The American Girl Doll Store in Chicago

Even if you don't have a daughter, you should visit the American Girl doll flagship store in Chicago, Illinois. The store itself is 3 stories tall and includes a hospital, hair salon and cafe. These are primarily aimed at the dolls, if you can believe it. But if you are hungry as well, they will serve your real lunch at the restaurant. There's even a theatre in the basement! The store's address is: 111 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. It is located across the street from the historic Water Tower, just off of the Miracle Mile. This really is a landmark that you cannot miss when you visit Chicago.

Store Hours

• Mon - Thurs: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
• Fri: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
• Sat: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
• Sun: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Cafe:

Chicago's American Girl Cafe is the place for brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and parties. For reservations and seating times, call toll-free 1-877-247-5223. Prices subject to change. Learn more

• Brunch is $18 per person, plus tax. Approximate seating time: 9:30 a.m.
• Lunch is $20 per person, plus tax. Approximate seating times: 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m.
• Afternoon Tea is $17 per person, plus tax. Approximate seating time: 4 p.m.
• Dinner is $22 per person, plus tax. Approximate seating times: 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Theatre:

Learn more

• The American Girls Revue®: Tickets $28 per person. Approximate show times - 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m.
• Bitty Bear's Matinee: The Family Tree^TM: Tickets $15 per person. Approximate show times - 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., Thursday, Friday, and Saturday

Doll Hair Salon:

One of the American Girl Stylists can treat your girl's doll to a new hairdo! Visit the Doll Hair Salon and watch our specialists work their magic. You may be jealous that your daughter's doll is prettier than you when you leave! Learn more

Photo Studio:

Your daughter or friend can pose for a picture at the Photo Studio and take home a souvenir issue of American Girl magazine with her face on the cover. A photo is always a great souvenier. This is definitely worth the stop and probably the cost, as well. Learn more

For more information and reservations regarding the American Girl store in Chicago, call toll-free 1-877-247-5223

American Girl dolls are a fairly recent phenomenon, coming into vogue about 10 years ago. You can buy a character doll, which represents a particular era in United States history. Or, if you prefer, you can make your own doll, specifying hair color, eye color and skin color. Matching outfits are sold so that you and your doll can dress just alike. The dolls themselves are approximately $80-100, but of very high quality. Cared for properly, these can be heirloom toys, passed down from generation to generation.

The period dolls range from Kaya, a Nez Pierce Doll, born in 1764, to Julie and Ivy, friends that were born in 1974. The dolls are available in eras from colonial America through the Civil War, and even until the mid-1940s, through a friendship forged between an American Girl and a British counterpart.

One of the period dolls is starring in her own movie this summer. Kit Kittredge is the Depression-era doll, born in 1934. In Kit's story, she tries to save her family from the ravages of the Great Depression by putting her writing skills to the test. Her live-action movie premiers July 2, 2008. http://www.americangirl.com/movie/

Other dolls star in movies which are out on DVD. These include Molly, Felicity and Samantha. Interestingly, all American Girl dolls are born in a year that ends in "4." So far, there is no apparent reason for this coincidence, but given the number of historic dolls, there must be an underlying theme. Bonus points to the reader who comments below with the answer!

Each of the historic dolls comes in period costume, with a book that not only tells their story, but explains the period in which they lived. In addition to the dolls and costumes, a wide range of furniture and "baby gear" is available. For example, colonial "tip top" tables can be purchased for your Felicity doll. An entire trunk full of clothing is also up for grabs, if you're willing to make the investment. The new twins line of American Girl dolls include accessories such as a double-stroller. Realistic bottles come with the baby American girl dolls.

American Girl dolls have been hailed as not only empowering for young girls in the 21st century, but also fun to play with! The dolls are crafted with superior detail, and accessories are available for purchase including clothing, furniture, strollers, and cribs!

Girls all over the Midwest are thrilled with the Chicago store. From as far away as Peoria, Illinois (a three hour drive), mothers and daughters will drive to the Windy City for a celebratory lunch with their dolls.

If your daughter or granddaughter is very interested in these dolls, you may want to consider a subscription to the magazine, American Girl. In addition to information about the main characters, new products and other doll-related merchandise, there are puzzles, word searches and other interesting features in each issue. http://www.americangirl.com/agmg/

Chicago is such a rich city - there is so much to see that adults and children alike may be overwhelmed when it comes to scheduling a vacation or excursion to the famous city. Rest assured that young and old alike will enjoy the American Girl store, within easy walking distance of many other highlights along the Miracle Mile. Even if you don't have a daughter or granddaughter, its worth the walk to see the amazing dolls, learn some history and enjoy some fabulous food!