Chicago Day 5: Parks Walking Tour

After breakfast, we did a little shopping. Then Ben decided to go for a walking tour.

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The walking tour registration is at the Railway Exchange Building where we can find the Chicago city model of the downtown Loop area. We were actually a few minutes late for the tour but still able to join in as the group had not leave the building.

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I could not remember of the sequence and path of the walk. I think the first stop is the south park of the Art Institute of Chicago.

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The above two photos were from the south park.

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A decorative post.

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Silver Horse and Rider.

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I remembered the guide pointed out the tree above (I think it’s Hawthorn) at the park on the south side which provides a great canopy for people to sit around and relax.

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The railroad tracks between the east and west buildings of the Art Institute building.

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The Lurie Garden in Millenium Park. It was built over parking garages and a commuter railroad. It is one of the world’s largest green roofs.

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The list of flowers blooming in mid summer.

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An indoor bike station in the northeast corner of Millennium Park.

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The parking facilities use two-tiered DoubleParker racks to increase capacity. It also offers rental service, repair and bike tours.

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An outdoor bicycle parking facility. Biking is popular in Chicago.

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The guide also pointed out the above Aqua building with stretched balconies for maximize views of Chicago’s skyline.

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A couple of photos among the 58 displayed in an exhibition which celebrates the 10th anniversary of Millennium Park’s opening.

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The walk also brought us to the Cloud Gate.

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Finally, we got a photo underneath the Cloud Gate.

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The tour ended at the Crown Fountain. The tour takes about 2 hours and well worth the time.

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