40 Sights of Chicago That Will Make You Want to Visit ...

1. Cloud Gate

Via Chicago – a locals guide

Known as "The Bean," Cloud Gate has become one of the new iconic sights of Chicago. It's the work of British artist Anish Kapoor.

2. Navy Pier

Via AngieMcMonigalPhotography-7490

Where do you go for family attractions, entertainment, shopping, dining, cruises and events? Why, Navy Pier, of course.

3. The Magnificent Mile

Via Cruising the Magnificent Mile

The term "The Magnificent Mile" was coined in the 1940s. This shopping mecca is a prestigious section of Michigan Avenue, running from the Chicago River to Oak Street.

4. Chicago Lakefront

Via Chicago Lakefront

Chicago has 26 miles of beaches on the shores of Lake Michigan.

5. The Water Tower

Via Winter Wonders

One of the few remaining historic buildings after the great fire of 1871.

6. Chicago's Bridges

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The main stem of the Chicago River - the city's lifeblood.

7. Lake Shore Drive

Via Chicago

I wouldn't mind having Lake Shore Drive as my address.

8. Chicago Harbor Lighthouse

Via Chicago Lighthouse next to Navy ...

The lighthouse sits on a breakwater that protects the north of the harbor.

9. Architectural River Tour

Via Encore! Life

Some of the best architectural sights of Chicago are best seen from the river.

10. Oz Park

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Follow the yellow brick road to say hi to Dorothy, Toto, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow.

11. Buckingham Fountain

Via Buckingham Fountain flows against a ...

The fountain flows all summer long (too cold in winter - it would freeze) in Grant Park on the city's Lakefront. It's one of the largest fountains in the world and water shoots 150 feet in the air.

12. Alongside the River

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A glorious location for a stroll.

13. Old Chicago Avenue Station Entrance

Via Old Chicago Avenue Station Entrance

I don't think I have ever seen a movie set in Chicago where the train doesn't feature.

14. Chicago in Winter

Via flickr.com

It's rarely sightseeing weather in the Windy City when winter calls.

15. Uno's Pizzeria

Via Chicago - Chicago : News ...

You can't go to Chicago without eating pizza. Uno's has been dishing out the pies since 1943.

16. Sears Tower

Via Willis Tower Glass Platform

Will we ever get used to calling this the Willis Tower? The second tallest building in the US and the 8th tallest in the World. Willis Tower is one of the most popular attractions of Chicago and more than 1 million people visit the observation deck every year.

17. Chicago Gothic

Via Chicago Gothic #2, Pioneer Plaza, ...

I didn't realize there are so many huge public works of art among the sights of Chicago.

18. Lincoln Park

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Beautiful old brownstones.

19. Christmas in Chicago

Via Christmas Traditions From Coast to ...

The lights and holiday atmosphere will help you forget the winter weather if it's not being friendly.

20. Field Museum of Natural History

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One of the biggest natural history museums in the world, 2 million visitors walk the halls annually.

21. Kinzie Street Bridge

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The bridge was one of 12 historic Chicago railroad bridges to be designated as Chicago Landmarks in December 2007. It was a railway bridge but no trains have crossed it since 2000.

22. Chicago Botanic Garden

Via Explore Midwest Arboretums and Botanical ...

There are 24 display gardens to be enjoyed at the 385 acre site in Glencoe.

23. Palmer's Castle

Via Tower of Potter Palmer's CASTLE

When built, the Palmer Mansion (known as The Castle) was the largest residence in Chicago and it established Lake Shore Drive as an affluent neighborhood. And on to another outstanding work of architecture ...

24. The Rookery

Via Chicago the Beautiful (33 pics)

...the stunning work of Frank Lloyd Wright. He remodeled the lobby in 1905.

25. Chicago RIVERWALK

Via Cities I Want To See

Running from Lake Shore Drive to Franklin Street, this is the city's "Second Lakefront." Its lush green spaces, cafes and retail spaces make it a great place to relax.

26. Grant Park

Via Chicago and N.W. Indiana

Chicago's front yard.

27. The View from Tribune Tower

Via 2 Kayaks

I don't think I'd ever get any work done if this were the view out of my office window.

28. Trump International Hotel and Tower

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Completed in 2009, Trump Tower is the second tallest building in the city, the USA and the Western Hemisphere.

29. Route 66

Via Route 66 - The Beginning ...

The historic eastern terminus of one of the most famous roads in the world is marked by the southwest corner of the Art institute and the Fountain of the Great Lakes in AIC's South Garden along Michigan Avenue.

30. St. Mary of the Angels

Via Photos: 12 Stunning American Churches

One of the finest specimens of Roman Renaissance architecture in the US.

31. Millennium Park

Via midwestliving.com

There are so many attractions of Chicago sited in the city's great civic center.

32. Holy Name Cathedral

Via Holy Name Cathedral

Consecrated in 1875, the Holy Name Cathedral replaced the Cathedral of Saint Mary and the Church of the Holy Name, both of which were destroyed by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

33. Preston Bradley Hall at Chicago Cultural Center

Via The Tiffany Skylight of Chicago

The World's largest Tiffany stained-glass dome.

34. Skyscrapers

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I don't know where this photo is taken from but the view is stunning.

35. Wrigley Field

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Take me out to the ball game.

36. Trolley Bus Tour

Via Trolley Holiday Lights Tour introduces ...

Take a tour to see the Christmas lights and decorations.

37. Digital Fountain

Via Beautiful Places

Another of the fabulous attractions of Millennium Park.

38. The Tribune Tower

Via Tribune Tower, Morning Sun

We don't get to see the architectural features of the skyscrapers for ourselves. We have to rely on pictures.

39. Aqua Tower

Via Chicago Travel Guide

The Aqua was named the Emporis Skyscraper of the Year in 2009.

40. My Kind of Town

Via Destinations

My kind of town, Chicago is
My kind of town, Chicago is
My kind of razzmatazz
And it has, all that jazz

Over to you now, lovely readers. Which sights of Chicago have I missed?