Chicago has many nicknames, which reflect the impressions and opinions about historical and contemporary Chicago. The best-known includes the "Windy City", "Second City, "The City that Works" and "The City of Big Shoulders." Frank Sinatra even has a song for Chicago entitled "My Kind of Town" and I should say this is my kind of town too! The city is the 3rd most populous city in the US after New York and Los Angeles and it is one of the most visited places in America.
Visiting Chicago for the first time can be overwhelming because it has a lot to offer from its amazing skyscraper to its historical landmarks but these are my top 5 places to go when visiting Chicago.
1. Buckingham Fountain.
Donated to the city by Kate Buckingham, the Buckingham Fountain is Chicago's centerpiece along the Lake Michigan shore, and is a popular destination spot for visitors and locals alike.
2. Millennium Park.
The Millennium Park is the brainchild of Mayor Richard M. Daley, originally started in 1997 with the goal to have the park ready to celebrate the new millennium in the year 2000. It has a price tag of $500 million. Many Chicago residents have various reactions as to the cost and the infamous delays of the construction but the end result of this ambitious project is so spectacular that they have forgotten the missteps it took to get it completed. Millennium Park is now one of the highlights of the city and one of the best free attractions. The park houses the following famous attractions:
*Cloud Gate - my personal favorite - this is referred to by locals as "The Bean", for obvious reasons -- is a public sculpture by talented British artist Anish Kapoor. Cloud Gate weighs in at over 110-tons, and is 66 feet long and 33 feet high. "The Bean" was created using a huge number of individual stainless steel plates -- Cloud Gate's seamless surface is the result of thousands of hours of polishing. Cloud Gate is quickly becoming one of the more popular photo opportunities in the city.
*The Jay Pritzker Pavilion - It rises 120 feet into the air, and evokes ribbons flowing in the wind -- not an easy feat for a metal structure. The 11,000 person seating area (4,000 seats in front of the stage, and room for 7,000 on the Great Lawn) is covered with criss-crossing pipes that support the Pavilion's high-end sound system.
*The Crown Fountain - was designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, is an extremely unique tribute to the people of Chicago. The artist was inspired by historic fountains that have gargoyles with water spouting out of their open mouths.
*Lurie Garden - The 2.5 acre garden was a surprising tranquil spot, due in large part to the 15-foot-high hedge that encloses it on two sides. The hedge protects the perennial garden from pedestrians, and is meant to symbolize Carl Sandburg's description of Chicago as the "City of Big Shoulders".
3. Navy Pier - Originally a shipping and recreational facility, Navy Pier has a rich history and has evolved into one of the most popular spot for people visiting Chicago.
Navy Pier is separated into these areas:
Gateway Park
This 19-acre park enhances the city's lake front, and is a fun entrance to the pier, with its water fountain with computerized jet streams.
Family Pavilion
One of the main areas of Navy Pier, the Family Pavilion is home to the 50,000-square-foot Chicago Children's Museum, an IMAX Theater, the Crystal Gardens indoor botanical park, and numerous restaurants and shops.
South Arcade
The South Arcade holds more shops and restaurants as well as Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze, the 3-D ride Transporter FX, and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater which, as the name implies, is a permanent home for Shakespeare in Chicago.
Navy Pier Park
This popular spot in warmer months features the famous 150-foot-high Ferris wheel, a merry-go-round, a high-flying swing ride and a miniature golf course. The Skyline Stage is also in Navy Pier Park, featuring top music performances from May to September.
Festival Hall
Festival Hall is the area of Navy Pier dedicated to trade shows and exhibitions. Festival Hall has over 170,000 square feet of exhibit space, 36 meeting rooms, up to 60 foot ceilings, and a full range of telecommunications and electrical needs. Festival Hall is also home to the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows, a display of 150 beautiful and historic stained glass.
4. Wrigley Field
Games at Wrigley Field consistently sell out -- and if you're familiar with the Chicago Cubs record you know it isn't because of the quality baseball being played there. More likely they come to soak in the history of the United States second oldest ballpark and enjoy the party atmosphere of the crowd, especially in the bleacher seats.
5. Lincoln Park Zoo
Even if you are not an animal lover, you would still enjoy and appreciate the amazing and exotic animals that resides in this zoo. It's nestled among lagoons and mature trees, the Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the most beautiful in the country, featuring historical architecture and world-class wildlife exhibits. It's easy to spend an entire day at this tranquil, intimate zoo and forget that the bustling city of Chicago is right beyond the zoo boundaries. Open 365 days a year with free admission to all, the Lincoln Park Zoo is a premier Chicago attraction.
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