Chicago Travel Information
Chicago, the third largest city in the United States, with a
population of more than 2.8 million, is the centerpiece of a
metropolitan area of more than 9 million people. Framing 29 miles of
Lake Michigan, the Windy City is a top tourist destination with a
wealth of culture, food, architecture, sports, shopping and outdoor
recreation to experience. A thriving business economy and mix of
cosmopolitan and suburban living are all within a 60-minute drive of
downtown. The Chicagoland area stretches west from Lake Michigan
toward the Fox River, north to the Wisconsin border and south to the
Indiana border and Interstate 80 corridor. There is much to see
and do in Chicago. Tours by boat along the Chicago River and Lake
Michigan, and double-decker bus and trolley stops at major attractions
allow a quick overview of the city’s architectural highlights and
ethnic neighborhoods. The city’s planetarium and art, history, natural
sciences and architectural museums are some of the top rated in the
nation. Performance art in the form of concerts, orchestra, lyric
opera, Broadway shows, comedy, musicals, plays and multi-media
presentations are plentiful. The city’s professional sports teams, the
Chicago Bulls, Cubs, White Soxs, Bears, Blackhawks, Fire and Wolves
are top draws to United Center, Wrigley Field, U.S. Cellular Field,
Soldier Field and Allstate Arena. Options for dining and
nightlife in Chicago are limitless. There are restaurants for every
taste and budget, many offering the city’s specialties: steak and
deep-dish pizza. There are comedy clubs, dinner theaters, and
nightclubs and bars, which offer jazz, blues and other tunes. Chicago
is a shopper’s paradise. From art galleries to antique shops to outlet
shopping, the city offers the midwest’s best shopping experience. Many
flagships stores and one-of-a-kind specialty shops can be found in the
city. Lake Michigan, the second largest of the Great Lakes,
anchors downtown Chicago. Trails, parks, golf courses and beaches line
the waterfront. Harbors house sailboats and yachts and marinas provide
fishing charters. The Chicagoland suburbs provide additional
attractions in more residential settings. Highlights include dining
and outdoor recreation in the northern lake country; outlet shopping
and historic homes to the west; and gaming, nature, and heritage to
the south. Chicago is located 290 miles northeast of St. Louis,
Missouri, and 91 miles south of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is accessible
by Interstate Highways 55, 57, 88, 90 and 94. There are many lodging
options both in downtown Chicago, near Midway and O’Hare airports and
in the suburbs.
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