Chicago is situated in the Great Lakes region
of the American Midwest, in the state of Illinois. Rising from the edges of Lake Michigan, Chicago began as a tiny trading post at the
mouth of the Chicago River, and has boomed into a modern global center
of commerce and culture. The Windy City has always been driven by an
unshakable optimism and can-do attitude. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which destroyed
half the city, was seized upon as an opportunity for the
metropolis to reinvent itself. What followed was the biggest building boom
in US history and a skyline that is almost beyond beautiful. Start your visit in The Loop - the central business district encircled by
the 'L', Chicago's elevated train line. The streets within The Loop are a showcase
of architecture, from the world's first high-rises, to the
cloud-piercing towers of today. Willis Tower held the title of world's tallest
building for almost 25 years. Take the 60-second ride to the Skydeck. On a really windy day you might even feel
the building sway a little, but don't panic, it was designed to do just
that. The Loop also contains some amazing outdoor
sculpture and an historic theater district which makes
the area feel like a cross between a museum and a film set. Running north from The Loop is the Magnificent
Mile, where you'll be able to gaze up at even more
wonders from the Chicago School of architecture. Looking a little out of place is the Old Water
Tower, a lone, but much-loved survivor from the Chicago
Fire. Shop 'til you drop in the upscale boutiques which line The Magnificent Mile's wide boulevards. And when it's time to refuel, sink your teeth into a deep dish pizza - an
old Chicago favorite. Following the south bank of the Chicago River and winding between the canyons of glass and
steel, The Riverwalk offers a relaxing change of
pace from the downtown bustle. Still within The Loop is Millennium Park. Once the site of railway yards and car parks, the area has been transformed into what critics
have hailed as 'the future of parks'. The centerpieces of this visionary space are
the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion
and the BP Footbridge. The park showcases a number of public sculptures, including a futuristic stainless steel archway
to the city, Cloud Gate, or as it's affectionately known to locals
- 'The Bean'. Just across the road is The Art Institute
of Chicago whose exterior is a work of art in itself. Set aside at least a day to explore this treasure-house
of European, American and Asian masterpieces. There are plenty of treasures to be found
outside The Loop. Just to the west is one of Chicago's hidden
gems, the Garfield Park Conservatory, an inner-city
haven for nature lovers and a first-date favorite for Chicago couples. In nearby Oak Park, step inside Frank Lloyd
Wright's home and studio, where for 20 years he pioneered an entirely
new architectural vision for America. Unity Temple is just a short stroll away. Completed in 1908, this Lloyd Wright masterpiece is widely regarded as the world's first modern
building. While you're in Oak Park, stop by the birthplace of one of Chicago's
most famous sons, Ernest Hemingway. In the nearby museum, fans of the novelist can read from his childhood
diary and original manuscripts. Down by The Loop's waterfront, the historic Navy Pier offers entertainment
for all ages. The pier is also the place to climb aboard one of the many lake and river cruises on
offer. Just south of Navy Pier, The Field Museum
houses over 20 million specimens from the world of natural
history. Say hello to Sue, the largest and most intact
skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex ever unearthed. The museum might look a little familiar, after all, it was the home base for Indiana
Jones in the blockbuster movie series. A little further south along the waterfront you'll find the Museum of Science and Industry
- known by generations of school children as
'the best field trip ever!'. Here you'll get to explore the inner workings
of man and machine, and discover the secrets of natural phenomena like tornadoes, lightning and avalanches. Chicago's largest green space is Lincoln Park, a seven mile stretch of shoreline which runs
north from The Loop. It's home to nature reserves, a conservatory, and monuments to many of the nation's heroes, including the park's namesake - Abraham Lincoln. The park also features the Lincoln Park Zoo which has been entertaining and educating
visitors since 1868. The zoo features two sections specifically
designed for children, and best of all it's free. The park is also home to the Chicago History
Museum. From gangsters to baseball, this is the place
to visit if you really want to know what makes this
unique city tick. As the sun sets, Chicago truly lights up. But don't plan on going to bed early, the city offers some of the best jazz, blues
and theater in America. So come on over to Chicago, the memories you'll
take away will last a lifetime - no matter how hard the wind blows.
