Like brother double O, I used to live in Chicago (near your hotel) and later Wilmette (near NW university) for few years before moving to California.
Here are what near by your hotel
Magnificent Mile - Michigan Avenue (0 MI / 0 KM )
Navy Pier (1 MI / 1.61 KM )
Millennium Park (1 MI / 1.61 KM )
Shedd Aquarium (2.5 MI / 4.02 KM )
Sears Tower (0.8 MI / 1.29 KM )
Lincoln Park Zoo (2.5 MI / 4.02 KM )
Hancock Observatory (0.5 MI / 0.8 KM )
Architectural Boat Tour (0.5 MI / 0.8 KM )
Water Tower (0.5 MI / 0.8 KM )
Museum of Science & Industry (3 MI / 4.83 KM )
Art Institure (1 MI / 1.61 KM )
Adler Planetarium (3 MI / 4.83 KM )
Field Museum of Natural History (3 MI / 4.83 KM )
House of Blues (1 MI / 1.61 KM )
ESPN Zone (0.5 MI / 0.8 KM )
The area is known as the Near North Side/Streeterville. It is the most desirable and safest area inside Chicago limit. Watertower place is a short walk to the north. Cross the lake shore drive, you can take a walk along the beautiful beach by the lake. Also recommend the river/lake tour to the lake.
If you have time during week day, take a taxi to Chicago board of trade or CME, you can look at the trading floor live actions from a glass walkway above. Sears tower or Hancock Observatory are also awesome.
Have fun in Chicago...The city with big shoulders.
