As winter thaws and bulky coats find their way to the back of the closet, the sunnier days of Spring bring warmth to the Windy City. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a spring break vacation, Spring in Chicago offers amazing opportunities for special memories to be made. Our ultimate guide to Chicago in the Spring will help you make the most of your time!
Reasons why you should visit Chicago in the Spring
The magnolia trees are in bloom and the Chicago River turns green, marking the start of the season with Spring colors!
Enjoy the outdoors at one of the many public parks for a serene nature walk while the city architecture towers nearby.
The riverwalk and patio seating is open but not too crowded yet.
The sounds of baseball linger in the air as sports fans from all over come for opening day to watch the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field or the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field.
7 Chicago Spring Events & Activities
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
Chicago has a vibrant and rich Irish culture and history which makes celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago even more exciting.
Since 1961 the Chicago River is turned green every year in honor of St. Patrick’s Day by the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers, Local 130. Thousands of people flock to the Chicago Riverwalk to watch as the Chicago River is dyed to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. It only takes 2-3 motorboats approximately 45 minutes to dye the river green. Mark your calendar for 12:15pm on Saturday, March 16, 2024, and head to the upper riverwalk for the best views. The lower riverwalk will be closed for local businesses and pedestrians.
St Patrick’s Day is celebrated in Chicago for several weeks before the big day and there is no shortage of green beer. Enjoy all types of green drinks, specialty cocktails, green Jello shots and other Irish cuisine favorites at many local pubs, restaurants and bars.
Pro Tip: Make Breakfast Reservations. Saturday breakfast sells out. Book your morning dining reservations early online or get to the restaurant when it opens if they do not take reservations. The earlier the better!
2. Discover Chicago's Underworld on a Chicago Crime Tour
Sit back and relax to explore more of the beauty of Chicago in the Spring through 5-6 different neighborhoods on a luxury climate-controlled bus.
Tours are available both before and after the parade. There is plenty of time to see the river turn green, grab a green drink, then hop on the bus for an easy cruise to historic crime scenes and through several Chicago neighborhoods for a city tour with a unique lens.
Pro Tip: Grab your camera for a drive-by (photo)shooting and take note of the neighborhood parks you would like to come back and visit after the tour.
3. Exploring Chicago's Lakefront Trail
Meandering along the Lakefront Trail is a must when visiting Chicago in the Spring! It is an 18.5-mile-long pedestrian path, used for: walking, jogging, biking, skateboarding, rollerblading, and roller skating. The trail runs from Ardmore Ave in the north to 71st St in the south. Along the path you will find everything from skate parks and harbors to bird sanctuaries and a zoo.
Start on Michigan Ave and take the underpass beneath DuSable Lake Shore Drive to Oak Street Beach. Head north on the Lakefront Trail to North Avenue Beach.
Pro Tip: Consider renting a bike for a scenic cruise around Lake Michigan and beyond!
4. Stroll through Lincoln Park
Chicago Spring Events are blooming in Lincoln Park. The Lincoln Park Passerelle is an accessible pedestrian bridge between the Lakefront trail and Lincoln Park. Walk through this arch, then continue north to stroll past the lagoon to the Lincoln Park Zoo and Lincoln Park Conservatory.
Trees are in bloom on the luxurious walk along the Nature Boardwalk at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Visit the Honeycomb for gorgeous photographs surrounded by nature with the cityscape in the background. You can find the Honeycomb between Lincoln Park and the Farm at the Zoo, and pass the Ulysses S. Grant Monument on your way. These are memories that you will cherish forever.
Pro Tip: Visiting the Conservatory is free, but reservations are required! Walk-ups are typically available, however we recommend booking in advance. You can go online to book your visit the Lincoln Park Conservatory to see the spring flower show!
5. Millennium Park
Take public transit or walk south on Michigan Ave after your Chicago Crime Tour, and then see a distorted reflection of the city. Cloud Gate is the formal name for the sculpture nicknamed “The Bean.” Constructed between 2004-2006 by Anish Kapoor, Cloud Gate is one of the most popular tourist attractions and picturesque sites in the heart of the city.
Pro Tip: Cloud Gate may be conveniently located close to your downtown hotel and is easily accessible by public transit.
6. Cheer on a Chicago Team
The Chicago Fire FC is a member of the Major League Soccer League. Check out a game at Soldier Field. Games are lively with enthusiastic fans from all over the world coming to enjoy this lakefront stadium. The Fire FC season begins late February. Book in advance for special rates on tickets. Bundle up and get ready to scream “Goal!”
The Chicago White Sox play at Guaranteed Rate Field. There are fun activities, great food and beverage options at the park for the whole family. The season begins in late March. Take the CTA elevated train line, also known as the “L,” directly to the stadium on the red line. This train runs from Howard Street in the north to 95th Street in the south. Get off the train at the 35th St stop for a White Sox game.
The Chicago Cubs play at Wrigley Field. Buy some peanuts and cracker jacks and sing along during the 7th inning stretch with the incredible world-famous fans at this historic stadium. The season begins late March. Take the CTA “L” train via the red line to the Addison St. stop.
Pro Tip: All 3 stadiums sell iconic chicago-style hot dogs. Eat like a local and be sure to get one.
7. Chicago is Blooming
Walk Michigan Avenue to see a mile of tulips. Tulips of all colors adorn every pedestrian path along the Magnificent Mile. For a perfect photo, head to the median in midday for some fabulous tulip photographs surrounded in color.
Washington Square Park is a hidden gem. This small park has a beautiful water fountain that is surrounded by flowering trees. Many artists camp out here on beautiful spring days when the trees are in bloom to paint this idyllic little nook in the bustling city. See more flowers than at a gangster funeral.
Head to Jackson Park to see the Cherry Blossoms in bloom. An authentic Japanese garden only blooms for a short time. These light pink blossoms are not to be missed. When the city is in bloom, it is officially Chicago in the spring.
Places to Stay
Chicago is full of great places to stay in its different neighborhoods, each with its own charm. Here are a handful of accommodations that will help you access the exciting things going on this Spring.
Streeterville
River North
Magnificent Mile
Pro Tips for Your Visit to Chicago
Chicago weather is unpredictable. Pack layers, comfortable walking shoes and rain gear. The good news about traveling to Chicago is that there is always a store nearby to pick up anything you may have forgotten. Michigan Avenue, Rush St and State Street have an ample selection of stores for your all-weather shopping needs. Transportation may be by foot, car, train, bus, or bike. Bring a helmet if you plan on biking. There are many bike rental options available and public transit is accessible everywhere. Download the Curb app for taxis and the Ventra app for public transit. Mobile pay is available on both apps and accepted on public transit with a Ventra card in your digital wallet.
Spring is an excellent time to visit Chicago. Our guide will help you choose the best activities and events, from leisurely strolls to exciting adventures. With a laid-back atmosphere and fewer crowds, spring in Chicago makes for an ideal getaway.
Let us show you around the Windy City through the unique lens of Chicago’s infamous gangster and mobster history. We hope that the hardest decision you make during your trip is deciding who your favorite Chicago gangster is from the Chicago Crime Tour!