After Dark
 

I like to wander around after dark. I love the lights of the city, and it looks like Chicago has a most impressive night skyline. What are the best areas to go after dark, if one is not looking to go to a bar or club? I don't necessarily have to go to a destination but just wander around looking at the sights.

I know I will want to see Millennium Park at night, How is the riverfront at that time? And would I be better staying in the loop, closer to Millenium park, or the weest side of near north?

I do have to admit that I love the skyline from the end of Navy Pier.

http://www.navypier.com/

Also the view from the Adler Planetarium is rather nice.

Although you might consider the ultimate in skyline enjoyment and partake of an evening boat trip. Awesome.

The view from Adler is my favorite lakefront freebie.

echo the night boat trip

Having just been up to the 16th terrace at the newish Trump Hotel is a stunning view.

The new wing at the Art Institute has great city views as well.

EVENING BOAT TRIP!

Yes! Can you give me some details? MNost boat trips I have seen usually stop at sundown.

River will be fine downtown - lots of folks will be around on a nice night. There are restaurants down there as well which will be open.

Not quite sure what you mean by the west side of near north?

+1 to suggestions that you walk down to the area where the Adler Planetarium and Shedd Aquarium are. That is definetely the best easily accessible view from downtown.

Night time cruise/tour would be good too though I've never done it.

The absolute best view of the lakefront.

I also noticed a nighttime Segway tour a couple of evenings ago. I have no idea of the route, but if it is the same as daytime, it should be pretty spectacular (Grant Park, Adler Planetarium, LSD, Northerly Island).

For someone with a car, the view from Montrose Harbor is pretty nice too. The view of the River from LSD is amazing, as is the view of the river from the bridge on Kinzie Street (walkable). There are also some great views from Halsted Street at about Chicago Avenue (Tribune printing plant).

An Interesting Alternative is Imminent
 

http://www.chicagosegwaytour.com/
Haven't tried it yet, but great idea!

A couple of evening opportunities. http://www.chicagosegwaytour.com/Tour-Information.aspx

If their site is any indication of the quality of the tours, I'd stay away.

Sounds cool, but only 35 stories? that's not even clearing Lake Point Tower. That's a decent vantage point. I went to a wedding reception at the restaurant atop the tower last year, really nice night views up there. Was also cool because it was the night of the "Earth Hour" thing, so a bunch of the buildings shut their lights off.

The tour is great.

Maybe the site was put together by the owner's 13 year old kid then.

Since it sounds like you're a walker, I would suggest the following:

Start at Millenneum Park and then walk south to Buckingham Fountain which will be lit at night. From the fountain, head due west down Congress to Michigan Avenue and again turn south - staying on the park side of the street.

As you walk along south Michigan you will have a good view of the buildings across the street, including the Blackstone Hotel, and the Spertus museum (all glass) which is pretty cool. Thirsty yet? Stop at Kitty O'Sheas in the Hilton for a beer. They have nice outdoor tables.

Continue down Michigan to 11th, and head into the park, where you will see a pedestrian bridge followed by an underpass under Lake Shore Drive. Admire the new buildings to the south, and from the bridge there is also an awesome view toward the north.

Once you're under Lake Shore Drive continue toward the lake, and turn slightly right passing alongside the Aquarium on the lake side (Don't head up the hill, stay on the lower walkway.)

Once you're around the aquarium continue on the lower level and you'll have the most amazing view of the skyline that exists. When you reach the Planetarium (end of the point) head to the upper level. If you're not tired you can walk back through the museum campus - now staying on the upper roadway, find the pathway between the Aquarium and the Field Museum, and then back through the pedestrian tunnel. Or, if you're tired of walking you can catch a number 146 bus:

http://www.transitchicago.com/assets...edules/146.pdf

outside the planetarium that will take you back to North Michigan Avenue.

The John Hancock tower observatory is open until 11 pm for night viewing. I actually prefer the view from there over the view from the Sears..er..Willis Tower.

I also endorse the view from the Adler Planetarium.

The Chicago Architecture Foundation runs boat, Segway, and walking tours of the downtown area.