Overview

Whether you're seeking an action-packed break or a relaxing, laid-back experience of The United State's finest hospitality, you can find it all in the magnificent city of Chicago. As the largest city in the Midwest, it's no suprise that 'The Windy City' is the third most populous city in the United States, with nearly 3 million residents living within the city's boundaries. Primarily located within Cook County, Illinois, Chicago is an American hub for business and finance and is one of the world's top ten Global Financial Centers, exerting significant influence on the World's business and financial landscape. The city's burgeoning economy is also supported by the manufacturing, printing, publishing and food processing industries. The city is also on of the United State's, and indeed the World's, largest transportation hubs, ranked as the third largest inter-modal port in the world after Hong Kong and Singapore. The city is a major railroad hub, with several of Amtrak's long distance services originating, terminating and passing through Chicago. Additionally, Chicago's O'Hare airport is the second busiest airport in the world, and a major Hub for some of the World's largest airlines such as American Airlines and United Airlines. 

Historical Highlights

Originally inhabited by a native American tribe known as the Potawatomis, the land where Chicago is located historically belonged to the Ottawa, Ojibwe, and Potawatomi tribes who later ceded significant areas of the land to the United States in the 1804 Treaty of St. Louis. The Treaty of Chicago removed the Potawatomi from their land in 1833. On August 12, 1833, the Town of Chicago was organized with a population of around 200. Within seven years it grew to a population of over 4,000. The City of Chicago was incorporated on March 4, 1837. The city began to develop as a transportation and economic hub when the city's first railway, Galena and Chicago Union Railroad, opened in 1838, a year which also marked the opening of the Illinois and Michigan Canal. The canal allowed steamboats and sailing ships on the Great Lakes to connect to the Mississippi River. Several Industries began to develop in the City, including Meatpacking and other manufacturing activities. Nearly one third of the city was destroyed in The Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The 20th Century brought rapid growth and investment, laying the foundations for the thriving commercial and cultural scene the City is known for today.

Visitor Attractions

With a multitude of Historical and Cultural attractions, exciting activities, renowned restaurants, and wonderful parks and walking areas, visitors regularly struggle to fit all that Chicago has to offer into one trip. Some of the city's top attractions include Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Chicago Skydeck and the Shedd Aquarium.

Please see our 'Things to Do' page for more information.  

Travel Information

As one of the United States', and the World's, largest transport hubs, visitors can easily access Chicago by air, rail, or road. Chicago's O'Hare airport is the World's second busiest airport, and the primary gateway to The Windy City for international visitors.

Please see our 'Getting Here' page for more information.