The Windy City is rolling out a new way to see the sights with the Custom Chicago Explorer Pass. The new contactless smart card grants access to 26 of the top tourist attractions in and around Chicago at a discounted rate. Some of the participating venues include the John Hancock Observatory, the Museum of Science and Industry and Navy Pier.

To activate the card, customers choose the places they want to visit online. A customized smart card is then delivered and ready for use when exploring the city. Cardholders have 30 days to use the pass during their visit to Chicago. Each tourist attraction installed a smart card reader compatible with the Explorer Pass to grant access to the facility.
The new contactless smart card program makes it easier for tourists to take advantage of the museums, tours and other attractions unique to Chicago, saving money on the price of admission. There are plans to expand the program to other cities in the United States including New York, Boston and Las Vegas.