Free Attractions around the Loop

By Denny Alvarado 

When I started my undergrad degree at DePaul back in 2021, I’d never spent a lot of time in the Loop. Over the next four years, I would end up spending much of my time on our Loop Campus. 

The Loop is one of the most beautiful spots in the city of Chicago, full of great places to go and enjoy year round. While some attractions can get expensive, some of the best that this city has to offer is very affordable to us as DePaul students.

Now, as an MBA student, here are a couple of my favorites.

Millennium Park

A staple of Chicago, the 25-acre area is filled with great spots for studying, having a picnic, and overall enjoying the natural parts of the city. Its also host to one of the most famous sculptures in America, Cloudgate, lovingly referred to as “the bean”.

I’ve spent hours there enjoying lunch, going over notes, and soaking up some sun when the weather allows it. In such a dense urban area, its nice to get away from the skyscrapers sometimes.

The Art Institute

Another mainstay of the Loop, the Art Institute of Chicago is home to some of the most famous works in the world, including ones by Monet and Van Gogh.

While those are incredible and worth making the trip, an under-appreciated aspect of this place is the rotating exhibits that they hold. Coupled with beautiful gardens around the premises, the Art Institute is perfect for a casual hangout after class, or for some artistic inspiration for those creative types.

Bonus is that as a DePaul student, we have free admissions year round — so it’s definitely worth the short walk over from campus.

The Chicago Riverwalk

While maybe the most simple, this one is very dear to my heart because of my experience as a commuter student. Taking the Metra in from the suburbs every day can be draining, but I always found peace in the walk from Union Station to DePaul’s Loop Campus.

Whether you’re chatting with friends or just trying to get some steps in for the day, I recommend the Riverwalk to anyone. Couple this with the dozens of cafes and restaurants surrounding it, and the Riverwalk is a must-see for any current (or prospective!) students.