Everyone knows it as a city of gangsters and jazz, but what really is Chicago (Illinois)? The sights of the city will tell everything for themselves.
"City of winds"
Chicago is located on Lake Michigan in northern Illinois and on the banks of the Chicago and Calumet Rivers. The city is a major industrial center and the largest US transportation hub. In terms of population, this is the third city in the United States. About three million people live in it.
For the first time, colonists visited these lands in 1674, establishing the first missionary post. At the beginning of the 19th century, a small settlement of 350 people formed here. In 1837, the settlement received the status of a city, with a population of more than 4 thousand people. The name Chicago got from the Indian name for garlic (shikaakwa), which grew on the banks of a local river.
It is often called the "city of the winds", endowing this phrase with poetic meaning. It is believed that for the first time this phrase was dubbed by the editor of the New-York Sun newspaper, and not out of romantic feelings, but because of empty promises of manipulative politicians. Although in Chicago there are indeed strong winds, so this phrase is firmly entrenched in the city.
Chicago: attractions, photos
The first things to see in Chicago are skyscrapers. Willis Tower is the tallest building in the United States. It has 110 floors and 442 meters in height, except for the antennas on the roof. The observation deck of the building is located at 412-meter height and is equipped with a transparent floor so that nothing would interfere with viewing.
Beautiful panoramic views can also be seen from the center of John Hancock with a height of 100 floors, from the Marina City Tower and from the Aon Building, but this is not all that can surprise Chicago. The sights of the city are just beginning. Going down from the observation deck and taking a ride on a tourist boat along the river, huge skyscrapers can be appreciated from a completely different perspective.
The Magnificent Mile is what you need after Chicago tours. The sights of the city are interesting, but no less exciting are the boutiques and shops located on the Magnificent Mile. There are more than 200 different restaurants where you are sure to cook Deep Pizza.
Museums and Architecture
Modern buildings and boutiques are not all sides of Chicago. The sights of this city are represented by interesting museums and architectural graces. For example, the Cathedral of Ion Cantius, built in 1893, which is an expressive example of the Polish style.
The Medina Temple is by no means a place for prayer, but a building of a furniture store that repeats the architectural features of the Islamic style (decorative ornaments, domes and grilles). It was built in 1913 for the meetings of the Arab noble order, which is often associated with Masons.
The Historical Museum is the oldest museum in the city. The expositions show the entire history of Illinois and Chicago. The Chicago Cultural Center is worth a visit even because of its appearance. The center is decorated with bronze, mahogany, carved cornices and mosaics. Various exhibitions, film screenings, dance evenings and scientific meetings take place here.
Entertainment
All kinds of water and air performances take place on Navi Pier. This is one of the most famous places in Chicago. The attractions of Navi Pier are more likely to be for children, although adults also have some fun. Navi Pier has a variety of cafes, restaurants and attractions. The Children's Museum will delight you with an unusual collection, the Stained Glass Museum contains stained glass windows of various periods.
On the shores of Lake Michigan is Millennium Park, which houses the city’s most recognizable landmark, Cloud Gate. However, locals often call this sculpture a bean because of its shape.
There are other bizarre statues and sculptures in the park, such as poles with holographic images and fountains at the top. There are numerous alleys, pavilions and green areas.
Conclusion
Sights of Chicago satisfy all tastes, here are architectural beauties and the highest skyscrapers, and green parks, interesting museums, as well as boutiques and restaurants. This city will capture in a dizzying rhythm of modernity and style and will certainly remain for a long time in memories.