The most beautiful natural sites to discover Route 66

One of the latest free zoos in the United States and one of the oldest, Lincoln Park Zoo hosts the most diverse animals. Nestled between Lincoln Park and Lake Shore Drive, in a green ocean, away from noise, it attracts crowds, which come to admire hundreds of animals grouped by category in several pavilions. White bears can be observed in their basin through a glass pane; or admire the extravagant colours of the. Walking through the big aisles while giving to the hundreds of squirrels who climb from everywhere, it is not uncommon to hear the roar of the tigers or lions bathed in the sun. Seals and penguins strive to look for freshness in their pond, while antelopes and zebras shelter in the corners of their enclosure. The most recent attraction of the zoo is the Regenstein Center for African Epas, where there are impressive chimpanzees and gorillas. This zoo is also a research and study centre on great apes for students from Chicago universities and researchers, as part of the wildlife protection programs.

At the heart of the zoo, a farm as found in the grasslands of Wisconsin has been installed. Children can reach the animals or participate in the milking of cows.

Don't miss Nature Boardwalk, south of the park, a planted promenade with superb views of the skyline of Chicago.

Park your car in the small parking lot to walk the path to the Crystal Forest. It offers one of the largest concentrations of petrified wood in the park. The circuit runs a loop of less than 1 mile. About 2 miles to the north, on the Petrified Forest Road, is another impressive forest of petrified trunks, the Jasper Forest.

These impressive geological formations, with their colour gradients, owe their name to their similarity to the Amerindian tipis. They have been forged over thousands of years, with floods and strong gales. They are made of layers of sandstone and clay. We drive along the Petrified Forest Road to the Tepees.

It offers a variety of contemporary artworks and showcases emerging artists. The Andrew Rafacz Gallery is a must for contemporary art lovers in Chicago.

Located at the foot of the skyscrapers, this pretty little beach is located just next to Navy Pier. You can go swimming there before enjoying the attractions of the pier. Overhung by the Willis Tower and shaded by the trees of Jane Addams Memorial Park, it looks like a postcard setting! Sometimes events are organized there. For a good time with friends or family, sit on the terrace of the pleasant little café overlooking the beach, Cafe Olivia. In season, there are lifeguards every day from 11am to 7pm.