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Explore Chicago: A Comprehensive Must-Do List for Tourists
Chicago is a city with a long and varied history, and its beauty and attractions make it one of America’s most popular cities for tourists. From its stunning architecture to its lively culture, the Windy City has something for everyone. Whether you’re a culture buff, sports fan, food enthusiast or just in search of an unforgettable experience, Chicago offers all these things and more.
History of Chicago
Chicago is located in northeastern Illinois on the southwestern shores of Lake Michigan. The area was first settled by Native Americans and was used as a trading post by French and British explorers in the late 1600s. The city was officially founded in 1837 by a group of businessmen led by William B. Ogden. Chicago was built on the swampy land near the mouth of the Chicago River and quickly became an important port city and a hub for transportation and commerce.
By the late 1800s, Chicago had become one of the country’s largest cities. Its population had grown to over 1 million and it was the center of the industrial revolution. It was during this period that the city began to be known for its architecture, with renowned architects like Daniel Burnham creating iconic structures like the Flatiron Building and the Rookery Building. It was also during this period that many of the city’s famous parks, such as Lincoln Park and Jackson Park, were created.
In the early 1900s, Chicago became known as a center for culture, with influential writers such as Carl Sandburg, Nelson Algren, and Saul Bellow making their homes here. It was also at this time that many of the city’s iconic jazz clubs, such as the Green Mill and the Checkerboard Lounge, began to open up.
Today, Chicago is still a major city and is home to more than 3 million people. It’s a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, and it has been ranked one of the most livable cities in the world.
What to Do in Chicago
Chicago is full of amazing sights, sounds and experiences to explore. Whether you’re looking for culture, art, entertainment or outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone in this great city. Here are some of the must-do activities when visiting Chicago:
Visit Millennium Park
Millennium Park is one of Chicago’s most iconic public spaces and a must-see for visitors. This amazing park is located in downtown Chicago on the former site of a rail yard, and it features stunning artworks, stunning landscaping and stunning views of the city skyline. The park is home to some of Chicago’s most well-known attractions, such as the Cloud Gate sculpture (also known as “the Bean”) and Anish Kapoor’s reflective sculpture “The Sky’s the Limit”. There are also plenty of concerts and events held at Millennium Park throughout the year.
Explore Navy Pier
Navy Pier is another iconic destination in Chicago that has been entertaining visitors since it opened in 1916. This sprawling complex is located on the shoreline of Lake Michigan and features plenty of attractions for the entire family. There are amusement park rides, boat tours, shops, restaurants and more. The pier is also home to many festivals throughout the year, including the popular Chicago Children’s Museum Festival and the Taste of Chicago food event.
Shop Along The Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile is one of Chicago’s most famous shopping districts. Located along Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to the Chicago River, this stretch of road is home to some of the city’s finest shopping experiences. From high-end boutiques to designer stores, you can find everything you need here. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes to explore while you’re here.
Experience The Art Institute Of Chicago
The Art Institute Of Chicago is one of Chicago’s most famous attractions. Located in Grant Park, this museum features artwork from all over the world, including works by Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso. The Institute also has an extensive collection of decorative arts and sculptures from around the world.
Visit The Field Museum
The Field Museum is another must-see attraction in Chicago. This museum houses a variety of exhibits that explore natural history from all over the world. There are dinosaur bones, ancient artifacts and interactive displays to explore. The museum also hosts a variety of educational programs throughout the year that focus on anthropology, geology and ecology.
Take A Tour Of The Frank Lloyd Wright Home And Studio
The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio is a great place to visit if you’re interested in architecture. Located in Oak Park, this home was designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1889. It was here that he developed his pioneering style of architecture known as “Organic Architecture” which uses natural materials and organic shapes to create buildings that harmonize with their surroundings. Tours of this historic home are available and provide insight into Wright’s design philosophy and his influence on modern architecture.
See A Show At The Second City
The Second City is an iconic comedy theater in Chicago that has been entertaining audiences since 1959. This theater has been home to many famous comedians over the years such as John Belushi, Bill Murray and Tina Fey, who all got their start at The Second City before going on to become superstars in television and film. Nowadays they still offer a variety of shows including sketch comedy, improv comedy and musical theater.
Popular Tours in Chicago
Chicago is a great city to explore on foot or by bike but sometimes it’s nice to take a guided tour to get a better sense of the city’s history and attractions. Here are two popular tours offered in Chicago that will give you an unforgettable experience:
Architecture River Cruise
Experience Chicago up close on an architecture river cruise. You’ll get an up-close look at some of the city’s most iconic buildings including The Wrigley Building, Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), Tribune Tower, John Hancock Center and more! You’ll also learn about each building’s history from your knowledgeable guide as you cruise along the river. This hour-long tour will give you an insight into why Chicago is known as one of America’s great architectural cities. Book an architecture river cruise to experience it all!
Deep Dish Pizza Tour
If you love pizza then you have to take a deep dish pizza tour while you’re in Chicago! This delicious tour takes you around some of Chicago’s best pizza spots where you’ll get to sample some authentic deep dish pizza made right before your eyes! You’ll also learn about how deep dish pizza became so popular in Chicago while getting tips on how to make it at home! Book a deep dish pizza tour today for an unforgettable culinary experience!
Conclusion
Chicago is an amazing city with plenty to see and do for everyone who visits. From iconic attractions like Navy Pier and Millennium Park to delicious cuisine like deep dish pizza, this city has something for everyone! To make the most of your time in Chicago be sure to check out some of these must-do activities listed above!
