Chicago Point of Interests

[MFstooges]

What will be the POI in Chicago around March-April if my interests are architectural designs, human interests and nature? Considering pandemic situation I may avoid public transportation, so can anyone recommend photo op spots with easy parking or within walking distance from hotel/parking area?

 

[donotpaint]

There are a lot of old unused railways around the downtown area. There are many bridges along these lines that would be perfect for architecture shots. You can find some of these bridges if you scroll around google maps for a bit. Additionally, there are a few abandoned L stations that would look cool in photos. Since they're elevated, you don't need to actually get on transit to photograph them. If you're into nature, the botanical gardens and the Skokie lagoons are neat places just north of the city. Now that I think about it, there are even more abandoned tracks near the Skokie lagoons that might look neat. They were once part of the defunct North Shore Line.

 

[MFstooges]

There are a lot of old unused railways around the downtown area. There are many bridges along these lines that would be perfect for architecture shots. You can find some of these bridges if you scroll around google maps for a bit. Additionally, there are a few abandoned L stations that would look cool in photos. Since they're elevated, you don't need to actually get on transit to photograph them. If you're into nature, the botanical gardens and the Skokie lagoons are neat places just north of the city. Now that I think about it, there are even more abandoned tracks near the Skokie lagoons that might look neat. They were once part of the defunct North Shore Line.

Thank you. Are those locations safe for person to walk with camera/s?

 

[donotpaint]

As long as you are vigilant, the downtown area is generally safe. You'll see a lot of other people with cameras too. Most of the abandoned L stations are on the south side (you can tell the city really cares about its poorer communities...), so they might be less safe. The gardens up north are in a very safe area.

 

[DF]

I was around 18th street today for great panoramics today, but got there too late - cloud cover thing no sun.
Also, you won't discover good locations driving around in a big city in a car - the bus can sometimes lend one to look out the window, get ideas.
All the snow and ice formations along the lakefront are all melted now, but it's still Chicago's great asset in all seasons.

 

[jeffreyg]

Four years ago we were in Chicago staying at the Athletic Club Hotel for a few days. I walked many of the streets in that area and did photography with no problems. There are a number of public sculptures and of course the park and art center. I was able to photograph in the art center with no issues.

http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

http://www.sculptureandphotography.com/