The 9 Museum Tours in Chicago That Earn Their Ticket Price

1.Medieval Torture Museum Ticket with Audio Guide and Ghost Hunting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 962 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $35Our pick

You’ll walk through a 6,000-square-foot Chicago museum filled with torture, restraint, interrogation, and execution devices, plus wax scenes and interactive displays. Your ticket includes a self-guided audio tour and ghost-hunting app. Expect dim lighting, gruesome imagery, and about 90 minutes at your own pace.

“Very enlightening museum with a well done audio tour. We are very fortunate to be in more civilized times!”

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2.Field Museum of Natural History Ticket or VIP Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 717 reviews · 1 day · from $29

Spend a full day at Chicago’s Field Museum with general admission, added exhibitions, or an early VIP dinosaur tour. Meet Sue, Maximo, and the Lions of Tsavo, then explore ancient Egypt, the Americas, gems, jade, and underground life. The VIP option includes a docent-led hour for up to 20 people.

“The Field Museum was definitely exciting and fun. It was pretty cool seeing dinosaurs up close and learning about different cultures as well as animals. The weekends get pretty crowded with families in attendance. I would recommend visiting during the week for a quieter visit.”

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3.Field Museum of Natural History Admission Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 489 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $29

Spend about four hours at Chicago’s Field Museum on Museum Campus. See SUE, the most complete T. Rex skeleton found, 23 Egyptian mummies, dinosaur fossils, ancient American artifacts, Chinese jade, and special exhibits. Free docent tours are included, while 3D films cost extra.

“Wear walking shoes Gift shop wasn’t as great as some I’ve been to Restrooms well located Food was so so”

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4.Museum of Ice Cream Chicago Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 396 reviews · 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $43

At Chicago’s Museum of Ice Cream, you’ll move through 14 colorful installations with unlimited ice cream tastings, a sweet-themed mini golf course, games, a secret speakeasy, and the famous sprinkle pool. Choose your entry time, bring your phone for photos, and allow 45 to 90 minutes.

“Overall fun place regardless of age. My only wish is that they had more flavors available. When I get back to Chicago I would still go again.”

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5.Museum of Ice Cream Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 325 reviews · 1h 30m · from $33

You’ll spend 90 minutes in Chicago’s Tribune Tower exploring 14 playful ice cream installations, sampling unlimited treats, riding the pink Sprink-L line, playing mini golf, and entering the famous sprinkle pool. English-speaking staff, including Tirusoma and Blue Moon, help keep the visit moving.

“The museum doesn’t check in your ticket from the app but they will have your information on their tablets! Easy and convenient!”

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6.Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 294 reviews · 1 day · from $25

Use a timed ticket to explore Chicago’s Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, housed in the last remaining building from the 1893 World’s Fair. Try hands-on science exhibits, see Apollo 8, control a tornado, and add tickets for the U-505, Coal Mine, or Spider-Man exhibition.

“Amazing! There was so much to see and do. We spent hours looking around.”

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7.Lakefront and Museum Campus Segway Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 147 reviews · 2 hours · from $75

Spend two hours gliding 5 to 7 miles through Grant Park, along Lake Michigan, and past the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Soldier Field, and Buckingham Fountain. A certified guide such as Tammy, Jeremy, or Mike teaches beginners carefully, shares Chicago stories, and takes photos along the way.

“Excellent! Fun way to see the parks downtown. Great history and corny jokes😀. Jeremy was fun and playful and entertaining.”

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8.Museum of Illusions Timed Entrance Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 134 reviews · from $40

You’ll spend about 45 to 60 minutes in Chicago’s Loop testing more than 60 optical illusions, from the Tilted Room to the Vortex Tunnel. English-speaking staff can help with photos, and the Smart Playroom adds memory and logic games for families, couples, and solo visitors.

“Ran out of time at this awesome place for the kids”

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9.American Writers Museum Flexible Date Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 107 reviews · 14 days · from $16Best value

Visit Chicago’s American Writers Museum on your chosen date or within the next 14 days. Explore five centuries of American writing through interactive timelines, videos, games, typewriters, children’s exhibits, and Chicago’s own literary voices. Self-guided entry costs $16, with free tickets for children 12 and under.

“Wonderful unique museum, my teenage son loved the experience of typing on the different typewriters from various past decades.”

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