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Fun in the Windy City
Known for large food portions, music, friendly residents, world-class museums and amazing architecture, the largest city in the entire region of the Midwest and the third largest city in the U.S is Chicago. Tourism in what poet Carl Sandberg dubbed “the City of Big Shoulders” is a rapidly growing enterprise. Chicago tourism attracts weekenders and longer-term visitors from around the US and internationally. The city’s location at the heart of the US has also made it a popular location for conferences and expos.
Situated along Lake Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes, the Chicago skyline recognized the world over. Much of Chicago tourism focuses on the architecture of the city. As home to some of the world’s earliest and still tallest skyscrapers, Chicago has the distinction of having the tallest skyline overall. Architecture cruises along the Chicago River are one of the highlights of Chicago tourism and an experience not to be missed. The cruises run from the beginning of April through the end of November and provide unparalleled views and historical narratives of the city’s architecture.
Any local will tell visitors that summer is the best time to visit Chicago. Tourism in the city gets a boost from the festival season which means that tourist have the opportunity to experience Chicago on a neighborhood level with outdoor street festivals and fairs held in different locations around the city all summer long. The highlight for many sightseers is the vast Taste of Chicago, the world’s largest food festival, running from the last week of June through July 4th. The event features food venders from around the city and live entertainment. As the busiest time for Chicago tourism, the Taste attracts millions of visitors each year.
As the cultural and historical center of the Midwest, a number of excellent museums form another major attraction to the city of Chicago. Tourism highlights for Chicago museums include: the Art Institute, which houses a large collection of important Impressionist and American art; the Field Museum, an extraordinary natural history museum with anthropology, zoology, botany and geology departments; the Museum of Science and Industry, which features a number of interactive exhibits in its permanent collection along with temporary and traveling exhibitions; and the Shedd Aquarium, one of the most visited aquariums in the US.
Chicago tourism, in addition to noteworthy destinations around the city, is invariably linked to the city’s rich musical traditions. Chicago Blues can still be found both at tourist hotspots and off-the-beaten track locations frequented by locals. The Blues Festival held in the summer attracts Blues fans from all over. In addition to the Blues, Chicago is well known for an excellent live music scene and as the birthplace of “House music,” a form of techno music that combines elements of electronica, hip hop, jazz and many other types of music.
A large public transport system is a key benefit to Chicago tourism. Visitors are encouraged to avoid driving in the city as traffic is problematic and driving difficult for non-locals. All major elements of Chicago tourism can be found with easy access to the “El,” Chicago’s famous elevated train system, the subway and buses. Additionally, while a large city, Chicago destinations are well located; making cab rides an affordable option. In terms of the best times to visit Chicago, tourism is focused around the summer months, which can be very hot.
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