My love for the United States brought me back to the US in summer of 22 and more precisely to Chicago. It is the third largest city in the United States and is bathed by Lake Michigan. Chicago is the largest railway junction in the world and is nicknamed “The Windy City” due to the inconsistent presence of powerful gusts capable of drastically lowering the perceived temperature.
Chicago has numerous museums, and the main ones can be visited at a reduced rate by purchasing a ‘citypass’, a booklet that offers entry to five tourist attractions. As far as science is concerned, a visit to the Museum of Science and Industry is a must as it will enchant even the less passionate about the subject. You will have the chance to admire a train, artificial mines, a World War II U-boat (the only one left intact worldwide), an authentic spaceship and a controllable mini tornado!
A visit to Chicago would also not be complete without a walk on the Magnificent Mile, along Michigan Avenue, for the diverse architecture of its buildings, ranging from medieval to super modern style.
For those who prefer the outdoors, Chicago has more than one ace up its sleeve. The Millenium Park in the heart of the city is a real charm, and Lincoln Park, a little further north of the beach, boasts one of the few free zoos in the United States.
To take advantage of the lake, you can go to the Navy Pier, one of the most touristy places because of its covered gardens, its children’s museum, its Ferris wheel and other attractions. You can even take a cruise on a high-speed boat. If you’re willing to walk or cycle, continue along the lake until you get to the Adler Planetarium. From this strip of land you can admire the Chicago skyline in all its beauty.
The city of Chicago offers a thousand reasons to be visited during any season, although the harsh winters give one more reason to admire the ever warm and welcoming character of its inhabitants. With everything there is to see, plan more in a week for an exhaustive visit of the windy city.
Even if you just have a few spare hours in town, the Chicago neighborhoods I’ve mentioned above are all fairly central and easily accessible, so you should have no trouble shooting off at least a few good travel photographs of your trip. Check my galleries here!