Boasting one of the busiest airports in the world, a lovely location on Lake Michigan, some of the world's tallest buildings, many fine museums and plenty of wind in the winter, Chicago is one of America's most important cities.

Largely destroyed by a fire in 1871, a new city of the twentieth century was built, growing rapidly to become one of the world's most impressive cluster of skyscrapers. The Loop is the historic center of the city, drawing its name from the elevated train tracks that circle it, and the buildings within constitute a virtual textbook of American architecture. The intersection of Madison and State avenues is the heart of the city. The grandly named Magnificent Mile stretches along Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River north to Lincoln Park and is a shopper's paradise. Its most famous landmark is the Tribune Tower, a 1925 gothic masterpiece. Also within walking distance are two of the world's five highest buildings, the Sears Tower (with breath-taking viewing deck) and John Hancock building.

The Art Institute, on the eastern side of the Loop, is one of the world's premier galleries, boasting a magnificent collection of generously donated articles dating back 5000 years. The Chicago Cultural Center, a few blocks north hosts free music concerts and various galleries, exhibitions, beautiful interior design and a permanent museum are situated there, while the Museum of Broadcast Communications charts the history of on-air media and its contribution to American society. The Field Museum of Natural History has more than 20 million artefacts. Chicago wouldn't be Chicago without the 'Mob', and details about Al Capone, and others from Chicago's past are found at the Chicago Historical Society near Lincoln park. The highly recommended Spertus Museum, south of the Loop, displays the plight of the Jewish people through history. Another major attraction is the Museum of Science and Industry, in the sanctuary of Hyde park.

Back

Add to your Save For Later