Chicago is the largest city in the Midwest and attracts millions of visitors a year. Nowhere in the Midwest will you find such an array of culture and history lining the streets. Attractions range from designer stores and historic theaters to some of the largest museums in the Western Hemisphere.
Chicago lies along the great lake, Lake Michigan. A variety of popular attractions are along this large body of water. Grant Park is one of Chicago's largest parks. Along Lake Michigan, this park is the site of many significant festivals including the world-famous Lollapalooza music festival held every August. Not far from Grant Park is Navy Pier. This entertainment venue is home to an aquarium, children's museum and a variety of restaurants and shops. During the spring and summer, you'll even find street performers and markets at Navy Pier.
Chicago has one of the largest theater district's in the Midwest. The Cadillac Palace Theater, Bank of America Theater and Broadway Playhouse are just a few of the major theaters lining the streets of Chicago. Most major productions travel through Chicago for brief periods of times or for extended stays. Some past musicals include: The Producers, Wicked, Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Jersey Boys and RAIN - A Tribute to the Beatles.
The Magnificent Mile, or Michigan Avenue, is one of the most sought after streets in Chicago for those seeking the best hotels, shopping and restaurants. Michigan Avenue is home to a variety of designer stores and shops like Old Navy and Gap you can find in most cities. The street is known for its architecture with such attractions as the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower. Here you'll also find one of the most photographed bridges in Chicago, the Michigan Avenue Bridge.
The museums in Chicago are some of the most visited attractions in the city for visitors and even nearby schools. The Science and Industry Museum includes a collection of exhibits that change periodically as well as a permanent collection of hands-on activities. This museum is the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere. The Art Institute of Chicago is also a popular museum for art lovers. This collection of contemporary and classic art is the largest in the Midwest. Another popular museum is The Field Museum. This museum houses a collection of natural history ranging from dinosaurs to contemporary discoveries.
