With a plethora of prominent scientific institutions, Chicago is a science enthusiast's paradise. America's first planetarium, the Adler Planetarium, is found in Chicago and the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton ever discovered, named Sue, is housed in the city's renowned Field Museum. For those who would rather observe live animals, a must-see is the John G. Shedd Aquarium, which ranks among the largest indoor aquariums in the world and is home to nearly 26,000 aquatic animals that represent 1,500 different species. If you are on a budget, head to the Lincoln Park Zoo, the oldest zoo in the United States, where admission is free. On any day of the year, you can observe the more than 1,100 animals that call the zoo home, many of which are endangered species.
The largest stained glass Tiffany dome in the world can be found at the Chicago Cultural Center, which has the distinction of having been the first free municipal cultural center in the country. At the Art Institute of Chicago, you can admire the works that comprise the the most extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings outside of Paris. Chicago also leads all American cities in Tony Award-winning theaters with four.
Three of the tallest edifices in the world, including the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower) and the John Hancock Center can be found in Chicago. Four states--Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin--can be seen from the Skydeck at the Willis Tower, which is the tallest building in the Western hemisphere. Another impressive, iconic structure is the immense Buckingham Fountain found in Grant Park in downtown Chicago. Be sure to catch its light and music display, which occurs every hour on the hour and lasts for 20 minutes.
Chicago has a storied sports history that includes two professional baseball teams, as well as a professional football team and a professional basketball team. Chicago is also site of one of the oldest rivalries in Major League Baseball, between the Cubs of the National League and the White Sox of the American League.
