This city on the shores of Lake Michigan in the MidWest is one of the largest in the USA. The Great Chicago Fire in 1871 caused huge devastation resulting in a building boom. Before the end of the Century Chicago became the fifth-largest city in the Country. It is now the 3rd largest by population.
Chicago City is hugely important. It acts as a hub for everything from culture and education to finance and transportation. Huge numbers visit purely for tourism, never mind business. Tourists find Chicago inspiring in many ways. There are many places to visit in Chicago and there are plenty of Chicago images that will help persuade you to join them with a Chicago visit yourself.
Michigan Shore
While Lake Michigan is not as large as Lake Superior, it surpasses it in tourist numbers, beaches and parks. Indeed, it is sometimes called the ‘’Third Beach’’of the USA. It has links to the Atlantic through other lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway. You might be surprised to know that barges can also navigate the Illinois River in Chicago to the Mississippi and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico. It is easy to understand that Chicago’s lakeside location has helped its commercial development.
One of the popular districts in the City with a shoreline is Hyde Park. Chicago has 77 community areas with Hyde Park designated as the 41st.
High Rise
There are almost 1,400 high rise structures in Chicago. Just over 50 of them are in excess of 600 feet and more than that number between 500 and 600 feet. Chicago is really the birthplace of the skyscraper with the first one completed in 1885, the Home Insurance Building that had 10 floors. It was demolished in 1931.
Most of Chicago’s skyscrapers are in Downtown and further construction is in the planning and development stage. Your album of Chicago photos will not be able to avoid them.
There is more to Chicago than high rises. Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest in the USA and its start in the 1880s began with the donation of two swans!
Willis Tower
At one time this Tower, obviously the highest on the skyline, was the tallest manmade structure in the world. It took over from the World Trade Center in New York in 1974 but in the last couple of decades, several constructions around the world have relegated it.
Originally, the Sears Tower, its name changed to Willis in 2009. It has 110 floors with the observation deck at the 103rd, just over 1350 feet. You are able to see 50 miles in all directions on a clear day from that level.
Wrigley Building Clock Tower
The Wrigley Company Building’s centenary is approaching. It stands at almost 450 feet with two towers. The clock is on the South Tower with faces that point in all four directions. There are a number of tenants in the building including the Governments of the UK and Austria.
Marina City
This residential complex was the first to be built in the USA post-War. As a result, inner-city regeneration began to happen nationwide. It sits next to the Chicago River with a marina at ground level. Today, the Towers are home to commercial enterprises as well. You will find a concert hall, restaurants, and a hotel. Each tower has 65 floors and reaches a height of just under 600 feet.
Cloud Gate
This centrepiece on AT & T Plaza in Millennium Park uses the idea of liquid mercury. If you look at it, you will see the famous Chicago skyline distorted wherever you look. The designer Anish Kapoor won a competition to have his idea positioned here. It is a popular if different, sculpture in stainless steel which locals nickname ‘’The Bean.’’ Although it involves the use of 168 plates, such is the quality of the polishing you will not see a single seam.
CTA
The Chicago travel infrastructure is good. Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has 8 rail lines with 145 stations and nearly 130 bus routes. Connections to Chicago O’Hare International Airport are excellent. You will find subway trains, some at street level and others elevated above the street. In addition, there are standard taxis and water taxis.
Canal & Bridge
Water taxis are an excellent way to get around the City, especially for tourists because of some of the routes they can take. If you are not familiar with Chicago, get on a water taxi and they can take you through Chinatown, the Museum Campus, Willis Tower, the Navy Pier and Union Station.
Chase Lounge Chicago
Chicago is a city with plenty of things to do in the evening. There are plenty of good restaurants, bars and clubs. If you want to enjoy a show, Chase Lounge is the place to go. Check the calendar to see what is on before you head to Chicago. Chicago Philharmonic is world famous while you will find opera available in the City as well. The Magnificent Mile is one of the best shopping districts anywhere in the USA. It is the City’s most important commercial area with plenty of high quality shops. It is a square mile with Lake Michigan its eastern boundary.
Conclusion
If you enjoy visiting cities, you are sure to enjoy Chicago. You may not go as far as buying Chicago wallpaper but your album of Chicago pictures will be treasured.
Chicago does experience a cold winter, often with snow but Michigan Lake does have a moderating influence. Spring and autumn are mild while days can be hot and humid at the height of summer. That is one of the reasons why the beach is so popular.
The weather is not the most important factor in deciding when to visit a city. Even in mid-winter cities with good shopping, fine restaurants and evening entertainment are fun all year round. Chicago falls into this category.