Launch your weekend and take it to new heights in honor of the Chicago Air & Water Show. Be sure to bring your sunscreen, sunglasses, earplugs, and binoculars before heading to the South Shore Line.

Morning

Let your Saturday take flight by boarding the South Shore Line and riding to Millennium Station. Once you disembark the train, head to one of our favorite breakfast spots, Wildberry Pancakes & Café, for a little food and coffee. 

Wildberry Pancakes & Café is a great family friendly spot with delicious “Little Berry” options for kids. From Belgian waffles, paninis & wraps to espresso and mocha beverages, they have all you could need to fuel your day.

Exit the station, and walk north across E. Randolph Street, then cross Michigan Avenue walking east, and Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe is on your left! (130 E. Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601).

Afternoon

By now you are ready to get settled in for the show. Although we feel there is no bad seat down lakeshore drive, the best sightlines are at North Avenue Beach.

To get to North Avenue Beach

Via Bus:

• Hop off the train at Millennium Station
• Once you exit the station, walk across Michigan Avenue to the Michigan & Randolph bus stop
• Jump on the 151 Sheridan bus
• Ride the bus North to the North Avenue stop
• Walk about 4 blocks to the beach and enjoy the show! 

To watch an instructional video on how to get to the beach, click here!

There will be food vendors stationed along the lakefront and food offerings will include hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, nachos, ice cream, water, and soft drinks. This should be enough to fight off any afternoon jet lag. Just sit back, put the day on autopilot, and enjoy the show.

Night

Stay a little longer, and head to the Mag Mile for some shopping, or head back to Millennium Station, and catch the next train home. It’s up to you!

If dinner is what you are longing for, one of our favorite spots right outside Millennium Station is Giordano’s. After all, we can think of no better way to end your day than eating one of Chicago’s best pizzas.

To get to Giordano’s from Millennium Station, walk across E Randolph Street and then immediately turn to cross Michigan Avenue. Head east on E Randolph St until you reach N Beaubien Ct, then turn right and the restaurant will be on the right.

For information on how to get your Ventra card to ride the bus, check out this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4448q8ARpQ&feature=youtu.be

Ventra vending machines can be found at our SSL Millennium Station, Navy Pier, Museum of Science & Industry, “L” stations, and are available for purchase at CVS, Walgreens, and Jewel. You can manage your card balance by downloading the Ventra App, and then use your card to ride the CTA “L” (train) or buses.