Chicago, IL: College Tour Planning

Head about two miles west on West Harrison Street to the University of Illinois at Chicago, the largest university in the city, with more than 25,000 students. Show off your skills at the school’s bowling alley and brush up on your social welfare program history at the Jane Addams Hull-House, America’s first settlement house.

Day Three

You’ll probably be exhausted by day three. Take your time at the prestigious University of Chicago in Hyde Park, a tree-lined oasis for hard-working brainiacs. Serious readers shouldn’t miss visiting 57th Street Books or the Seminary Co-op Bookstore. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House is nearby [read more about Wright tours here] and just to the east of campus are the Museum of Science and Industry and Jackson Park, relaxing places to end your grueling weekend.

If you have any time left over during your trip, cruise the Magnificent Mile, which stretches from the Chicago River on the south end of Michigan Avenue to Oak Street in the ritzy northern end. The avenue hosts four seasonal outdoor festivals and is famous for its numerous upscale boutiques, malls and restaurants. You’ll also see the John Hancock Center, one of Chicago’s most recognizable skyscrapers. Stroll through the entertainment playground of Navy Pier, treat the family to one of Chicago’s best deep-dish pizzas at Giordano’s and check out U.S. Cellular Field, home to the Chicago White Sox.

When to Go

Avoid the brutal winter weather by visiting from April through October. Many schools hold summer sessions and programs, so you can still experience the campus energy in the middle of the year, though temperatures may soar past 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want a genuine student experience, note that the University of Chicago and Northwestern University start classes in September and end in early June; check with each school for their academic calendars to time your visit when they are in session.

• Students hone their skills in a painting class at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
• John W. Sisson

Where to Stay

For the true downtown experience, stay at the Hotel Allegro Chicago in the heart of the city’s Loop area. Just minutes from Michigan Avenue, and 15 to 20 minutes from both O’Hare International Airport and Midway Airport, the lavish hotel is an experience unto itself.

In the same neighborhood, the Hotel Burnham Chicago is over a century old and offers easy access to the theater district, Millennium Park, the airports, public transportation and is home to the sophisticated Atwood Café. Its also offering a special family package this summer.

The Hotel Orrington in Evanston, built in 1923, reopened about two years ago after a major renovation. Rates start at around $250. For the budget-conscious saving pennies to pay for that college tuition, try the Travelodge Hotel Downtown, situated between Millennium Park and Museum Campus in the South Loop. Rates start at $109 per night.

Additional reporting by Donna M. Airoldi, who is a graduate of DePaul University.