By Isabel Prontes
Chicago is one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in Illinois, as well as in the rest of the
United States. If you are planning to visit Chicago, there is no shortage of exciting things to see and do, from visiting aquariums, going to museums, checking out art and learning about the city's history.
The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is both a school and a museum. The museum is a great and fun place to visit, with its extremely vast collection of artworks (over 300,000 pieces). One of the most famous and notable pieces of art housed at the museum is "American Gothic" by Grant Wood. The museum contains a lot of different types of art, including European sculpture, Renaissance art, photography, textiles, prints and decorative arts. (111 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60603, (312) 443-3600)
Lincoln Park Zoo
The Lincoln Park Zoo, in existence since 1868, is one of the country's oldest zoological gardens. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chicago, and it has approximately three million visitors a year. There are 230 species residing here, and 1,200 individual animals. If you want to get an up close look at animals like lowland gorillas and polar bears, this zoo will be a lot of fun for you. There is also a children's zoo, as well as a carousel and paddle boats. (2001 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614, (312) 742-2000)
Sears Tower Skydeck
The Sears Tower is one of the tallest buildings on the planet. That's why visiting the building's "Skydeck" is so fun---there is a breathtaking panoramic view of the skyline above Chicago and its surrounding areas. The view extends between forty and fifty miles, and extends to Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana. The Skydeck also has some fun interactive exhibits that detail Chicago's history. Be sure to use the high-powered telescopes for an even better look at the city from above. (233 S. Wacker Dr. Suite 3530, Chicago, Illinois 60606, (312) 875-9447)
Navy Pier
The Navy Pier (on Lake Michigan) is a well known Chicago landmark that is just east of the city's downtown area. It is a fun place to do shopping and dine at restaurants. There are also a lot of different exhibitions and recreational activities at the pier. Be sure to check out the massive indoor botanical park called Crystal Gardens, the large IMAX theater, the ferris wheel and the live entertainment at the Skyline Stage. The pier is also a great place for jogging and going cycling. (600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611, (312) 595-PIER)
Chicago Cultural Center
The Chicago Cultural Center was finished in 1897, and it is a famous monument that has an astounding, Neo-Classical architectural flair. It is one of the biggest and most detailed arts showcases in the United States, and it is home to countless exhibitions and programs put on by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs every year. If you are interested in visual arts, literary arts and the performing arts, you are sure to have a fun and fascinating time at the Chicago Cultural Center. (78 E. Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602, (312) 744-6630)
About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.
