Best Free iPhone Games

Things to do in Chicago

Chicago is the greatest city of the American Midwest. Having survived many boom-and-bust cycles, the indomitable city is still a celebrated center of American life and business. The large bodies of water on these northern plains are the key to Chicago’s foundation and history. A tourist’s list of things to do in Chicago, should include the following:

1. Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise
Chicago’s distinctive skyscrapers rise out of the shore of Lake Michigan and its rivers. Seeing the downtown district from the water is a perfect way to view the many architectural styles. Passengers will notice an evolution of building that evokes the history of the 19th and 20th centuries.

2. Magnificent Mile
Shoppers rejoice! The Magnificent Mile contains a riot of fashions down a walk of 8 blocks. Hundreds of stores line the avenue, spread out not only horizontally, but also vertically, occupying successive floors of upright structures.

3. Hancock Observatory
Although not quite as high or as famous as the Sears Tower, those who want gasp-inducing views without hours of waiting in line might try their luck at the Hancock building. The observation deck is 94 stories in the air. Audio tours provide context for the city views.

4. Museum of Science and Industry
The museum has free admission on Tuesdays. This is an extensive building with exhibits that cover a mind-boggling array of subjects, from airplanes to eastern artifacts. Many interactive exhibits help to prevent the glazed-eyes syndrome that results from standing and staring for too long.

5. Millennium Park
This park is home to the mirrored sculpture, otherwise known as “The Bean,” that is quickly becoming one of the city’s most recognizable features. Millennium Park is also home to open spaces, fountains, and pavilions.

6. Frank Lloyd Wright Tour
Oak Park contains the early history of America’s greatest architect. The Prairie School of architecture was developed here by Wright, and multiplied across the nation. The great Unity Temple can be seen here, in addition to private homes.

7. Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute is home to almost a quarter of a million works—one of the largest collections in the world. The museum contains large American collections, as well as art from around the world.

Chicago has seen trade and prosperity, fire and destruction, gangsters, capitalism, and skyscrapers. This multilayered city tells a fascinating tale of American life.