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Profile

The "Windy City" first became a city in 1837, having emerged from its origins as a backwater swampland mapped in the late 17th century to become an industrial and economic powerhouse that would solidify its place in U.S. history.

From 1850 to 1860, shortly after the development of the railroad and the Illinois/Michigan Canal, Chicago experienced a tremendous population surge and speculation which led to observations such as this from a visiting British tourist: "It is a city not in growth, but in revolution; growth is much too slow a word for the transformation of a hamlet of log-huts into a Western New York in the space of a few years." Chicago's population almost tripled during that decade.

The Great Fire in 1871 burned four square miles of the city. The city responded by replacing the old wooden structures with modern brick buildings in the form of banks, businesses, department stores, government agencies, and residential housing. Chicago's architects built upward instead of outward for lack of space, and one result was America's first steel-frame skyscraper, the Home Insurance Building, in 1885. Almost 100 years later in 1973, Chicago laid claim to what then was the tallest building in the world, the Sears Tower, which stands at 1,450 feet tall.

Chicago is a city rich in history. It is also home to many of the world's most famous architectural feats and popular retail and tourist destinations such as "The Magnificent Mile"; the country's largest exhibit and convention center, McCormick Place; one of the world's busiest airports, O' Hare International; the world's longest street, Western Avenue; the Navy Pier lakefront entertainment complex, a Chicago landmark since 1916; the monumental new Millennium Park; the second oldest baseball park in the country, Wrigley Field, and a total population in excess of 2.8 million.

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Weather

Chicago's winters are mostly sunny with an average temperature of 28 F, and some 30 inches of snow. Weather from June until September is nearly perfect for outdoor activities, with an average temperature around 70, but expect a few tropically hot days. By mid-July and continuing through late September, Lake Michigan is perfect for swimming. Local weather reporters often talk of "lake effect" to indicate conditions near Lake Michigan where the water temperature and wind make summer extremes more moderate and winter conditions more intense.

Current Weather

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Attractions

First conceived in 1998 as a way to create new parkland in the Grant Park area, Millennium Park (Michigan Avenue between Randolph and Monroe streets) is a new 24.5-acre park that embodies world-class art, music, architecture, and landscape design. Visitors can view public art displays and theatrical events, attend free public concerts, shop, dine, or take a relaxing stroll through the gardens and gaze at the city skyline. The park is open every day from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

For a view from above, take a trip to the top of two of the world's tallest buildings. The Sears Tower Skydeck (233 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago; 312-875-9696; www.the-skydeck.com) and the Hancock Observatory (875 N. Michigan Ave., 94th Floor, Chicago; 888-875-VIEW; www.hancockobservatory.com) give visitors the chance to rise more than 1,000 feet above the city for spectacular views of the skyline as well as the four neighboring states spanning 80 miles outward. Both observatories offer high-powered telescopes, multimedia exhibits and multi-language audio tours.

Since first opening in 1916, the Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago; 312-595-PIER; www.navypier.com), just east of Downtown, has been a Chicago landmark. Featuring a number of indoor and outdoor attractions that include museums, theaters, an indoor botanical park, a 150-foot-high Ferris wheel, miniature golf course, boat cruises, and more, it continues to be one of Chicago's biggest tourist attractions.

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Family Fun

Time Escape, located at Navy Pier, is a futuristic ride simulator that combines 3-D projections, state-of-the-art computer graphics, live special effects, robotics, and high impact motion simulation to create a true-to-life journey into Chicago's past, present and future. Tickets prices for adults are $10, for children and seniors, $8. Visit www.timeescape.com for more information.

Combining creative activities with educational and hands-on exhibits, the Chicago Children's Museum (700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago; 312-527-1000; www.chichildrensmuseum.org) is a place for learning and fun. Spend the day exploring the Inventing Lab and learn about inventions by Chicago-area students or invent your own flying machine. Discover age-old fossils at the Dinosaur Expedition, or play the role of architect at the Under Construction building workshop. Admission is $7 for adults and children, seniors $6.

Lincoln Park Zoo (Cannon Dr. at Fullerton Pkwy, Chicago; 312-742-2000; www.lpzoo.org) is among the oldest zoological gardens in the country (established in 1868), and is also one of the last free zoos. It offers plenty of animal attractions and leisurely family activities, from paddle boating to train rides. Feed a cow or pet a goat at the Farm-in-the-Zoo, take a cruise on the Endangered Species Carousel or witness wildlife in its own natural habitat, either by foot or on the African Safari Ride for $5. Open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.

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Cultural Arts

The Art Institute of Chicago (111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago; 312-443-3600) features vast collections including famous French Impressionist paintings and drawings, fine and decorative arts from America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America, photography, textiles and architectural works, as well as collections dating from 3,000 B.C. to the present. Call for details on special exhibits taking place throughout the year as well as special admission prices.

The largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex ever found makes its home at the Field Museum (1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago; 312-922-9410; www.fieldmuseum.org). "Sue" made her debut at the museum on May 17, 2000 and represents the best-preserved fossilized bones of a T-Rex yet discovered. Another permanent exhibit, "Underground Adventure," allows visitors to view the world from an insect's point of view. Visitors can also descend into an Egyptian tomb, watch the flow of lava, learn about the world's cultures and environments, and more. The Field Museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Steppenwolf Theatre Company (1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago; 312-335-1650; www.steppenwolf.org) is an international non-profit performing arts center located in the heart of Lincoln Park on Chicago's north side. Now approaching its 30th anniversary under the leadership of co-founding performers Terry Kinney, Jeff Perry and Gary Sinise, Steppenwolf is the home for launching world premieres, introducing new works to Chicago audiences and revisiting classic plays with year-round performances in each of its three theater spaces.

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Sports/Recreation

For a variety of sightseeing and exciting cruises, Chicago's Navy Pier is home to a wide range of vessels offering visitors everything from elegant dinner cruises and dancing to thrilling speed boat rides to relaxing educational excursions.

For sightseeing, Windy (312-595-5555; www.tallshipwindy.com) is a 198-foot four-mast traditionally American-style schooner offering 90-minute cruises for up to 150 passengers from May through October. The Seadog (312-822-7200; www.seadogcruises.com) vessels provide high-speed fun on four of the fastest speedboats in the country for a 30-minute blast along the lakefront. For lunch or dinner cruises, take a ride on the Spirit of Chicago (312-836-7899; www.spiritofchicago.com), which sails year-round and is available for group charters or individual reservations.

For the golfing enthusiast, the Chicago Park District (425 E. McFetridge Dr., Chicago; 312-245-0909; www.cpdgolf.com) offers six golf courses, three driving ranges, two miniature golf courses, and three new learning centers all of which are easily accessible from anywhere in the Chicago metropolitan area. The Chicago courses are open all year long, from dawn to dusk, weather permitting. Tee times can be made in person or by calling the 24-hour tee time reservation system at (312) 245-0909. The driving ranges are open daily from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. Two of the Chicago Park District's nine-hole golf courses are situated on the shores of Lake Michigan with the Chicago skyline as a backdrop.

Sydney R. Marovitz (3600 N. Recreation Dr., Chicago; 312-742-7930) ranks among the most challenging of the Chicago Park District courses with its tight greens, numerous bunkers and championship length.

South Shore Golf Course (7059 S. South Shore Dr., Chicago; 312-245-0909) is a 2,720-yard, par 33 course that offers panoramic views of Lake Michigan along tree-lined fairways and small greens.

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Accommodations

Chicago offers a broad range of accommodations to suit every travel need. From world-class luxury lodging to affordable boutique hotels located nearby area attractions and shopping, there are many options from which to choose.

Located on Michigan Avenue in the heart of Chicago's famed shopping and dining district is the Chicago Marriott Downtown on the Magnificent Mile (540 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago; 312-836-0100; www.chicagomarriottdowntown.com), a 46-story building with nearly 1,200 guest rooms and 25 suites. Along with its prestigious location, the Marriott Downtown offers various amenities, which include five restaurants and lounges, health club and indoor pool, fitness center, salon, laundry service, and more. Rates range from $199 to $249 per night with a number of special packages available.

Located within walking distance of McCormick Place and the Museum Campus, The Wheeler Mansion (2020 S. Calumet Ave., Chicago; 312-945-2020; www.wheelermansion.com) is a luxury boutique hotel with 11 rooms/suites individually designed with 19th century antiques, fine art and tapestries. Guests are treated to European style elegance and amenities including marble spa baths, robes, toiletries, complimentary gourmet breakfast, laundry services, and twice-daily chambermaid visits. A Chicago landmark since 1870, room rates range from $230 to $365 per night.

The Ritz-Carlton Chicago (160 E. Pearson St., at Water Tower Pl., Chicago; 312-266-1000; www.fourseasons.com/chicagorc) set atop Water Tower Place, high above North Michigan Avenue and the city's Magnificent Mile, offers 435 luxurious guestrooms including 91 suites, all of which feature extra large picture windows offering scenic city views from within elegant interiors. The hotel boasts an exclusive full service spa and fitness center, an award-winning restaurant, The Dining Room, serving modern American cuisine, and a variety of special guest rooms and suites for all occasions. Room rates begin at $395.

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Shopping

There's no place more exciting to shop than Chicago. Year-round, the city tempts with a dazzling array of unique shops and stores.

