At first glance, Chicago can be overwhelming. But, like any city, it is the sum of its parts, and its parts are diverse. Also known as "The City of Neighborhoods," Chicago comprises more than 75 official neighborhoods. Each features its own distinct quality and character.
So, when trying to digest Chicago, don't try to take it all in with one big bite. Break it up into manageable portions.
The Loop
This area takes its name from the elevated train, the "El," that loops around the city's central core. While the downtown area stretches beyond these boundaries, much of the lifeblood that invigorates the rest of the city also pumps through the Loop. The Sears Tower, North America's tallest building, is here,... more local info
Starved Rock State Park Starved Rock just as the snow is melting Located just 94 minutes from downtown Chicago, this beautiful state park offers tons of activities to suit any day-tripper’s fancy. Depending on the season, you’ll find ample bird-watching, fishing, and even hunting throughout the park. Starving Rock is also home to 200 different species of wildflowers, and with plenty of hiking and trails, you’ll get to see all of them. Join the Walker’s... Read More
Biking is a fun, active, and green way to see any city. Voted the #1 bike-friendly city in the US by Bicycling Magazine, Chicago looks best from some of its bike paths. Here is a run down of some of the most popular routes, so strap on your helmet and get moving! Biking Lakeshore Drive Lincoln Park This is Chicago’s most popular bike path. Flat and easy to ride through, Lincoln Park has beautiful fields, sandy beaches, quiet lagoons, the Lincoln Park... Read More
“Chicago-style” deep-dish pizza is the Windy City’s version of local cuisine. Try to picture/smell/taste it: flaky, golden brown crust packed with about an inch of gooey cheese covered in a rich tomato sauce, and, depending on your taste, stuffed with anything from ham and pineapple to spinach and mushrooms. What’s not to love? The controversy sets in when Chicagoans ask, who makes the best deep-dish? These Midwesterners get heated when it comes to a... Read More
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Oriental Institute Museum
Near the midpoint of University of Chicago campus, the Oriental Institute houses one of the world's major collections of Near Eastern art. Although...
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- Culture
- Hyde Park/Kenwood
- Nile Expert Tip: If you are looking to find something a little off the beaten path, this southside gem is just what you...
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The Smart Museum of Art
The University of Chicago's fine-arts museum looks rather modest, but it packs a lot of talent into a compact space. Its permanent collection of...
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- Museums
- Hyde Park/Kenwood
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St. James Cathedral
- Parts of this cathedral date back to before the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Most of the church, however, was gutted in the blaze, but the walls...
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- Landmarks
- Near North Side/River North
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