Chicago is a metropolis, which has many unique skyscrapers and picturesque places worthy of the attention of tourists and local residents. The city pleasantly surprises with its atmosphere, interesting history, events and architecture.
Here, the heritage is preserved and combined with innovations. The evidence for this is the parks and gardens of the city, which are included in the list of the best in the world. If you want to spend your time with pleasure and look at masterpieces of architecture, read on chicago-future.com about places that are definitely worth visiting.
Grant Park: a place for recreation and adventures
The green zone is spread over an area of 129 hectares on the shore of Lake Michigan. This park is a favorite place for people who want to get a lot of vivid emotions. Everyone will find entertainment here.
Grant Park covers more than 40 kilometers of picturesque beaches near Lake Michigan and many cozy parks. It is home to the city’s most famous attractions: the Shedd Aquarium, the Art Institute, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Adler Planetarium and dozens of other cultural facilities.
The real architectural masterpiece of Grant Park is the Buckingham Fountain, which cost $750,000 to build. Pink marble was used to decorate the fountain. Its shape somewhat resembles a multi-tiered cake. The diameter of the main pool is 84 meters. The central stream can reach a height of 46 meters.
This place becomes especially beautiful in the evening when thousands of lights are lit and the light show begins. It is worth noting that this fountain is a memorial structure dedicated to the memory of Clarence Buckingham.
Millennium Park: a center of architecture
Millennium Park is considered one of the most beautiful urban parks on the planet. It was created at the beginning of the 21st century. Many unique sculptures and installations are located on an area of 10 hectares.
The most significant architectural objects are the futuristic BP Pedestrian Bridge and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. The symphony orchestra constantly gives concerts there.
The winding BP Pedestrian Bridge was built by the world-famous architect Frank Gehry in 2004. The bridge is 285 meters long and about 6 meters wide. It is made of stainless steel panels and winds its way across Columbus Drive. From it, you can admire the unique panorama of Chicago.
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion is 120 feet tall and is one of the largest stages in the United States. After visiting it, you can enjoy classical music and watch a show. On the territory of the Millennium Park, the Crown Fountain attracts attention. This work of art belongs to the artist Jaume Plensa. The fountain is a black granite basin with two glass brick towers on opposite sides of it. Digital video is broadcast on their surface using LEDs.
Another avant-garde sculpture that deserves attention is called Cloud Gate. It was installed in Millennium Park in 2006. It is a rounded arch covered with 168 metal plates. At first, it may seem that a drop of mercury has frozen in front of you, in which the surrounding world is distorted.
Lincoln Park: a natural city’s oasis
Another good place where you can spend a wonderful time with friends and family is Lincoln Park. It was opened in 1868. It occupies an area of 11 km along the shore of Lake Michigan. If you analyze the statistics, it should be noted that Lincoln Park is one of the most visited places in the USA. Many historical and natural monuments can be found on its territory. There are protected areas and special places for fishing here.
While in Lincoln Park, be sure to visit America’s oldest zoo, especially since admission is free. Its area of 20 hectares is equipped with many unique zones. More than 1,100 animals from all over the world live here and 200 of them belong to rare and endangered species. There is also a farm on the territory of this park.
One can walk to the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, which is located just north of the zoo. In 1930, landscape designer Caldwell transformed an abandoned pond into a true work of art. The genius invested a lot of effort and money to restore the banks of the reservoir and green them with wild plants. According to his project, an artificial waterfall was created here and a pavilion was erected. This place is very romantic!
The Magnificent Mile for those who value beauty
This is the name of the most expensive and most respectable part of Michigan Avenue in Chicago. It is built up with beautiful buildings and skyscrapers. Here, you can visit luxurious shops, restaurants and boutiques. However, not everyone can afford to buy real estate in this area, only the rich, due to the expensive price.
A significant part of the city’s attractions is located on the Magnificent Mile and nearby. One such symbol of Chicago is the Wrigley Building. It was built in 1920. It became the first skyscraper of the city’s Magnificent Mile. It can be seen on many movies and other posters. The unique night lighting on the Wrigley Building was first turned on in 1924. Since then, it has been one of the most beautiful light spectacles.
Another unique structure of the Magnificent Mile is a water tower. It was built in 1868 together with the pumping station. This tower is the only one that survived the Great Fire (1871). In the 20th century, several attempts were made to demolish it, as a small building somewhat similar to a medieval castle did not really fit into the landscape of a modern city. However, activists were able to save this important historical object.
The Art Institute of Chicago: an architectural masterpiece
Large bronze lions will greet you at the entrance to this building. This institution is an art museum and institute. More than 300,000 works of art are distributed in its galleries and halls. A large number of collections of ancient artifacts from around the world are collected here. The main building of the museum was built for the World Exhibition in 1879. The opening took place in 1893.
The Adler Planetarium: a place to relax
In 1930, a great event took place. The first planetarium in the United States was opened. The modern building houses a large collection of ancient measuring instruments and devices. There are also rare scientific studies, manuscripts and archival materials here. Visitors have a great opportunity to look inside the Gemini-12 spacecraft. The planetarium hosts unique interactive programs that allow you to get a good experience.
Be sure to go to the movies that are broadcast on the Sky Theater dome. You will especially enjoy visiting the Doane Observatory and participating in the monthly Adler After Dark party.
Holy Name Cathedral: a religious shrine in Chicago
This majestic Gothic Revival Catholic church was built in 1875 on the site of its predecessor, which burned down in the Great Fire. A large bronze door weighing more than 544 kg is considered the property of the cathedral. The amazing interior decoration of the shrine is the result of the efforts of many architects, artists and sculptors. A carved wooden crucifix, a granite altar, statues and panels belong to the most important parts of the building.
Having visited at least a few of these unique places, you can not only enjoy the beauty and fully relax but also learn numerous interesting things about the history of Chicago.
