Things to Do in La Grange Park

Founder Ian Jacobson grew up on the Lake, and started his board-top paddling program after his passion for the sport ignited during a trip to Hawaii a few years ago. His love for the low-impact activity also feeds his interest in its safety; as he spreads awareness of the sport, he makes sure customers know when it's safe to venture out into calm or choppy water. His passionate team gathers a range of paddling certifications, such as ACA and WPA, and many staffers are equipped with official training in first aid and CPR as well as unofficial training in blowing bubbles. Some of the team honed their boarding skills on the waves of California and Hawaii, and several boast a background in stand-up paddleboard yoga and fitness instruction.

Dubbed "the epicenter for the paddle community in Chicago" by Chicago Now, Jacobson's company ignites his passion for the sport of standup paddleboarding in others with rentals and instruction atop calm waters boasting sweeping skyline views. As shoulders, backs, and arms work to propel the boards forward under his instruction, the core engages to keep balance on the board, resulting in a full-body workout enlivened with the pleasure of sunny skies and the thrill of submarine sightings in Lake Michigan. Featured on NBC Chicago's 1st Look and in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago SUP—formerly Great Lakes Board Company—and Jacobson grabbed attention for pioneering the relaxing full-body workout in the Midwest, as well as for their innovative board-top yoga classes (SUPyo) and SUPFit classes which were featured in Chicago Magazine's Best of 2012 issue. On St. Patrick's Day, the Chicago SUP crew paddles their way down the dyed-green Chicago River while their street team gives away free goodies and offers a chance to win a discount on board rental; see their Facebook page for more details on this contest. In the 2013 Expedition Paddle Series, he and his team point paddlers toward attainable goals as they paddle decked in headlamps toward Navy Pier for fireworks, or simply take in the skyline at sunset—often paired with paddling instruction.

What looks like a crimson-hulled pirate ship glides into view from behind Shedd Aquarium. The wind picks up, surging into the schooner's 77-foot gaff-rigged topsails and speeding the vessel along Lake Shore Drive at 10 knots. Those on shore can just make out the boat's name, Red Witch, and what appear to be passengers raising a drink to the Chicago skyline.

Docked in Burnham Harbor, the Red Witch tall ship is one three vessels in Tall Ship Adventures of Chicago's fleet. Designed by naval architect John G. Alden and named after the book Wake of the Red Witch—the same story that inspired the film starring John Wayne and Gail Russell—the Coast Guard–licensed ship accommodates up to 49 passengers within its mahogany-over-oak frame. Having sailed waters off Maui and San Diego, the boat is now under the stewardship of Captain Andrew Sadock and his crew, which leads tour cruises, coordinates charter adventures, and autographs cannonballs for each passenger.

In addition to being a current member of the American Sail Training Association, the Red Witch finished among the finalists for Best Boat/Cruise Service Provider in the 2010 Illinois Meetings + Events Readers' Choice Best of Awards.

Thanks to the innumerable breweries strewn throughout its iconic neighborhoods, Chicago has grown into a craft beer hot spot. During the 2nd annual Chicago Craft Beer Festival, the metropolis’s brews shine alongside regional and national beers beloved for their unorthodox flavor notes, subtle malt flavors, and Brooklyn accents. As participants traverse the grounds of St. Michael’s Parish—accompanied by live music from performers such as Tyrone Wells and Marcia Ball—they can sample more than 75 distinct beers, comparing ales, pilsners, and Belgian-style suds.

Skydeck Chicago whisks visitors up to the 103rd floor of Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, for incredible views from 1,353 feet above the city. On the way up, interactive touchscreens and a nine-minute movie about Chicago architecture fill noggins with cloud-scratching trivia and inside info about the historic tower. From the deck, ocular orbs can spy city landmarks such as Soldier Field, the Shedd Aquarium, and the John Hancock Center. Far-sighted pupils can glimpse up to four states or spot sailboats playing badminton near the marina on Lake Michigan. The Ledge—a transparent glass box that extends more than four feet from the tower—offers brave visitors unobstructed views of the city streets directly below, as well as the spine-shivering sensation of walking on air. Visitors descend back to earth armed with unique snapshots of magnificent views, renewed appreciation for the building's 80 miles of elevator cable, and any loose pieces of masonry they pry off the building’s exterior.

A 30-foot sailboat floats across Lake Michigan. It churns through water twinkling with reflections of moonlight, stars, and the Chicago skyline. Suddenly, fireworks shoot into the air, painting the sky above Navy Pier in blooms of red and blue. The USCG–licensed and certified captains at 3rd Coast Cruising create moments like these during private charters and sightseeing tours. They also spend their days leading hands-on lessons that let sailors discover keelboarding or tackle more advanced conditions such as heavy-weather sailing. Launching from the giant wine bottles in DuSable Harbor, 3rd Coast Cruising's fleet also beckons potential captains to compete in sailboat races.