Protests Interfere with Vacay?

Question

I am arriving in Chicago to pick up my daughter from MDW (Midway) morning of June 16th. I will be driving and we will be staying the week to do normal touristy things. Shedd, Field Museum, Griffin Museum, and Adler Planetarium. I am concerned the protests will make the vacation miserable? Any ideas on how much will be affected? We are going to be there June 16-21 Thanks for any info or tips about the situation!

Answer

It’s understandable to be concerned about how protests might impact your trip to Chicago, especially if you're planning on visiting major attractions like the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, and Adler Planetarium. However, protests can be unpredictable in terms of timing and location, and it’s important to remember that most protests are peaceful and centered around specific areas. Here are a few tips on how you can navigate the situation during your visit:

1. Protests in Chicago: While Chicago has had protests in the past, most of them are organized in specific areas and do not interfere with daily tourist activities. Major landmarks like the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum are located in Grant Park, which is a popular tourist area, but protests typically do not block access to these venues. If protests are happening nearby, the city generally has police presence to manage crowds and ensure the safety of pedestrians and drivers.

2. Check Local News and Social Media: To get the most up-to-date information on any protests that might be happening during your visit, check local news sources or social media. Websites like the Chicago Tribune, ABC7 Chicago, or Twitter feeds for the city of Chicago can give you real-time updates on protest locations and traffic disruptions. This way, you can plan your day accordingly, avoiding protest areas if necessary.

3. Stay Flexible with Your Itinerary: While you may have a set plan to visit certain attractions, it’s a good idea to stay flexible. If you hear that there is a protest near your destination, consider adjusting your schedule or taking public transportation instead of driving. Chicago’s public transit system, including buses and the 'L' train, is a convenient and efficient way to get around, and it can help you avoid traffic congestion or road closures caused by protests.

4. Staying Near Major Attractions: Since you’ll be visiting the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, and other attractions in the Museum Campus area, rest assured that this part of the city is well-prepared for visitors, even during times of public unrest. The museums and nearby restaurants will generally stay open, and if protests do occur, they are unlikely to shut down the attractions themselves.

5. Traffic and Road Closures: If you’re driving, keep an eye on possible road closures or heavy traffic near protest areas. Chicago has a strong infrastructure to manage large crowds, but protests may cause delays. You can use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to check real-time traffic conditions and avoid affected areas.

Overall, while protests can be a concern, Chicago is a large city with many attractions and routes to navigate. Most tourists continue with their plans without significant disruption. If you're flexible with your schedule and stay informed, you should be able to enjoy your time in Chicago without too much impact from any protests. Safe travels, and enjoy your time in Chicago!

Protests Interfere with Vacay?

More Chicago Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions