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Chicago is comprised of approximately 21 neighborhoods, each unique in their own ways. For a more detailed description of these communities listed below, please visit the Chicago Convention & Tourist Bureau.
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- Near South Side
- North Michigan Avenue
- Oak Street
- Old Town
- Pilsen
- Printers Row
- Pullman Historic District
- River North
- Rogers Park
- The Loop
- Wicker Park
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Chicago Culture
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Chicago's cultural interests can be traced back to 1893, when the city hosted the World's Columbia Exposition. During that time it's orchestra, library and major museums were established. The Columbian Exposition's Palace of Fine Arts is now home to the Museum of Science and Industry.
Below are some links to more culture-driven activities in Chicago. Enjoy!
Also, world-renown conservatories blossom with year-round flower shows.
Some of Chicago's famous structures include: The Sears Tower, noted as the world's tallest building with 110 floors, the Merchandise Mart, the largest commercial building with 4.2 million square feet, and McCormick Place, the largest convention center in North America with 2.2 million square feet. Chicago also houses the Tribune Tower whose outer layer of building consists of authentic stones from Westminster Abbey, the Alamo, Hamlet's castle, the Great Pyramid, the Taj Mahal, Fort Sumter and the Arc de Triomphe. The Wrigley building is a huge landmark. It's clock tower was designed to mimic the Giralda Tower in Spain. Also in Chicago was where the first of Marshall Field's Clocks was installed.
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Chicago History
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Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, a humble fur trader from Santo Domingo, was the first known resident of Chicago. He built the first settlement in 1779 on the Chicago River. During 1830, many lots were sold to fund the construction of Illinois. In 1833, the little town of Chicago of just 350 people was incorporated. The name Chicago is derived from an Indian word meaning "strong."
In 1871, a fire swept away much of Chicago taking 300 lives, 90,000 homes, and $200,000 of property damages. The rebirth and reconstruction would begin to put back the charred pieces of a great city. Today Chicago's multicultural heritage attracts thousands of visitors every year. It is the city's will to grow, excel, and contribute to the future.
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Chicago Recreation
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The public availability of the waterfront makes Chicago unique among major U.S. Cities. The renovation of Navy Pier, a famous landmark, has added even more vitality to the lake front area by including restaurants, specialty shops, marina facilities, and docking for cruise and charter ships.
The pleasures of Chicago's Farmers markets can be had starting in early June to Halloween. Over 25 Farmers Markets take place throughout the City of Chicago, from Daley Plaza in the Loop to the Smith School Parking Lot in the Gately community.
The Chicago Park District's 500 parks, comprising over 7,000 acres, offers a wide range of athletic and recreational activities that are enjoyed by residents. Canoes and Kayaks are becoming increasingly popular for recreation in the city's rivers.
Chicago began an aggressive plan in 1992 to build bike lanes and bike trails throughout the City to promote bike commuting and recreation. In the March, 1999 issue of Bicycling, Chicago was ranked among the top ten best cycling cities.
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Chicago Weather
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A city for all seasons, Chicago's weather is changing all the time. Often called the "Windy City," Chicago's winds are strong but less intense than winds in other U.S. cities. The nickname was coined by a spiteful New York editor to describe Chicago politicians during the city's first World's Fair.
Chicago celebrates all seasons. The weather is predominantly typical, ranging from relatively warm in the summer to relatively cold in the winter.
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