How To Get To The Adler Planetarium And Museum Campus During NASCAR Chicago Street Races

Header Image: The Adler Planetarium on a sunny, summer day, with a line of guests on the museum steps.

Warm breezes, solar observing opportunities, and the sound of engines revving can only mean one thing: NASCAR Chicago Street Races are here!

If you couldn’t snag tickets for the races, you’re probably still looking for a stellar way to celebrate Independence Day weekend. If so, then you’re in luck, because the Adler Planetarium will be open to the public during the races, on July 1–2, 2023.

Transportation in downtown Chicago might be a little tough while NASCAR takes over some of our streets. The inaugural races will only take place over the holiday weekend however, the set up and tear down will take a little longer. Beginning June 25, 2023, many roads will be partially or fully closed to the public, including the roads near Museum Campus. But fear not, we’re here to help!

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, here is the ultimate guide to navigating to Museum Campus during the 2023 NASCAR Chicago Street Races. We’ll explain the best ways for you to get to the Adler Planetarium, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Northerly Island, and Soldier Field whether you’re driving, walking, biking, or taking public transportation.

Check out the museum’s hours during race week here!

Taking Public Transportation

Chicago has one of the best public transportation systems in the country. It is a simple, safe, and convenient way to get around the city. Especially during NASCAR, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will be the best way to get to the Adler Planetarium. 

Roosevelt Station is the closest “L” stop to the Museum Campus (if you’re not from Chicago, the “L” is our affectionate nickname for our train system). Roosevelt Station—located on Roosevelt and State— is a convenient hub for the Red, Orange, and Green train lines. So regardless if you’re coming from the north, south, west, or southwest, Roosevelt will be your stop! 

After getting off at Roosevelt, hop on the #146 shuttle that will run from Roosevelt Station to the Museum Campus during the #146’s normal hours, using an alternate route (pictured below). Exit the bus at the Adler Planetarium, and voila! Enjoy your space adventure.

For live updates on where your train or bus is, check out the CTA schedule here.

From Ogilvie Transportation Center and Chicago Union Station

If you’re visiting the museum from outside of the city, the Metra Metropolitan Rail is a great way to get to the city without a car!

If you arrive in Chicago at Ogilvie Transportation Center, walk east on Madison and take the Brown line at Washington/Wells towards Kimball.

If you arrive in Chicago at Union Station, walk east on Adams and take the Quincy Brown line towards Kimball.

• Exit the Brown line at Harold Washington Library-State
• Walk one block east to State and Van Buren, take the southbound #146
• Exit at Solidarity Drive and Planetarium

Walking/Biking

For those who are venturing on foot or bicycle, the Lakefront Trail will be open and is certainly the most scenic route to the planetarium. If you’re coming from the north or south, this is the route you’ll want to take.

Alternatively, if you’re coming from the west, take a trek through Arvey Field, entering from Columbus, just north of Roosevelt Road. Stroll east through the park and Museum Campus, and you’ll see our iconic copper dome on the horizon! 

If you’re looking for a bike share, there are Divvy stations all over Chicago, including one right outside the Adler Planetarium! Find Divvy bike stations in Chicago here.

Water Taxi

Feeling adventurous? Taking a water taxi may be the most exciting—and traffic-free—route to the Adler Planetarium. Shoreline Sightseeing offers a scenic boat ride from Navy Pier to the Museum Campus, stopping at the iconic Buckingham Fountain along the way! 

Taking a water taxi to the planetarium is great for tourists who want to get a taste of Lake Michigan, as well as locals who are looking for a fun way to see our beautiful city! Once exiting the boat, the Adler Planetarium is just a short walk away. Learn more about taking a water taxi to the Museum Campus here.

Driving

Driving, though a convenient and private form of transportation, will likely be the most difficult route to the Adler during the NASCAR races. Many of the roads surrounding Museum Campus will be used in the race. However, if you prefer driving, there are still options!

• If you’re driving from the north
  • Hop on I-90 E/ 94 E. I-90 brings you into downtown Chicago from the northwest suburbs, while I-94 brings you in from the northern suburbs of Chicago. 
  • Take exit 53 to US-41 N/S DuSable Lake Shore Drive/ US Highway 41 N
  • Take the US-41/ N DuSable Lake Shore Drive exit from the I-55/Stevenson Expressway
  • Continue north on DuSable Lake Shore Drive
  • Exit at 18th Street
  • Continue onto Special Olympics Drive
  • Turn right on Solidarity Drive and continue east to arrive at the Adler Planetarium

• If you’re driving from the from the south
  • Route B: Take I-90 or I-94. I-90 follows more closely along the lakefront of Lake Michigan, while I-94 brings you into Chicago from a little further south. The two converge around 66th Street, so if you’re coming from north of 66th, don’t worry about which to take. 
  • Head toward 22nd Street
  • At Exit 53C, head on the ramp for I-55 North toward DuSable Lake Shore Drive
  • Continue north on DuSable Lake Shore Drive
  • Exit 18 Street
  • Route C: If it’s easier to access DuSable Lake Shore Drive rather than I-90/I-94, you can take it northbound instead. 
  • Exit at 31st Street, then proceed north on Fort Dearborn to 18th Street
  • For both Route B and C: After exiting at 18th Street, continue onto Special Olympics Drive
  • Turn right on Solidarity Drive and continue east to arrive at the Adler Planetarium

• If you’re driving from the from the west
  • Use Eisenhower Expressway I-290 E towards S Wells Street
  • Take the ramp for I-90/ I-94 E towards Indiana
  • Take Exit 53 to US-41 N/S DuSable Lake Shore Drive/ US Highway 41 N to get onto I-55 N/ Stevenson Expressway
  • Take the US-41 N/S DuSable Lake Shore Drive exit
  • Continue on US- 41 N/ DuSable Lake Shore Drive
  • Exit 18 Street
  • Continue onto Special Olympics Drive
  • Turn right on Solidarity Drive and continue east to arrive at the Adler Planetarium

If you do plan on driving, please note that parking on Museum Campus may be limited. The Adler Planetarium does not own the parking lot near the museum.

Regardless of how you choose to travel to the Planetarium, remember that tickets must be purchased in advance of your visit. 

During your visit, be sure to catch these 10 things you won’t want to miss at the Adler Planetarium! And don’t forget to take a look at our sky show offerings! (PS Pink Floyd’s brand-new space show, The Dark Side Of The Moon, is still playing at the Adler for a limited time!) 

We can’t wait to explore the universe with you!