Discover Chicago
History
The city that shaped modern America. Chicago’s rise began as a Potawatomi trading post before becoming a transportation hub in the 1800s, linked by canals, railroads, and the Great Lakes. The Great Chicago Fire in 1871 sparked a rebirth, leading to the world’s first skyscrapers and architectural innovations like the Chicago School. The 20th century saw industry boom in meatpacking and steel alongside cultural movements such as jazz from the South Side, labor activism like the Haymarket Affair, and the political machine of Mayor Daley. Today, its legacy as a global city endures, from deep-dish pizza to Nobel laureates.
Geography
Chicago stretches along Lake Michigan’s southwestern shore, its skyline mirrored in the water. The Chicago River, famously reversed in 1900 to prevent pollution, divides downtown into neighborhoods like the Loop and River North. Flat prairie terrain allowed the grid-like street layout, while lakefront parks such as Grant Park and Lincoln Park soften the urban core. Winters bring biting “Chiberian” winds, and summers hum with festivals along the 26-mile lakefront trail. O’Hare’s global flights and rail lines cement its role as the Crossroads of America.
Why Visit Chicago?
🏙 Stunning Architecture
Explore iconic skyscrapers and architectural wonders along the river.
🍕 Culinary Heaven
From deep-dish pizza to fine dining, Chicago is a foodie’s paradise.
🎭 Culture and Music
Dive into museums, theaters, and vibrant jazz scenes across the city.