art under glass,” feels like you’ve entered a warm, tropical, and jungle-like climate. Explore eight indoor gardens where you’ll be surrounded by thousands of plant species from around the world. Admire fresh blooms, winding greenery, and growing cacti as you explore the diverse areas of this expansive greenhouse. There are also more than 10 acres of outdoor gardens to check out. The conservatory is dedicated to inclusivity and features accessibility ramps and walkways, as well as wheelchairs available to use. The conservatory is also sensory-friendly. Find sensory bags at the front desk, as well as quiet areas. Note: Admission is free for Chicago residents!
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Where to Eat in Chicago

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
🍕 Chicago-style deep dish pizza is a must-try on any visit! Lou Malnati’s is an institution and is considered the oldest family name in Chicago pizza. There are more than 60 locations in the Chicagoland area, so there’s no excuse not to try a fresh, made-from-scratch Lou Malnati’s deep dish!
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Garrett Popcorn Shops
Still hungry? Garrett’s Popcorn is an iconic Chicago snack. A mix between caramel and cheesy popcorn will satisfy both your sweet and salty cravings in one visit.
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Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken
Do yourself a favor and head to Do-Rite Donuts, famous for their massive-sized donuts, delicious glazes, and their old-fashioneds. If you're feeling more savory, their fried chicken is very popular!
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Au Cheval
Famous for their signature cheeseburger topped with an egg, Au Cheval is a modern French spot that’s a favorite in downtown Chicago. With its chic, woody interior and mouthwatering food and drinks, this diner-style bar and restaurant is highly recommended for lunch or dinner in the city.
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Girl & The Goat
Known for its dramatic open kitchen design and innovative chef Stephanie Izard's delectable creations, Girl & the Goat is a must-visit on Chicago’s Restaurant Row in the West Loop. Food is served in small bites, family-style. Popular dishes include the green beans, chickpea fritters, goat empanadas, and the pig face. For guests with allergies, special arrangements can be made with your server. Fun fact: Wondering where you’ve heard the name Stephanie Izard before? She’s the Season 4 winner of “Top Chef”!
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Central Illinois Day Trip Ideas

