Destination Overview
Chicago is the major metropolis of America's heartland, with
three million people hustling and bustling in the city of
skyscrapers that appears to rise straight out of the waters of Lake
Michigan, in northern Illinois. Once a gangster's hang-out
synonymous with infamous names such as Al Capone and Bonny and
Clyde, the 'windy city' today has a squeaky-clean reputation as an
international business and commercial capital boasting an eclectic
mix of architecture, world-class theatre, art exhibitions, and
super-enthusiastic sportsmanship.Chicago emerged as a rough and tough survivor after being
destroyed in the Great Fire of 1871 and a huge influx of immigrants
from all over the world in the early 20th century brought with them
a determined spirit infusing the city with ethnic diversity and the
unmistakable sound of Chicago-style blues music. Chicagoans have
built a city that is to be reckoned with, boasting soaring
skyscrapers including the Sears Tower (one of the tallest in the
world); thriving ethnic neighbourhoods; a lakefront business
district, the re-energised downtown; unbeatable shopping along the
famed Michigan Avenue; and top-class sports teams.One thing that does not attract visitors to Chicago is the
weather, which, because of its geographical location is breezy at
best, and freezing and gale-ridden at worst. It is possible to
ignore the weather though, when getting caught up in the myriad of
things to do, see and experience in this Midwestern metropolis -
there are 30 excellent museums alone.