The famous Magnificent Mile along Michigan Avenue is a true shopper's paradise laid along an eight-block stretch that includes four separate shopping centers encompassing 460 retail stores, 275 restaurants, 51 hotels, and a variety of cultural and entertainment venues in eight city blocks.

900 North Michigan features six levels of upscale retailers headed by Bloomingdale's and also includes a full service salon and spa; Water Tower Place at 835 North Michigan Avenue features eight levels of shopping including names like Marshall Field's, Lord & Taylor and more than 100 other stores, while Chicago Place at 700 North Michigan is an eight-level specialty retail center that features Saks and more than 50 other unique stores. Westfield North Bridge is an elegant specialty center anchored by Nordstrom. This four-level concourse at 520 North Michigan includes many popular retail stores and restaurants.

Shopping in Old Town (1520 N. Wells, Lower Level, Chicago; 312-951-6106; www.oldtownchicago.org/shopping) is a delightful experience with a collection of unique fashion boutiques, gift shops and home decorating stores. From designer shoes to contemporary furnishings to imported antiques and unique gifts, the variety is inviting and exciting. Old Town is one of Chicago's most unique and charming neighborhoods with its tree-lined streets accented with historical streetlights and assorted outdoor cafes.

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Nightlife

The starting point for many famous actors, directors and writers, including several popular Saturday Night Live alumni, The Second City (1616 N. Wells St., Chicago; 312-337-3992; www.secondcity.com) has been a Chicago institution since 1959 showcasing its signature brand of socio-political satire. The theater features free improvisation after the last show every day except Friday, and no drink minimums. The 45th Anniversary Tour featuring the "Best of Second City" takes place every Monday evening at 8:30 p.m. with tickets priced at $12.

Dick's Last Resort (River East Plaza, 435 E. Illinois St., Chicago; 312-836-7870), known locally as the "Shame of Chicago," has live music seven nights a week, no cover and no dress code. This leisurely hangout features 74 kinds of beer, fully stocked bar and buckets of barbecue beef among other dinner menu finger foods. Excalibur Entertainment Complex (632 N. Dearborn Pkwy., Chicago; 312-337-3836) is Chicago's largest dance club and features a variety of music, recreational games and its own restaurant.

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Travel Info

The Metra (www.metrarail.com) commuter rail system makes traveling to and from downtown Chicago and its surrounding areas convenient with four downtown stations. On Metra you can reach Chicago's lakefront shopping districts, museums, schools, and colleges as well as quaint, historic suburbs and small towns. Metra goes practically to the front door or nearby bus or train lines. For $5, Metra's Weekend Pass offers unlimited rides and may be purchased on the train or a Metra ticket office. For schedule information visit www.metrarail.com/schedule or call (312) 836-7000.

Save money and avoid the wait with the Chicago City Pass. Visit six of Chicago's most popular attractions including The Hancock Observatory, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum and save 50% off the regular admission price. The City Pass ticket booklet can be used up to 9 days from first use and can be purchased at any of the participating venues or in advance at http://citypass.com/city/chicago. The Chicago City Pass price is $49 for adults, and $39 for children ages 3 to 11.

Visitors can discover Chicago's unique character and many attractions with the aid of a Chicago Greeter. Chicago Greeter is a free service designed to help visitors become familiar with the city and all its neighborhoods. Greeters are experienced locals who volunteer to share their time and knowledge of the city. Visit www.chicagogreeter.com for more information.

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Fast Facts

The "Windy City" actually experiences wind speeds similar to other big American cities. The nickname dates from the early 19th century when Chicago's promoters traveled east to attract investments. Their tub-thumping was often dismissed as "windy" or "full of wind". The name stuck after a New York Sun editorial in 1893, which derided Chicago's puffed-up effort to bring the World's Fair to the city, stating, "Don't pay attention to the nonsensical claims of that windy city."

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Links

Chicago City Tourist

Chicago CVB

Hello Chicago

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The Most Luxurious Seat in the House

The Westin Chicago River North is giving new meaning to the phrase "the best seat in the house." Bringing luxury to where it is least expected, the Windy City hotel has installed the technologically-advanced Brondell Swash 800 toilet seat, complete with remote control. This state-of-the-art bathroom accessory is the latest in high-tech offerings at the property. Extending the feeling of opulence and comfort from the bedroom to the bath, guests will experience a luxurious design, complete with many unique features including bidet, warm air dryer, germ resistant seat and water and seat temperature settings. The elegant, low-profile design compliments the Westin Heavenly Bath decor. This high-tech amenity is planned for roll out to select room categories throughout the rest of the year. Rates at the Westin Chicago River North start at $199 per night. For more information call (312) 744-1900 or visit www.westinchicago.com.

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