Rock Cut State Park
Take a break from the city and get outside in Winnebago County! Explore the trails, go fishing, and cool off in one of Rock Cut State Park’s two lakes. The park has accessible parking spaces, restroom facilities, fishing piers, hunting experiences, and more. There are also five paved trails, five shelters with accessible grills, and access to water for service dogs.
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Stockholm Inn
Fuel up after exploring Rock Cut State Park at nearby Stockholm Inn in Rockford. This spot is famous for its traditional Swedish pancakes topped with lingonberries. This homey spot serves lots of traditional Swedish dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including Kroppkakor (sausage-filled potato dumplings) and, of course, the classic Swedish meatballs. Tip: Hit the breakfast buffet from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for $15 all-you-can-eat Swedish pancakes! 🇸🇪🥞
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Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center
Take a day trip from Chicago and head to Starved Rock State Park! Located about two hours from downtown Chicago along the Illinois River, Starved Rock is one of the state’s most stunning parks thanks to its 18 sandstone canyons, seasonal waterfalls, and abundant wildlife (try to catch the eagles in January). In the summer and fall, popular trails include the famous French Canyon, St. Louis Canyon, Wildcat Canyon, and LaSalle Canyon. During the winter, these same canyons are filled with beautiful icy falls. Activities here include hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and hunting. Note that Starved Rock State Park has some accessible features, including restrooms in the visitor center and lodge, and seven accessible campsites equipped for guests with wheelchairs. Note that trails are not paved and most include one or more staircases.
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Matthiessen State Park
Just 10 minutes from Starved Rock State Park is Matthiessen State Park, where wooded trails wind through striking sandstone canyons and up to cascading waterfalls. At just about 2 hours from downtown Chicago, Matthiessen makes a great day trip. Pack a picnic and enjoy the Matthiessen Dells Area tables! Archery, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, and horseback riding are all popular at this state park. Accessible areas include parking and restrooms at the Matthiessen Dells area, a .25-mile trail at the Matthiessen Lake Shelter Area, an accessible campsite at the equestrian campground, and water for service animals.
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Hidden Hills Vineyard and Winery
If your idea of a great day trip involves grapes, plan a wine-tasting trip to the hills of west central Illinois. First stop: Hidden Hills Vineyard tasting room. This family-run winery is known for its delicious Pinot Noirs and the Enchantress—a blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. 🥂 Note that the path to the tasting room is gravel.
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ARDOR Breads and Provisions
Make sure you stop in at Ardor Breads + Provisions in Peoria in between winery visits. Ardor uses old-fashioned cooking techniques like preservation and fermentation. This local bakery is known for its flaky croissants and the breakfast sandwiches they make with them, too!
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Mackinaw Valley Vineyard
Make your next stop at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard, just about an hour from Hidden Hills. Taste wines inside in front of picture windows or outside on the patios as you enjoy the sweeping views of the vineyard, lake, and picturesque valley. 🍇 Mackinaw Valley Vineyard has been in operation for 27 years and offers over 20 wines to taste. If you visit in the summer, stop catch one of their live, local bands playing on the property. Mackinaw Valley Vineyard has paved pathways and ramps on the property.
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Bakery and Pickle
Bakery and Pickle is a popular speakeasy located in Bloomington and a great spot to top off a fun day trip in central Illinois. The cozy bar and restaurant serves up farm-to-table fare alongside classic and craft cocktails. Don't forget, you'll need the secret password to enter! 😉 Note that Bakery and Pickle can accommodate dietary restrictions. They also have accessible entrances and restrooms.
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Silvercreek
Heading to the Champaign/Urbana area for your day trip from Chicago? Definitely check out Silvercreek, which is located inside a really cool glass warehouse that was once a wood millwork building. The restaurant, which is focused on modern and seasonal flavors and ingredients that come straight from their own garden, has been serving the community for 30 years and is a favorite for special occasions. Try the popular truffle fries or the Burrata Crostini. Silvercreek is rated accessible.
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Black Dog Smoke & Ale House
Nearby in Champaign-Urbana, Black Dog Smoke and Ale House is a very popular spot to grab some delicious barbecue. Located inside Champaign’s original train depot, Black Dog is a neighborhood favorite serving up all things brisket, baby back, and beans (and more, of course!). Pair your main with a side of slaw or mac. Come early to get a seat and the burnt ends (they can sell out within two hours). Black Dog is rated accessible. Tip: Beef ribs are only available on Fridays, and baby back ribs are only available on Saturdays!
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Accessible Hotels in Chicago

SOPHY - Hyde Park
The Sophy Hotel is located in the heart of Hyde Park, offering sleek, modern, and ADA-accessible rooms. Dine at their on-site restaurant or enjoy drinks at their upscale bar! Conveniently located near public transportation options, including the Metra Electric Line and CTA buses, this Illinois Made Makers hotel makes getting around downtown Chicago easy for all guests.
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AC Hotel Chicago Downtown
AC Chicago Downtown is located in the trendy River North neighborhood, where European sophistication meets boutique style, and is close to the Magnificent Mile. The hotel offers accessible accommodations, including rooms with roll-in showers, lowered vanities, flashing door knockers, and TTY/TTD-compatible telephones, ensuring comfort for all guests.
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Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
The Chicago Marriott Downtown’s location couldn’t be more prime to enjoy top restaurants, shopping, and famous museums across the city, all right along the Mag Mile. The hotel is complete with roll-in showers, closed captioning on TVs, visual alarms in rooms and public areas, Braille signage, and an accessible swimming pool and fitness center, ensuring guests feel right at home.
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Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop by IHG
Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop is located in the up-and-coming West Loop neighborhood, and is surrounded by top restaurants, local dives, great shops, and plenty of public transportation options. The hotel features accessible self-parking with van-accessible spaces, step-free entrances, wide doorways, and accessible restrooms.
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Chicago Athletic Association - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Right on Michigan Avenue, with scenic views of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan, this hotel is a top pick when visiting Chicago. The hotel features Braille signage, TTY kits upon request, and closed captioning on guest room TVs. Be sure to make reservations at their famous rooftop restaurant, Cindy’s, for brunch!
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Hilton Chicago
The historic Hilton Chicago at the south end of Millennium Park boasts amazing views over downtown Chicago overlooking Grant Park, Lake Michigan, and more! Plus, the location is perfect for games and events at Soldier Field and provides easy access to the Pilsen neighborhood’s bustling bars and restaurants. The hotel offers accessible features like step-free entrances, wide doorways, accessible restrooms, roll-in showers, visual alarms, closed-captioned TVs, and accessible parking.
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