Know Before You Go: About Chicago
Chicago, the Windy City—it’s the cultural and entertainment hot spot of the Midwest
It’s also home to deep-dish pizza, world-class museums and architectural masterpieces. Add the beaches and waterfront parks along the shores of Lake Michigan, and you have the perfect family vacation spot. Pack your bags and get ready to explore this lakeside treasure.
Hot Summers, Snowy Winters and All That Bluster
If you like snow, you’ll love Chicago! The city gets plenty, sometimes averaging nearly a foot in January. Summers are hot, with temperature averaging in the mid-80s, especially in July and August. The city also sees fairly high humidity and roughly 4 inches of rain each month from May through September. If you enjoy flying kites, you'll find that the "Windy City" lives up to its name, especially in the spring. Head out to the beaches and parks along Lake Michigan, where locals pepper the skies with their colorful fliers.
From Van Gogh to Lakeside Hiking
Start your tour of Chicago with a visit to the Tribune Tower. Walk around the base of this 34-story building to see the collection of stones embedded in the outside walls. You'll find a hunk of the Berlin Wall, a piece of Pearl Harbor and a chunk of the White House. Walk the few blocks to the Art Institute of Chicago and come face-to-face with works by Van Gogh, Degas or Picasso. Ride the vintage Ferris wheel, or shop and dine on the Lake Michigan waterfront at the Navy Pier, site of the 1933 World's Fair. You can also head north of the city to the Lincoln Zoo, which is open year-round and has free admission. You'll find the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium south of downtown, all on the Museum Campus. The adjacent Northerly Island juts out into Lake Michigan and offers great hiking trails and fishing spots, all within sight of the Chicago skyline.
A Publishing Hotspot and Candy Capital
Chicago is the No. 2 publishing hot spot in the United States—only New York puts out more printed and online material. This Midwest city is also the candy capital of the U.S. If you've ever munched on a Tootsie Roll or a Snickers bar, chances are it came from here. The museums, fun attractions, public parks and inviting waterfront all contribute to the city's tourist economy.
The 'L' Train and Bicycles
You can fly into O'Hare International Airport, located northwest of downtown, or the closer and smaller Chicago Midway International Airport. The Chicago Transit Authority's 'L' train will take you downtown from either airport, where it's easy to connect to other CTA trains or to the bus system. Some parts of Chicago are bike-friendly, especially along Lake Michigan. The Divvy Bike Share system offers 24-hour passes. Check out a bike at any of the Chicago lending stations and pedal your way around the city. If you're considering renting a car, keep in mind that traffic in Chicago can get congested at times. Parking may also be hard to find and it can be expensive. Some highways are toll roads, so be sure to carry some small bills and change.
Ready to travel? Find hotels in Chicago.
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