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Visit Chicago, Illinois for Exciting Attractions, Famous Sites and More!  

Touring Chicago, Illinois is a fun way to spend a holiday or family outing. The area offers a little something for everyone, no matter what the age. Sports fans, music lovers, history and art buffs, and families enjoy exploring what Chicago has to offer. From the shores of the great Lake Michigan to the tall Sears Tower, there's always plenty to see and do.

Chicago is located in Cook County as the county seat, and is commonly known as the "Windy City." The city is at the Indiana border on Lake Michigan, making it a busy center for tourism, business and transport. The population of Chicago was estimated at 2,869,121 as of 2003. It is near the cities of Berwyn (IL), Forest View (IL), Oak Park (IL), Stickney (IL) and Cicero (IL).

A Look at Chicago in History

The earliest settlers in the area during the 1600s were Illinois Indians, who named it "Chicaugou," meaning strong and powerful. The first settler to establish the area as a settlement was Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, who traded furs with the Indians on the Chicago River at the north bank. He lived there until 1796.

When the railroad and Illinois/Michigan Canal were developed, Chicago became a leader in hog, cattle, wheat and lumber. Chicago grew rapidly because of its importance as a transportation center. By the early 1850s, the city's population had nearly tripled. Around 100,000 immigrants arrived in the area annually seeking jobs and land.

In October 1871, Chicago was victim to a great fire that destroyed most of the central area of the city. Damages were estimated at $200 million, with more than 17,000 buildings left in rubble. Despite a few major setbacks, Chicago was able to get back on its feet and become the attractive city it is today. It is thriving in business and tourism now.

Attractions in Chicago

Chicago is as diverse in attractions as it is with culture. The area offers several museums for those who love art or history. Here are just a few: Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, Chicago History Museum, Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, and Oriental Institute Museum.

For ball fans, there's Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. It's one of the best-loved, smallest and oldest ball parks in America. Built in 1914, Wrigley Field is rich in baseball history. Greats from the past such as Babe Ruth, Ernie Banks, Pete Rose and many others have graced the ball park with their amazing talents.

Shopping and Leisure in Chicago

Navy Pier in Chicago offers tourists and locals around 50 acres of gardens, restaurants, parks and cultural attractions. It's great for families or individuals who want to relax, walk, shop, and eat! Another great place for shoppers is Magnificent Mile, which is an upscale shopping district filled with festivities for the holidays. It is located on North Michigan Avenue. Street sales, music and holiday decor flourish here during the holiday season.

Exciting Family Attractions

Chicago also offers much to do during family vacations. There's the Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the nation's last "free admission" zoos." Gorillas, chimpanzees and many other great animals help make the zoo fun for people of all ages.

Kids will also enjoy a trip to Shedd Aquarium, where the Amazon River and Philippine coral reefs come to life. It also offers one of the largest shark exhibits in the nation.

Other places to go in Chicago include Sears Tower, John Hancock Center, Supernatural Chicago, Marshall Fields, Chicago Cultural Center and Grant Park.

Chicago offers the best of both worlds - big city and fun attractions for everyone.

by Candice Pardue

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