15 days in Chicago & Minneapolis Itinerary

A huge and vibrant city, Chicago is home to top-notch theaters, shops, museums, galleries, and restaurants.

On the 19th (Mon), take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, admire the local landmark of Buckingham Fountain, then explore the world behind art at The Art Institute of Chicago, then walk around Millennium Park, and finally make a trip to Michigan Avenue Bridge. On the 20th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: get curious at Museum of Science and Industry, meet the residents at Shedd Aquarium, then walk around Milton Lee Olive Park, and finally take in panoramic vistas at Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower.

For maps, traveler tips, ratings, and tourist information, read our Chicago travel route planner.

If you are flying in from Germany, the closest major aiports are Chicago Midway International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Gary Chicago International Airport. Expect a daytime high around 32°C in June, and nighttime lows around 20°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Wed) to allow enough time to fly to Minneapolis.

Located on both banks of the Mississippi River, Minneapolis salutes the state's love of the outdoors with numerous lakes, wetlands, creeks, and waterfalls--many connected to one another by a national scenic byway great for sightseeing.

Change things up with these side-trips from Minneapolis: Chippewa Falls (Irvine Park & Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company), Munsinger Gardens (in Saint Cloud) and Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (in Chanhassen). There's lots more to do: admire the masterpieces at Minneapolis Institute of Art, explore the activities along Lake of the Isles, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Cathedral of Saint Paul, and admire the striking features of Basilica of St. Mary.

To see maps, reviews, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Minneapolis holiday planning site.

Getting from Chicago to Minneapolis by flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. June in Minneapolis sees daily highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C at night.