Travel Spotlight: Chicago

Chicago is a large city in the center of the Midwest that attracts around 51 million visitors per year. It sits on the western shoreline of Lake Michigan, and is a vibrant metropolis in the U.S. Midwest, known for its architecture, diverse neighborhoods, and cultural attractions. Chicago is a great summer destination with so many events and things to do.

As the largest city in the Midwest and the 3rd largest city in the world Chicago has a history filled with tragedy and success. It first became a city in 1837, to create opportunities for trading after the Westward Expansion. All of the buildings and pretty much anything made out of wood was burned in the Great Chicago Fire in 1871.

Chicago’s flag has four major historical events represented by each star on the flag: The United States’ Fort Dearborn, US fort on the Chicago River; The Great Chicago Fire; The World’s Columbian Exposition, when the city celebrated recovery from the fire; and the Century of Progress World’s Fair of 1933–1934. The two blue stripes represent the north and south branches of the Chicago River. The three white stripes represent the North, West and South sides of the city.

Chicago is such a diverse city with so many things to do. Here is a list of things to do:

• Shop on Michigan Avenue: It’s a fun place to walk around and shop, keep in mind it’s usually pretty busy.

• Go to the beach: Beaches on Lake Michigan are super fun and a great place to hang out and get lunch.

• Go see an outdoor movie/concert at the Pritzker pavilion in Millennium Park

• Go to the Ice Cream Museum: An interactive museum that gives you ice cream.

• Visit the Skydeck (Willis Tower): Go to the top of the Willis tower, it’s super fun and beautiful to look over the city.

• Visit China Town

Chicago fun facts:

• The Chicago River flows backwards

• Nations first open heart surgery

• World’s Tallest Building Designed by a Female Architect