Best 10 Non-Traditional Venues for Corporate Retreats in Chicago 2026

Did you know that 70% of employees feel more engaged after attending a corporate retreat? Yet, many companies stick to the same old hotel ballrooms, missing out on unique experiences that can truly inspire their teams. If you’re planning a corporate retreat in Chicago in 2026, consider these non-traditional venues that promise not just a change of scenery but an unforgettable experience.

Unique Venues for Corporate Retreats

1. The Field Museum

• Location: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL
• Capacity: Up to 300
• Price/Person/Night: $175-225
• Best For: Teams interested in science and history
• Standout Feature: Private access to exhibits

2. The Art Institute of Chicago

• Location: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
• Capacity: Up to 200
• Price/Person/Night: $150-200
• Best For: Creative teams and art lovers
• Standout Feature: Rooftop terrace with skyline views

3. Chicago Magic Lounge

• Location: 5050 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
• Capacity: 100
• Price/Person/Night: $125-175
• Best For: Teams looking for a fun, interactive experience
• Standout Feature: Live magic performances during events

4. The Museum of Science and Industry

• Location: 5700 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL
• Capacity: Up to 500
• Price/Person/Night: $175-225
• Best For: STEM-focused teams
• Standout Feature: Hands-on exhibits available for team activities

5. The Chicago Cultural Center

• Location: 78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL
• Capacity: Up to 250
• Price/Person/Night: $100-150
• Best For: Teams seeking a historical and artistic setting
• Standout Feature: Stunning Tiffany dome ceiling

6. The Second City

• Location: 1616 N Wells St, Chicago, IL
• Capacity: Up to 200
• Price/Person/Night: $125-175
• Best For: Teams focused on team-building and improv
• Standout Feature: Custom improv workshops

7. The Shed Aquarium

• Location: 1200 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL
• Capacity: Up to 300
• Price/Person/Night: $200-250
• Best For: Teams that value environmental sustainability
• Standout Feature: Private access to aquatic exhibits

8. The Chicago History Museum

• Location: 1601 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
• Capacity: Up to 150
• Price/Person/Night: $100-175
• Best For: Teams interested in local culture
• Standout Feature: Interactive history exhibits

9. The International Museum of Surgical Science

• Location: 1524 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL
• Capacity: Up to 100
• Price/Person/Night: $100-150
• Best For: Medical and health-focused teams
• Standout Feature: Unique medical history exhibits

10. The Museum of Contemporary Art

• Location: 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL
• Capacity: Up to 300
• Price/Person/Night: $150-200
• Best For: Teams looking for modern artistic inspiration
• Standout Feature: Rotating contemporary art exhibitions

Venue Comparison Table

| Name | Location | Capacity | Price/Person | Best For | F&B Included | AV Quality | |-----------------------------------|----------------------------|----------|---------------|---------------------------|--------------|--------------| | The Field Museum | 1400 S Lake Shore Dr | 300 | $175-225 | Science and History | Yes | Excellent | | The Art Institute of Chicago | 111 S Michigan Ave | 200 | $150-200 | Creative Teams | Yes | Good | | Chicago Magic Lounge | 5050 N Clark St | 100 | $125-175 | Fun, Interactive | Yes | Good | | Museum of Science and Industry | 5700 S Lake Shore Dr | 500 | $175-225 | STEM-Focused | Yes | Excellent | | Chicago Cultural Center | 78 E Washington St | 250 | $100-150 | Historical and Artistic | Yes | Good | | The Second City | 1616 N Wells St | 200 | $125-175 | Team-Building and Improv | Yes | Good | | The Shed Aquarium | 1200 S Lake Shore Dr | 300 | $200-250 | Environmental Sustainability| Yes | Excellent | | Chicago History Museum | 1601 N Clark St | 150 | $100-175 | Local Culture | Yes | Good | | International Museum of Surgical Science | 1524 N Lake Shore Dr | 100 | $100-150 | Medical/Health Teams | Yes | Good | | Museum of Contemporary Art | 220 E Chicago Ave | 300 | $150-200 | Modern Artistic Inspiration| Yes | Excellent |

Our Top Picks

For Creative Teams

The Art Institute of Chicago offers a stunning environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. The rooftop terrace is ideal for brainstorming sessions.

For Fun and Engagement

Chicago Magic Lounge provides a unique setting with live performances, perfect for team bonding and a light-hearted atmosphere.

For Educational Focus

The Museum of Science and Industry is excellent for STEM teams, combining learning with networking opportunities in a hands-on environment.

Conclusion

Planning a corporate retreat in Chicago doesn’t have to mean settling for the usual hotel conference rooms. With these non-traditional venues, you can create an engaging and memorable experience for your team in 2026.

Action Items:

1. Review the venue options and determine which aligns best with your team’s goals.
2. Reach out to your chosen venue to check availability and book early, especially for Q3 and Q4 dates.
3. Consider incorporating team-building activities that align with the venue's theme for maximum impact.