Chicago is an arts and culture hotspot in the United States that is especially known for its exceptional museums. And if you’re ready to dive into some of Chicago’s best museums, this is the guide for you. Chicago Charter Bus Company has put together a guide to the best museums in Chicago, from the famed Art Institute of Chicago to the Chicago Children’s Museum.

If you’re looking for group transportation to one of Chicago’s many museums, maybe for a field trip or corporate event, you can count on us. We are a trusted charter bus company in Chicago with access to a vast network of charter bus and minibus rentals. If you want to learn more, give us a call any time at 312-667-0906 and we can get you a free, customized quote on your bus rental in minutes.

The Art Institute of Chicago

Founded in 1879 and one of the oldest art museums in the world, you may know of The Art Institute of Chicago from a certain high schooler’s day off. That’s right – the Art Institute of Chicago is where Ferris Bueller’s Day Off filmed that museum scene. Today, the museum boasts the largest collection of Post-Impressionist art in the world outside of the Louvre. It’s home to more than 300,000 pieces of art, including some of the most famous art in the world like American Gothic. You can make a day of exploring the institute’s many permanent and temporary exhibits.

Charter bus parking tip: Charter buses can park at several options near the museum by prepaying online. Options include McCormick Place Marshalling Yard located at 31st and Lake Shore Drive, 18th Street Lot at 18th Street and Lake Shore Drive, Lincoln Park Zoo, and Soldier Field/Museum Campus. You can view this map for downtown Chicago motorcoach loading zones and parking locations. 

Address: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Phone: (312) 443-3600

Museum of Science and Industry

As one of the largest museums in the world dedicated to science, the Museum of Science and Industry is home to more than 400,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits. The exhibits explore several different facets of science, technology, and history, and include highlights like the world’s largest pinball machine, a coal mine shaft, a collection of model ships, a transportation gallery, a space center, and Yesterday’s Main Street, which takes you back in time to Chicago in the 1910’s.

Charter bus parking tip: The Museum of Science and Industry has an underground garage located at the northwest corner of the museum, at E. 57th Street and S. Cornell Ave. Charter buses are advised to park in the Blue (D) section of the parking garage.

Address: 5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60637

Phone: (773) 684-1414

The Field Museum of Natural History

The Field Museum of Natural History is one of the largest and oldest museums of natural history in the world. It’s home to Sue the Dinosaur, one of the most complete T. Rex skeletons ever found, as well as exhibits on Ancient Egypt, meteorites, animal biology, gems, conservation, and more. The Field Museum offers free visit days for Chicago residents, and hosts year-round educational events for all ages from toddlers to adults. It also hosts traveling exhibits, like its current exhibition, Wild Color, which is presented in both English and Spanish.

Charter bus parking tip: Your charter bus driver can either use street parking on Solidarity Drive, which is the road between Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium, or surface parking in the lot just east of the Field Museum. Street parking is cheap but fills up quickly. Be sure to try and plan your visit on days where there aren’t any concerts or Bears games if possible, as that can majorly disrupt traffic and parking.

Address: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

Phone: (312) 922-9410

Chicago Children’s Museum

The Chicago Children’s museum is sure to delight both children and adults alike. The museum hosts fun and interactive exhibits designed to delight and spark curiosity in all who visit. Children and their families can explore digging for fossils at the Dinosaur Exhibition, produce their own mini movie and learn about how films are made at Story Hub, develop problem-solving skills at the Tinkering Lab, and more. After your visit, explore Navy Pier’s entertainment options and enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants in the area. 

Charter bus parking tip: Navy Pier has a convenient map available here for bus drop off locations and expectations.

Address: 700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Phone: (312) 527-1000

Chicago History Museum

The Chicago History Museum is in Lincoln Park. It’s one of the many activities the park has to offer, in addition to a zoo, beaches, a conservatory, nature museum, lilypad pool, and more. The history museum’s exhibits, both temporary and permanent, chronicle major events in the city’s history like the fire of 1871, women’s voting activism, a Chicago Sun-Times photo collection, and more. The Chicago History Museum offers virtual and in-person events every month centered around arts, culture, and history.

Charter bus parking tip: There is a parking lot in Lincoln park for charter buses and other oversized vehicles at The Wilson Lot (4600 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60640). The Wilson Lot lets you pre-purchase your parking pass online to save time when you arrive.

Address: 1601 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Phone: (312) 642-4600

Ride with Chicago Charter Bus Company

Whether you’re visiting The Windy City for the first time or you’re a seasoned traveler of the Chicago streets, Chicago Charter Bus Company is here for you. We offer group transportation options in Chicago and the surrounding areas like Evanston, Oak Park, Arlington Heights, and more. When you have your itinerary ready, give us a call at 312-667-0906 and we can set you up with your Chicago bus rental!