The South Loop apartments at NEMA Chicago look out over the vast expanse of the downtown area, Grant Park, and Lake Michigan, giving residents a personal view of world-famous Windy City landmarks. From huge sculptures and fountains to an internationally renowned planetarium and aquarium, NEMA Chicago residents live a short walk away from much of what makes the city iconic. So, take a stroll with us through Chicago’s landmarks via NEMA Chicago!

Grant Park is just across the street from NEMA Chicago, and the twin attractions of the Adler Planetarium and Shedd Aquarium are a short walk from there. While the planetarium is currently closed due to COVID-19 concerns, the aquarium is welcoming visitors into its halls to explore the wonders of the undersea world — and to have up-close and personal encounters with sea otters and penguins.

After hanging out with sunfish and beluga whales, residents can walk north through the gentle hills of Grant Park toward another Chicago landmark, the Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain. The fountain, which contains 1.5 million gallons of water, produces a major water display from its many jets every 20 minutes, including a central jet that shoots water 150 feet into the air. When the fountain is not putting on a spectacular performance, visitors will appreciate the sculptural elements by French artist Marcel Loyau.

More sculptural art awaits the eager explorer farther north in the park. Long a favorite spot for a selfie, Cloud Gate (or The Bean) is a massive, smooth hunk of reflective metal that captures the full panorama of the sky and the shore of Lake Michigan. Farther away from the lake at Daley Plaza rests a massive Picasso sculpture commissioned in 1963 and unveiled four years later to the delight of thousands of onlookers. Done in the master artist’s instantly recognizable style, the massive metal work suggests a face and shoulder looking out over the historic plaza.

If the views from the sky-high South Loop apartments back at NEMA Chicago aren’t vertigo-inducing enough, residents are encouraged to head to The Ledge at Skydeck Chicago atop the Willis Tower to get the full panoramic Illinois experience. Residents with a healthy respect for heights may want to try the less adventurous but more nostalgic Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier. Opened in 2016, the Centennial Wheel was built to honor the 100th anniversary of the Navy Pier. It also recalls the very first Ferris wheel that debuted in the Windy City back in 1893.

When they’re done exploring the nearby Chicago landmarks, residents can make the short walk through Grant Park to return to their luxury apartments at NEMA Chicago. High-speed elevators will whisk residents to their homes where they can enjoy a refreshing beverage or maybe a snack in their fully equipped chef’s kitchens.

So, don’t wait. Head to the NEMA Chicago website now to take a look at the best rentals in downtown Chicago!