How Well Do You Know Chicago?

Compared to the clamor of New York and movie star allure of Los Angeles, Chicago tends to be overlooked. It’s seen as too businessy, too staunchly Midwestern and, simply, not all that interesting. Wrong, wrong and wrong. Home to world-class galleries, museums, restaurants, cool neighborhoods and cooler events, The Windy City is accessible and fun. And if you think you know Chi-town, did you know any of this?

Chicagoans have the best of both worlds.

Via Roman Boed | CC BY 2.0

With 15 miles of beaches and 552 parks, Chicagoans don’t need to leave the city to enjoy nature. The Lurie Garden, somewhat hidden away in Millennium Park, is especially vibrant.

Countless block-busters have been filmed here.

Beyond serving as inspiration for Gotham City, Chicago has served as a very real set for 40 + silver screen hits. Home Alone, When Harry Met Sally, Public Enemies, The Dark Knight and Risky Business are just a handful of movies which have been filmed in the Windy City.

Chicago is inventive.

Via Eric Chan | CC BY 2.0

Spray paint, the Twinkie, the Ferris wheel, the vacuum cleaner, zippers, color TVs, the cell phone and, of course, deep dish pizza all got their start in Chi-town.

It’s not just about the Willis Tower.

Via Shutterstock

The world’s largest public library, the Harold Washington Library Center, is located here on State Street. Chi-town also boasts the world’s longest street – the 23.5-mile Western Avenue. America’s highest swimming pool can also be found on the 44th floor of the John Hancock Center.

Chicago is seriously funny.

Home of some of America's top improve companies, Chicago is the place (specifically, Second City) where comedians like John Belushi, Mike Meyers, Steve Carell, Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert all got there comedic start.

Deliciousness is part of its history.

The world's largest ice cream cone factory, cookie and cracker factories all call Chicago home. And, of course, no matter where your Windy City adventures take you, you're never far from a Chicago-style frank, authentic Italian delis, chili-cheese fries and tender rib-tips.