I live on the south side of Chicago so I'm pretty local. Sounds like fun. Having a plan with someone else makes for good motivation. Ever since I found out I could get there by bus I've told myself I'd go there but it always was "someday" and "eventually".

Also having another person would (hopefully) make getting lost more difficult.

Maybe Monday or some other day next week? I don't know when the current snow will melt but more is predicted for next Friday. Or did you want to wait a while more?