Chicago

Chicago, the largest city in Illinois, is just off Lake Michigan in the heart of the Midwest.  The city is home to the world's first skyscraper, The Home Insurance Building dating back to 1885.  The building no longer stands, but today Chicago is home of three of the tallest buildings in the world including The Sears Tower.  Take in a great view of the city from the Sears Tower Skydeck or from the Hancock Observatory at the top of the John Hancock building.

Any visit to Chicago should include visiting its fine museums along with lots of shopping and eating.  Speaking of eating, there is the Taste of Chicago Festival which is held each summer and brings record crowds.

Among the world-class museums in Chicago are the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum, the Shedd Aquarium/Oceanarium, the Field Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Science and Industry.  The Shedd Aquarium is simply amazing with over 8,000 aquatic mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and fish.

Chicago is also home to the Marshall Field's Department store.  The original store opened in 1852 on State Street and is still open today as the flagship store.  Marshall Field's offers an extensive selection of fine men's and women's apparel, fine restaurants, a large house wares department, and much more.

Shopping in Chicago would not be complete without a visit to the famous "Magnificent Mile," which goes down Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to the Chicago River.  Here you will find the great department stores including Marshall Field's, Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale's along with many smaller boutiques and specialty shops with fine goods from around the globe.

While in Chicago you will never go hungry with Chicago Style Hot Dogs to Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza.  Chicago also boasts many ethic neighborhoods where you can indulge in different tastes from around the world.  If you fancy fine dining, you're in luck as you'll find many award-winning restaurants with renowned chef's. 

If you're looking for some fun a visit to Navy Pier, the states most popular attraction, is in order.  Take a ride in the Wave Swinger in Pier Park or buckle up for the 3-D Time Escape Ride.  While at the pier there is a 150-foot high Ferris wheel and a musical carousel.  While trekking around the city be sure to visit Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain at Grant Park, and the Lincoln Zoo. 

For thrills, adventure and an adrenalin rush, to the north of Chicago in Gurnee, Illinois, is Six Flags Great America.  Great America sports 12 world-class coasters including Superman-Ultimate Flight, The Viper, Batman the Ride, and Raging Bull along with other thrill rides.  To reach Six Flags Great America from Chicago, Take I-94 or I-294 West. Exit Grand Ave. (Rt. 132) East in Gurnee, Illinois. Six Flags is located immediately on the right. Approximate driving time is 45 minutes.

Getting to Chicago

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the 2nd busiest airport in the world with four terminals and serves as a hub for both United Airlines and American Airlines.  Most major US carriers provide service to O'Hare along with a significant number of international carriers.

Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) is Chicago's secondary airport and many domestic carriers use this airport including the low cost carrier Southwest Airlines.

Automobile rental's are available at both airports along with CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) service into the city.