A Big City Adventure
Day 2 of our Great Lakes road trip was all about embracing the bustle. We landed in downtown Chicago early and crammed a lot into the day – iconic landmarks, a little fandom magic, overrated food, and topped it off with a perfect view of the lake a top the Navy Pier ferris wheel. There was a lot of walking, a lot of people, and just enough chaos to make it feel like a proper city day. And honestly? We loved it.
Millennium Park and the Iconic Bean
We started at Millennium Park, joining the line of tourists snapping selfies in front of The Bean. It was hot, crowded, and a little chaotic, but checking off this Chicago icon felt like a rite of passage. The mirrored surface was fun for photos; weird, reflective, and kind of mesmerizing.
They call it Cloud Gate, but everyone knows it as The Bean. We walked around it slowly, watching the skyline bend across its surface. At one point, I realized it didn’t just reflect the buildings around it — it captured the a huge swath of the cityscape in one smooth, curved frame. Was that intentional? Probably. Either way, it felt like Chicago was right there in your hands.
The Harry Potter Store: A Wizarding Dream Come True
Our favorite stop along the Magnificent Mile was, hands down, the new Harry Potter Shop in Chicago. From the moment we spotted the life-sized white stag Patronus standing tall outside, we knew we were in for something special.
Just inside the entrance, a towering stained-glass window straight out of the Triwizard Tournament shimmered with Goblet of Fire vibes, and we were immediately swept into the wizarding world. The space was filled with flying books, floating candles, and detailed displays that made you forget you were in a retail store and not at Hogwarts.
We let a wand pick us (naturally), and left with a Gryffindor robe, some serious photo evidence, and matching Butterbeers in hand. The clothing wasn’t just for show either—this was cosplay-worthy gear, from house robes to wizard-chic streetwear. It was hard not to want one of everything.
The store leaned fully into the details that made the books and films come alive: iconic wands on velvet-lined displays, Hagrid’s “HAPPEE BIRTHDAE HARRY” cake recreated in pastel pink and green, and entire walls of magical merchandise that felt more curated than commercial. We lingered longer than planned, totally enchanted by the immersive setup.
If you’re a fan of the wizarding world, this spot is an absolute must-do in Chicago. It felt like walking into the pages of the books we grew up on, only with air conditioning and a checkout line.
Lunch and Lake Views
Next, we made a stop at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, and honestly, it deserves its own spotlight. We toured every level of the massive space, soaking up the roastery vibes and sampling multiple coffees, teas, and sweet treats. Each floor had a different experience, from craft beverages to desserts, and it felt more like a coffee wonderland than a café. For coffee lovers, this was absolutely worth it. Fun fact – this location is the largest Starbucks in the world.
After all that magic and caffeine, we grabbed a quick bite nearby before heading to Navy Pier. It was packed and touristy, but the waterfront views, fresh lake breeze, and classic boardwalk vibe were a nice reset. We enjoyed a trip up the Ferris wheel, walked the pier, watched boats glide by, and soaked up the sunshine.
Travel Notes
- Parking: Expensive. Pre-purchase your parking garage ticket for a discounted rate.
- Walkability: Excellent. Bring comfy shoes and prepare to get your steps in. There is also plenty of opportunity for rentals including bikes and scooters.
- Highlights: The Harry Potter shop, Starbucks Reserve Roastery, Cloud Gate, and the vibe.
- Would I go back? Personally, probably not. It’s worth seeing once, but the big-city heat and concrete jungle aren’t my personal vibe. And boy was Chicago BIG.
Final Thoughts
Was it a little chaotic? Yes. Did we walk miles? Also yes. But this day reminded me how fun it is to lean into the buzz of a city for a bit. Between magical moments and waterfront sunsets, Chicago gave us a perfect second day on the road. Tomorrow, we head north toward quieter open roads that are more my jam–Wisconsin.
← Day 1: Indiana Dunes & Marquette Beach
Next up: Day 3 – Milwaukee’s Lakefront & Historic Third Ward →
Explore the full Great Lakes Road Trip Itinerary
She is Wild & Free 
1 thought on “Great Lakes Loop Roadtrip: Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan – Day 2: Chicago, IL Big City Icons & Butterbeer Dreams”