Illustrations by Joni McKown Jake Rose
A
Color Chicago
Color Our Town COLORING BOOKS
celebration of the beauty and diversity of America’s Cities
Welcome to Chicago
Welcome to Chicago, an awesome city packed with fun, adventure, and things to discover! Whether you want to take in the breathtaking views from the top of the Willis Tower, explore the mysteries of science and history at the Museum of Science and Industry, or check out incredible animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo, there’s something here for you. Don’t miss Millennium Park, where you can snap a selfie with the shiny "Bean," and be sure to taste some of Chicago’s famous deepdish pizza—it’s unforgettable! From thrilling attractions to cool neighborhoods, and awesome food, Chicago is ready to be your new favorite adventure. Enjoy every moment!
Photo by Buphoff
1. Chicago Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk is a vibrant stretch along the Chicago River where you can experience the city from a whole new perspective. It’s lined with cool restaurants, chill seating areas, and places to rent kayaks if you’re up for paddling. The views are amazing—you’re surrounded by towering skyscrapers, historic bridges, and the sparkling water. It’s a great spot for snapping Instagram-worthy pics or just relaxing while watching the boats cruise by. At night, the lights from the buildings reflect on the river, giving the whole place a magical vibe. Whether you’re into exploring, grabbing a bite, or just soaking up the city energy, the Riverwalk is a must-see.
Photo by ajay_suresh
2. Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is an incredible place where art, history, and culture come to life. You’ll get to see famous works like the vibrant A Sunday on La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat and the iconic Nighthawks by Edward Hopper, as well as amazing collections of ancient artifacts, modern masterpieces, and intricate sculptures. The museum takes you on a journey across time and around the world, from ancient Egypt to contemporary art. Whether you’re into bold paintings, sleek architecture, or the craftsmanship of armor and textiles, there’s something to spark your imagination. Don’t forget to check out the massive bronze lions at the entrance—they’re practically legends themselves!
Photo by Roy Harris
3. Adler Planetarium
Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, the Adler Planetarium is a premier destination for exploring the wonders of space and astronomy. As America’s first planetarium, it combines history, science, and cutting-edge technology to inspire curiosity about the universe. Visitors can enjoy immersive shows in state-of-the-art dome theaters, explore exhibits featuring real meteorites, and learn about the latest space discoveries. With its stunning lakefront setting and breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline, the Adler Planetarium offers an unforgettable experience for space enthusiasts of all ages.
Photo by Adler Planetarium
5. Chicago Theatre
The Chicago Theatre opened in 1921 as America’s first lavish movie palace. It's grandeur often leaves visitors breathless. The elegant lobby, grand balcony, majestic staircase, and a beautiful mural-filled auditorium all combine together to make it the "Wonder Theatre of the World”. The Theatre’s French Baroque exterior features a terra cotta replica of Paris’ Arc de Triomphe above its marquee. At six stories high, the “C-H-I-C-A-G-O” sign is a landmark symbol of State Street and Chicago. Saved from demolition by Chicago Theatre Restoration Associates, in 1986, the entertainment world’s brightest stars have since graced the Chicago Theatre’s stage, including Kelly Clarkson, Aretha Franklin, Indigo Girls, Alicia Keys, David Letterman, Oasis, Dolly Parton, Prince, Diana Ross, and Robin Williams.
Photo by Daniel Schwen
6. Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field is a cherished icon of American baseball and the second-oldest Major League Baseball stadium, opening in 1914. As the home of the Chicago Cubs, it exudes charm with its historic ivy-covered outfield walls, hand-operated scoreboard, and the famous red marquee at its main entrance. Known for its intimate atmosphere and vibrant energy, the ballpark is surrounded by lively rooftop seating on nearby buildings, offering a unique fan experience. Hosting epic pitching duels, milestone hits, and Babe Ruth's historic "called shot", you will never know what you’ll see at Wrigley Field.
Photo by Ken Weakley
9. Lincoln Park Zoo
Since its opening in 1868, Lincoln Park Zoo has grown side by side with Chicago–from swans to science and from trading post to metropolis. Now, they touch so many lives in so many ways: their visitors learn about diverse species from around the planet, their animals receive enrichment that inspires natural behaviors, and their scientists protect ecosystems from Chicago to the Republic of Congo. As the zoo evolved, they have become one of Illinois’ most popular cultural destinations and the nation’s only privately managed free zoo. They’re proud of these accomplishments–and those yet to come–and they thank you for your support.
Photo by erikccooper
10. Navy Pier
As one of the world’s most visited destinations Navy Pier is where you go in Chicago for events, programs, attractions, culture, dining, and shopping. The People's Pier offers a diverse range of activities and experiences that ignite the imagination, stimulate the senses, and allow spirits to soar. The facility opened in 1916 as Municipal Pier No. 2 – the first of its kind to combine shipping with public entertainment. The People’s Pier is still to this day the world’s largest pier, projecting over 3,000 feet into Lake Michigan. Obtaining its current name Navy Pier in 1927, this lakefront treasure has evolved into an impressive entertainment center that consists of awe-inspiring features like the gigantic Centennial Wheel, the gorgeous Aon Grand Ballroom, the magnificent Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the beautiful Polk Bros Park, the spacious East End Plaza, and the iconic Head House.
Photo by Evgenia Parajanian
13. Chicago Skyline - An iconic symbol of the city, showcasing a breathtaking blend of architectural innovation and urban beauty along the shores of Lake Michigan. Dominated by towering skyscrapers like the Willis Tower, John Hancock Center, and the sleek Aqua Tower, it reflects Chicago's rich history as a birthplace of modern architecture.
The skyline is a dynamic tapestry, seamlessly blending historic Art Deco landmarks with contemporary glass-and-steel designs. By day, the cityscape shines with vibrant energy, while at night, its illuminated silhouettes create a mesmerizing view against the lake’s dark expanse. This ever-evolving skyline epitomizes Chicago’s spirit of resilience, creativity, and progress.
14. Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile in Chicago is a vibrant stretch of Michigan Avenue known for its upscale shopping, dining, and iconic landmarks. Spanning 13 blocks from the Chicago River to Oak Street, it features luxury boutiques, flagship stores, and high-end malls alongside world-class restaurants and hotels. The area is also home to famous sights like the historic Water Tower, the Tribune Tower, and the Wrigley Building, blending the city’s rich history with modern style. Whether you’re shopping, sightseeing, or just soaking in the energy of the bustling city, the Magnificent Mile is a must-visit destination
Photo by EQRoy
15. Field Museum
The Field Museum is one of the world’s premier natural history museums, renowned for its vast and diverse collections. It houses over 40 million artifacts and specimens, spanning disciplines like anthropology, geology, zoology, and paleontology. Highlights include the iconic skeleton of SUE, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered, and immersive exhibits like the Ancient Americas and Inside Ancient Egypt. The museum's mission extends beyond public exhibits, supporting groundbreaking research and global conservation efforts, making it a hub of science, education, and cultural exploration.
Photo by Joe Ravi
20.
Created by UNO’s in 1943, the deep dish pizza is a staple of Chicago cuisine. What makes the deep dish so unique compared to its cheesy brethren is its high crust, which holds the chunky tomato like a glove.
Deep Dish Pizza
Art by Chris Anderson
Color Chicago is filled to the brim with iconic settings such as Millennium Park, the Chicago Riverwalk, Wrigley Field, the Chicago Children's Museum, and Navy Pier, among many others.
Through its 20 beautiful illustrations and detailed descriptions, Color Chicago masterfully highlights what makes the "Windy City" so special to its residents and visitors.
