No offense to the previous poster in regards to the Art Institute. My mother graduated from there and it is an unbelievable place to see. If you have never been to Chicago before and you are arriving during the summer months, then please take advantage of the beauty of the city and don't shut yourself into a building unless the weather is bad. If you walk down Wacker Drive (following the Chicago River) to Michigan Avenue (the maginificant mile) to Watertower place and the John Hancock Building., or take Jackson or Adams to State Street and further to Lake Shore Drive, you can get a feel of the wondrous architecture and feel of the city. Find yourself a Giordano's, Lou Malnatis, or Uno's (the original with no comparison to the chain) or Dues, indulge in some incredible deep dish pies. Five hours might seem like a long time, but if the train is late and you can board your other connection early, that layover might shrink substantially. Chicago is a walking city and you can see much in a little time. Save the great museums for another time because you will want to come back.
