Destinee's Guide To

Tickets to the Obama Presidential Center are sold out through November. Here’s everything you can do without one! If you're going to Chicago and want to visit Obama's Presidential Center, here's everything you can do for free without a ticket. I do recommend arriving a little early because there is one limited experience that is ticketed and free, but it is first come, first serve. First things, don't listen to Google. The Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit and Vegetable Garden is not open until 10 AM when the museum opens, but there's plenty to do and experience before then. If you're coming with the kiddos or you're just an adult who hasn't lost their inner child, the outdoor park does open at 6 AM. There's also a sensory garden you can walk through that is absolutely gorgeous and it has all kinds of various critters and nature that you're encouraged to interact with. The rest of the grounds offer a beautiful walking path along the water and monuments to instrumental women throughout history. Once the museum opens, you can head into the public library that has hand-picked selections from the President and First Lady. Or you can browse the main section that has so many different options. I was so shocked to see it had one of my all-time favorite fantasy books. But before you head into there, I recommend waiting in line to access the Nelson Mandela Sky Room. If you don't already have a museum ticket, it is one of the only spaces onsite that is first come, first serve ticket and they are sold out within minutes. Once you've got your fill of the sky room, you can head on back outside to the Eleanor Roosevelt Garden. As a city girl, this was my first time seeing how watermelon actually grows. It was so freaking cool. And then you're out there before the morning rush. Enjoy your trip! Bye!