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Chicago is a major city in the U.S. state of Illinois. The city is the largest in the Midwest, and with a population of nearly three million people, Chicago is the third-most populous city in the United States. The Chicago Metropolitan area, informally known as Chicagoland, has a population of over 9.4 million in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana making it the third largest in the United States. Chicago is located along the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan and is a major center of transportation, industry, politics, culture, finance, medicine and higher education. Chicago is informally called the "Second City," the "Windy City," and the "City of Big Shoulders".

Today, Chicago is the financial, business, and cultural capital of the Midwest, and is recognized worldwide as an Alpha Global City. Chicago was founded in 1833 as a town to link the Great Lakes with the Mississippi River system. By 1890, it was one of the ten most influential world cities. Chicago‘s citizens speak over 100 different languages, and draw from a diverse range of peoples, cultures and religions. Residents of Chicago are referred to as Chicagoans. Chicago blues, Chicago soul, Jazz, and Gospel. This strong tradition of music and musical innovation have continued into contemporary styles. The city is the birthplace of the House style of music, and is the site of an influential Hip-Hop scene.

In the 1980s the city was a center for industrial, punk and new wave label; this influence continued into the alternative scene of the 1990s, with The Smashing Pumpkins emerging out of Chicago onto the global stage in the early 1990s. Chicago was an epicenter of the development of rave culture in the 1980s even through today. There is a flourishing independent rock scene, including the recent explosion of Chicago emo acts, with multiple festivals featuring various acts each year. Broadway in Chicago was created in July of 2000. It has taken the original Broadway musicals and experience to Chicago. It is taking place at most of the major theatres in Chicago. * LaSalle Bank Theatre * Cadillac Palace Theatre * Ford Oriental Theatre * Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University Examples of shows that have come to the city as part of "Broadway in Chicago" are: Wicked, Rent, Stomp, The Color Purple, Hairspray, Chicago (musical), Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia!, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Cats (musical), The Producers (musical), Jesus Christ Superstar.

Thirty-three million foreign and domestic visitors came to Chicago in 2005. Luxury shopping along the Magnificent Mile, thousands of restaurants, as well as Chicago‘s position as global architectural capital, have attracted millions of tourists over the years. The city is also a convention hub, being the United States‘ third largest city for conventions, behind only Las Vegas and Orlando. Navy Pier, a 3000-foot (900 m) pier housing restaurants, shops, museums, exhibition halls, auditoriums, and a 150-foot-tall (45 m) Ferris wheel, is located north of Grant Park on the lakefront, and is one of the most visited landmarks in the Midwest, attracting over 8 million people in 2005.

Chicago is the third largest city in the United States, with a population of nearly three million people. Its scenic lakeside location, world-class cultural offerings and unique architecture are just some of the reasons why Chicago is a great place to live and visit.

GO THERE FOR

Shopping – Chicago has long been a premier shopping and fashion destination. From major department stores to chic designer boutiques, the city boasts a vibrant retail scene that caters to the needs of every shopper. Today, the city is home to more than 250 Chicago-based fashion designers and 400 independently owned boutiques.

The Food – You could eat at a different Chicago restaurant every day for 20 years and never eat at the same one twice. With more than 7,300 restaurants, Chicago’s sure to have many that suit your taste, budget and mood. Whether you’re looking for Chicago-style hot dogs or French haute cuisine, steaks or seafood, pierogi or pizza, you can find them in Chicago. And they’ll be good.

Touring - Tours are a wonderful way to see the city and learn about Chicago's history, people and culture! Choose from walking tours, neighborhood excursions and self-guided audio tours. Travel by trolley, bus, boat or bike. In addition to the major sights and attractions, you can focus on everything from shopping and gardening to cemeteries and the Great Chicago Fire.

DON'T MISS

Theater in Chicago - With one of the most vibrant theater scenes in America, Chicago offers an electrifying mix of award-winning Broadway shows, critically-acclaimed regional plays and thought-provoking storefront/fringe performances.

Things to Do

The Lincoln Park Zoo and museums are located between North Avenue (1600 N) and Diversey Parkway (2800 N) in the neighborhood that takes its name from the park, Lincoln Park. The park further to the north is characterized by parkland, beaches, recreational areas, nature reserves, and harbors. To the south, there is a more narrow strip of beaches east of Lake Shore Drive, almost to downtown. Lincoln Park, with 20 million visitors a year, is the second most visited park in the United States.

GETTING AROUND

Even if you are an avid walker, Chicago is a sprawling city and you sometimes may need a little help. Fortunately, it has a huge mass transit system with buses, elevated trains (the “L”) and subways, along with abundant cabs/taxis and limousine services. Use these links and resources to help guide you in getting around Chicago.

Trains to Chicago come from all parts of the country -- Amtrak considers Chicago a main hub, and if you look at a national Amtrak map you'll see the lines all feeding into a central spot, Chicago.

Driving to Chicago from north, south, east, or west is very easy given that Chicago is a Midwestern hub and several major interstates connect right in Chicago's downtown. Here's how to get to Chicago by car depending on

WHEN TO GO

Come summer, Chicagoans head to the beaches, parks, and festivals along Lake Michigan. A chill often lingers in the air in early summer, while late summer can be muggy. Regardless of the season, pack layers, as weather can fluctuate greatly. Summer also brings spikes in hotel rates.

Fall is pleasant until mid-November, when temperatures plunge, and spring doesn’t get reliably comfortable until late April. Anytime between May and November, you’ll be able to combine season-less indoor attractions with the convivial appeal of the outdoors at the lakefront, on Chicago River boats, and milling around Millennium Park.

Weather and prices are tradeoffs in Chicago. In January and February, the “hawk” (a local term for the harsh wind off Lake Michigan) sweeps down Michigan Avenue, and snow buries the streets. But hotel rates are bargain basement and attractions uncrowded.