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Introduction
CHICAGO: Nicknamed the ‘Windy City’, Chicago is one of the world’s giant trade, industry and transportation centres and the birthplace of the skyscraper. In contrast, its Lake Michigan shoreline is dotted with sandy beaches, hundreds of parks, harbours, zoos and vast expanses of forest reserve. It is one of the USA’s largest cities and the hub of the Midwest, with a population of nearly three million (8.5 milion in the metropolitan area) and more than 69,000 hotel rooms in the downtown and the metropolitan areas alone. The inhabitants in the ‘Chicagoland’ area speak more than 50 languages, making it the most ethnically diverse city in the USA. It is also known for its distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own unique character. For visitors to the USA, it is the gateway to the farmlands and cities of Illinois and Indiana and the recreation areas of Wisconsin.
The Museum of Science & Industry has more than 2000 exhibits. The pedestrianised Museum Campus is the site of three museums surrounded by one continuous park. These are the Field Museum of Natural History, which spans the development of the universe from 4.5 billion years ago to the present day; the John G Shedd Aquarium and Oceanarium; and the Adler Planetarium, which houses the Sky Dome. Special events and free activities take place in the park during the summer.
The city has 51 museums and 200 art galleries featuring artefacts from cultures across the world including Poland, Lithuania, Sweden, Ukraine and Vietnam. For art lovers, Chicago also has a number of outdoor sculptures by such artists as Picasso, Miró, Moore, Chagall and Calder. Other attractions include the Art Institute of Chicago, Brookfield Zoo, Museum of Contemporary Art and Six Flags Great America Amusement Park. Many of Chicago’s soaring skyscrapers have observation towers, including the Sears Tower and the John Hancock Center. The Chicago Pumping Station, a landmark that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, houses a tourist information centre, open daily. The Navy Pier is the largest recreational pier in the USA. Attractions include an open-air theatre, botanical gardens, the Chicago Children’s Museum, plus a giant Ferris Wheel standing 15 storeys high and offering the best view of the famous Chicago skyline.
ELSEWHERE: Springfield is the capital of Illinois. It was here that Abraham Lincoln married and began his legal career. Attractions include Lincoln’s Tomb (a State Historical Site) and the Illinois State Museum. New Salem State Park, nearby, is a recreation of the pioneer community as it was in Lincoln’s day. Southern Illinois was one of the first regions of North America to be settled by the French. This colourful heritage is reflected in towns such as Prairie du Rocher and Kaskaskia. The Shawnee National Forest, with its huge areas of wilderness and many tourist sites, stretches across the lower part of Illinois. To the west, Fort Crevecoeur is a replica of a French outpost. The Dickson Mounds were raised by Mississippian Native Americans many centuries ago. To the north is Galena, a Victorian city, with many historic sites and tourist activities. Starved Rock State Park has a lodge, hiking trails, picnic areas and excursion boats from May to September. Cahokia Mounds is a relic of the most sophisticated prehistoric Native American civilisation community north of Mexico.
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