Chicago Helicopter Tour: Loop Tour

About this tour

Take to the skies and experience Chicago from an entirely new perspective on this extended helicopter tour showcasing the city’s most iconic landmarks, neighborhoods, and waterfront views. The flight begins near the Chicago Fire Practice Facility before heading over Chinatown, where colorful architecture and historic streets create a striking aerial view. From there, you’ll pass McCormick Place, the largest convention center in North America, stretching along the lakefront and highlighting the scale of Chicago’s downtown footprint. Continuing north, you’ll fly over Northerly Island and Soldier Field, followed by the heart of the Museum Campus, where the Field Museum and Adler Planetarium sit against the backdrop of Lake Michigan. Grant Park comes into view next, often called Chicago’s front yard, leading to an aerial look at Millennium Park and the unmistakable curves of The Bean.

Highlights

• ✓Fuel Surcharges & Fees
• ✓Pre-Flight Safety Briefing
• ✓Photo Opportunities
• ✓Lockers
• ✓Helicopter Flight

Itinerary

1. Stop 1

   A historic Chinese-American neighborhood on the South Side known for dim sum, restaurants, and the ornate Chinatown Gate.

2. Stop 2

   The largest convention center in North America, hosting major trade shows and conventions along the lakefront.

3. Stop 3

   A multipurpose arena near McCormick Place on Chicago's South Side, home to DePaul Blue Demons basketball and the Chicago Sky (WNBA), also hosting concerts and events.

4. Stop 4

   A peninsula and nature park south of Soldier Field, home to walking trails, prairie habitat, and an outdoor concert venue.

5. Stop 5

   Historic lakefront stadium and home of the Chicago Bears, known for its iconic colonnades.

6. Stop 6

   A natural history museum famous for its dinosaur fossils, including "Sue" the T. rex, and global cultural exhibits.

7. Stop 7

   Chicago's planetarium and space museum, the first in the Western Hemisphere, with sky shows and astronomy exhibits.

8. Stop 8

   The vast Great Lake forming Chicago's eastern border, central to the city's recreation and skyline views.

9. Stop 9

   Downtown Chicago's lakefront park, home to Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, and major festivals like Lollapalooza.

10. Stop 10

    Nickname for Cloud Gate, the reflective stainless-steel sculpture in Millennium Park and a top photo spot.

11. Stop 11

    The scenic boulevard runs along Lake Michigan, connecting the city's lakefront neighborhoods and parks.

12. Stop 12

    A luxury high-rise hotel and residence on the Chicago River, one of the tallest buildings in the city.

13. Stop 13

    A historic pier on Lake Michigan with rides, restaurants, shops, and the iconic Centennial Wheel.

14. Stop 14

    One of the oldest and largest art museums in the U.S., located in Grant Park, is renowned for its collection, including Impressionist works, American Gothic, and the iconic lion statues guarding its entrance.

15. Stop 15

    An iconic 100-story skyscraper on North Michigan Avenue, officially renamed 875 North Michigan Avenue, known for its distinctive X-braced facade and the 360 CHICAGO observation deck with panoramic city views.

16. Stop 16

    An observation deck on the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Center (875 N. Michigan Ave.), offering panoramic skyline views and TILT, a thrill attraction that tilts visitors out over Michigan Avenue.

17. Stop 17

    The upscale stretch of Michigan Avenue known for high-end shopping, dining, and architecture.

18. Stop 18

    A popular lakefront beach near Lincoln Park, known for its ship-shaped beach house and volleyball courts.

19. Stop 19

    A large lakefront park on the North Side featuring trails, gardens, a zoo, and beaches.

20. Stop 20

    A free, historic zoo within Lincoln Park, home to a wide variety of animals.

21. Stop 21

    Iconic skyscraper now officially named Willis Tower, long the tallest building in the U.S. and a Chicago landmark.

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