Do you have the Need for Speed?
Chicago Tractor
Climb aboard an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and maneuver your way through hostile territory shooting at targets above and below. But this is not your normal flight simulator, where you sit back and enjoy the ride. YOU fly the plane, YOU shoot the missiles and YOU take out the enemy. Are YOU ready? (Additional charges apply)
TIP: If you don't think you can stomach the ride, you can still watch others in your group as they take part. With the on-board cameras located in the simulator's cockpit, it's almost as fun as being there yourself.
After you get your bearings, take a walk across the Main Floor's rotunda to see the latest audio and visual technologies available.
Whispering Gallery - Use Some Common Sense
First stop in the Whispering Gallery and see how it's possible to stand 40 feet away from someone and still be able to hear them as if they were standing right next to you. Then stop by Imaging: Tools of Science and see how imaging tools play a role in performing medical procedures, creating special effects and exploring the universe. Then have your hand at being sleuth for a day, as you play the part of forensic scientist and try to help solve crimes using the most up-to-date imaging technology.
The last thing to see on the Main Floor is the Toymaker 3000. If you've ever wondered how your favorite things are made, here's your chance. MSI brings the factory to you and presents a glimpse at how machines handle the fabrication from start to finish.
Toymaker 3000
Marvel at how robots help us design, build and assemble while you watch a choreographed demonstration of speed and precision. The grand finale of Toymaker 3000 gives you a chance to see the whole process as robots build your very own customized spinning Gravitron spinning top. (Additional charges apply)
Last but not least is the Balcony floor. While it doesn't pack quite the punch of the other levels, it is an important education station.
Balcony – Tops in Education
Spirit of America
A stop on the Balcony Floor should be in the Reusable City. Here you can observe the processes in place is preserving our planet's resources, from water treatment, ozone protection and even recycling.
TIP: While on the Balcony, make your way to the Transportation Zone and look down on the model train display that you visited earlier. It's quite a sight from the bird's eye view 40 feet above.
A MSI Summary
Chicago Space Museum
That is the Museum of Science and Industry tour from top to bottom. And speaking of which, on this tour you were taken to the bottom of the Earth's core and then to the top of the world and beyond. You were able to fly a fighter jet off into the horizon and then drive a tractor until the cows came home. Solving crimes, hatching chickens, making toys…it's all within your reach at the Museum of Science and Industry, I mean the Museum of Fun and Excitement.
Our Must See List
– If you're on a limited time frame, see these attractions first:
1. Coal Mine – Everyone's favorite, and it will be yours, too
U-505 Exhibition
2. U-505 – the biggest and best new exhibit
3. Henry Crown Space Center – some amazing space artifacts
4. Imaging: Tools of Science – hands on fun for everyone
Do's and Don'ts for your visit – things to ponder before your visit
- DO consider parking at the museum if you have a car. The museum parking is the closest you'll find for the price.
- DON'T take a cab to and from your hotel. It will cost far too much.
- DO consider taking a bus. It is economically and environmentally friendly. But try to get an express bus because it will eat up less time.
Chicago Chick Hatchery
- DO be prepared for rush hour traffic. The surrounding roadways can get very busy.
- DO print the museum floor plan before you go to plan your visit. View a printable layout map.
- DON'T forget to buy Omnimax tickets when you buy your admission. You get a price break by buying both at the same time.
- DO consider bringing extra snacks or even packing lunches. That helps cut costs.
- DO call ahead and inquire about free days. Who doesn't like to save money?
