 |
|
|
Without question, the centerpiece of the great midwest is Chicago, Illinois. Not only is this city a major gateway to the region, but is the third largest city in the nation. There are many attractions to see in the "Windy City" such as a world-class symphony, the Steppenwolf Theatre (which nurtured such talents as Laurie Metcalf, Gary Sinise, and John Malkovich) and Second City Comedy (which produced such talents as John Belushi, George Wendt, and Bill Murray). Another must is to take in a Chicago Bulls basketball game or a Chicago Blackhawks hockey game. If baseball is more your style, pay a visit to Soldier Field to take in America's favorite pastime. Chicago
is home to the Brookfield Zoo, which is the first natural habitat zoo created in
this country, the Marriott’s Great America Theme Park, Disney Quest (a theme
park), and excellent ethnic cuisine. The
Magnificent Mile is a shopper’s haven and an attraction in it's own right.
This shopping mecca boasts stores such as Nieman Marcus, Saxs Fifth
Avenue, and Tiffany’s. The Navy
Pier is also a great attraction during the summer months and boasts an outdoor
Ferris Wheel, a carousel, a wading pond, restaurants, specialty shops, an
outdoor theater named the Skyline Stage, and numerous specialty shops.
The
John
G. Shedd Aquarium is among the best of its kind. It is billed as the
"world's largest indoor marine-mammal pavilion". The dolphins
and whales give five performances a day in a large pool across from a 1,000-seat
amphitheater. If you are looking
for something to do during the evening hours, check out Zanies Comedy Club.
Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, Rich Lewis, and Tim Allen performed their early
routines here. There are a number of beautiful and diverse parks in Illinois. Birders will be drawn to Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge, which is a migratory stop for huge flocks of waterfowl. It's a good place to catch a glimpse of bald eagles, foxes, and beavers. You can even go hunting for mushrooms in certain areas of the refuge. Volo Bog State Natural Area can claim the state’s only quaking bog with a carpet of floating sphagnum moss. Grant City State Park, Matthiessen State Park, and Sand Ridge State Forests are all heavily visited areas by tourists. Lincoln
County is where Abraham Lincoln lived.
It includes Springfield, which is the state capital and where Lincoln’s
home was located, and New Salem, where Lincoln grew up and made his famous long
walk to return a book.
|
|
|
Illinois
The
city of Chicago houses many superb museums, the most famous being the Museum of
Science and Industry.
The Chicago River
turns green in honor of St. Patrick's Day.