Chicago

Travel from ancient civilizations through modern times, viewing remnants of bygone cultures and traditions. Get the inside story on Sue, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur skeleton, or view preserved man-eating lions and other animals. For a truly subterranean …

Millennium Park is one of the newest additions to Chicago's many wide-open urban spaces, and is host to a range of indoor/outdoor activities for the entire family. You can listen to top musical events at the outdoor pavilion, or glide across the bustling ice skating rink come winter. The park is …

While no longer the world's tallest building, the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) still stands proud. High-speed elevators climb 110 stories to the observatory deck, and when clear, the view from 1454 feet (443 meters) can be stunning. Enjoy bird's eye views of Lake Michigan, both the North …

Discover the story behind the ivy that shades Wrigley Field, and find out what makes the scoreboard truly unique in baseball today. Fans of both baseball and history will enjoy this 90-minute tour, which includes stops at the players' dugouts and clubhouses, fan bleachers, mezzanine luxury …

Arguably the first major department store of its kind, Marshall Field's on State Street has stood the test of time and remained a strong presence in the Chicago market. Unlike nearby Carson Pirie and Scott, however, its outside is not aesthetically impressive except for the clock made famous by a Norman Rockwell painting. Also, unlike Carson's, the interior is something to see: The central lobby sweeps up to the roof with glass elevators, fountains gurgle, and a piano player tinkles out American standards. The Tiffany Window, one of the largest ever created, is breathtaking.

Chicago boasts a large Polish population, and this is the head church of all the Polish churches throughout the city. Built in 1876, it was modeled after a church in Krakow. It is hard to recognize the similarities now because it has gone through a number of alterations over the years. Inside, St. …

Graceful sea horses spray jets of water into the lagoon that surrounds what is perhaps Chicago's most beloved public piece of art. Philanthropist Kate Buckingham commissioned the fountain in 1927 in honor of her brother Clarence. Its design parallels one of the fountains at Versailles Palace in …

1876 saw the founding of this team and the ivy-covered Wrigley Field is where one can get most of the action. The blue, red and white colors fly high as the blaze the ground with some much-loved and eagerly-awaited baseball skills. The last championship they won may seem a bit outdated, but the fans …

White Sox's home ground, Comiskey Park is lively and spacious, with an "exploding" scoreboard, a Sony jumbo screen, and oversized seats. Several special and group packages are available; ask about special discounts for kids and half prices on monday. There are 7000 parking lots surrounding …

Founded in 1926, and housed at the United Center, this team's signature colors of red, black and white soar high with every victory. Honors include the Stanley Cup in 1934, 1938 and 1961, the President's Trophy in 1991, the Clarence Campbell Bowl in 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1992, and the Prince of Wales …

Oprah Winfrey, the queen of talk shows in the United States, heads Harpo Studios. Her world-famous and critically acclaimed talk show, Oprah, is recorded here daily. A legend in her own right, Oprah has made America and the world talk about issues that are often swept under the carpet. The show features pertinent issues, celebrities and even live entertainment. Known to be a generous host, it is no longer a surprise if the audience walks away with gifts that include cars, gift hampers, and vacation packages. The tickets for the show are for free but the waiting lines are endless.

Founded in 1966, with the United Center as its home, the red and black team has won championships in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997 and 1998, much to the delight of its fans. The team has seen glory days, with 72 wins in one season and six championships in eight years, led by Michael Jordan, the greatest …

You can't miss the John Hancock Center if you happen to be passing through the North Side neighborhood of Chicago. A 100-storey expressionist design with a glass façade, it is the third-tallest building in the city and the fourth-tallest in the United States. Being a multi-functional structure, …

This famous Chicago statue arrived in Chicago in 1967. Today, it stands as stately as ever in Civic Center Plaza (now the Richard J. Daley Plaza Civic Center). Ironically, Picasso never set foot in either Chicago or America. The statue was executed from a 42-inch model made by the artist. Weighing …

Called "the world's largest nightclub on wheels," this double-decker Euro-mobile is fully loaded with a high-tech sound system and "wild and crazy" tour guides to take you to the hottest bars and nightclubs downtown. Passengers bypass the long entrance lines and cover charges and enter the bars like VIPs. The four-hour tour stops at four different locations and spends an hour at each. Admission: $35 adults. Group discounts are available and reservations are required. There are many pick-up and departure locations throughout the city. Call to find the one nearest you.

Soldier Field is home to this blue and orange team, founded in 1920. With championships won in 1921, 1932, 1933, 1940, 1941, 1943, 1946, 1963 and 1985 they thrill their loyal fan following, both, when on-field and off it! The Bears are one of only two remaining NFL original charter teams. Fans enjoy …

The inhabitants of this private residence covered the entire yard with painted crosses made from two-by-fours. The crosses bear the names of real and mythical celebrities including screen legends, characters from Arthurian legends and Chicago politicians. The individual detail in each of …

The Soldier Field Stadium was built in the 1920's as a memorial to American soldiers who had died in war. A world-class stadium, it is the home to the Chicago Bears football team. The stadium also hosts a varied number of events from concerts to bizarre events like tractor and truck pulls to ski-jumping off a 13-story platform. If you're in the area, check out the 250-foot granite wall sculpture in honor of the men and women who served in the American armed forces. The stadium conducts tours from 9a-5p, but only if prior reservations have been made.