Lake Michigan

800 miles

It is not on any ocean, it is something like 1,000 miles or more away from any coast. It is on Lake Michigan, the 4th largest fresh water lake in the world.

No. Chicago is not coastal. The ocean is different.

Chicago has been called the “windy” city, the term being used metaphorically to make out that Chicagoans were braggarts. An explanation for Chicago being a naturally breezy area is that it is on the shores of Lake Michigan. Chicago had long billed itself as an ideal summer resort because of its cool lake breeze.

As the third-largest city in the U.S., Chicago is the ideal city for those who want to live in a world-class metropolitan area with Midwest values. But don’t let that deter you;the positives of living in Chicago far outweigh the negatives.

It is more expensive than you think. From high rent prices and (really) high taxes, to pricey restaurants and exorbitant parking fees, prepare to shell out if you’re making the move to the Windy City. According to PayScale.com, the cost of living in Chicago is 23 percent higher than the national average.

West Garfield Park

In fact, the L has been safer than ever over the past five years since the Chicago Transit Authority’s much-publicized expansion and installation of a $26 million surveillance network consisting of 3,600 cameras on rail cars and platforms.

The city’s overall crime rate, especially the violent crime rate, is higher than the US average. Chicago was responsible for nearly half of 2016’s increase in homicides in the US, though the nation’s crime rates remain near historic lows. The reasons for the higher numbers in Chicago remain unclear.

You might live for wining and dining at famed restaurants; visiting world-renowned museums; meandering along jaw-dropping waterfronts; hearing ground-breaking music; watching award-winning theatrical productions; wiling away the hours in over 300 parks, visiting countless iconic buildings designed by some of the …

Chicago’s museums, restaurants, attractions, and more are currently open with new safety guidelines and limited capacities. The city continues to reopen responsibly, while introducing health and safety measures to protect Chicagoans and visitors.

24 hours in downtown Chicago

• Stop 1: Visit Art Institute of Chicago.
• Stop 2: See “The Bean” at Millennium Park.
• Stop 3: Wander the Chicago Cultural Center.
• Stop 4: See Buckingham Fountain at Grant Park.
• Stop 5: Explore the lakefront Museum Campus.
• Stop 6: Enjoy the view at SkyDeck Chicago.
• Stop 7: Hear local legends at jazz & blues clubs.

More Chicago museums open now:

• DuSable Museum of African American History will reopen June 19.
• Glessner House is now open.
• Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art is now open.
• Oriental Institute is now open.
• wndr museum is now open.
• Smart Museum of Art is now open.

What’s open in the Loop?

• Eat & Drink.
• Stay.
• Loop Deals. Green Star Movement. Catalog Cares – EQ Office. Immersive Van Gogh. Emerald Loop Bar & Grill. Kimpton Gray. UPS Stores. SP+ Free Mondays Parking. Millennium Garages. American Writers Museum. FFC Union Station. Immersive Van Gogh – Mother’s Day. Kimpton Gray Hotel. Goodman Theatre.
• Get Here.

From this blog post

• Dining. Carnivale. West Loop.
• Dining. Le Sud French Mediterranean Cuisine. Roscoe Village.
• Dining. Geja’s Café Lincoln Park.
• American Contemporary. Brass Heart. Uptown.
• Dining. Old Pueblo Cantina. Lakeview.
• American. Gemini. Lincoln Park.
• Dining. Beatnik on the River. Loop.
• Dining. Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! Lincoln Park.

What Food Is Chicago Famous For?

• Deep-Dish Pizza. You can’t talk about iconic Chicago cuisine without including deep-dish pizza.
• Chicago Barbecue.
• Jibarito Sandwich.
• Steak.
• The Rainbow Cone.
• Pizza Puffs.
• Flaming Saganaki.
• Italian Beef Sandwich.

Navy Pier is open year-round* and general operating hours and admission vary depending on the seasons and may be subject to change….HOURS OF OPERATION.

Tickets for single rides are $12 for military and children ages 3 to 11 and $15 for adults. Children younger than 3 can ride for free.

Navy Pier Walk is a 1.5 mile out and back trail located near Chicago, Illinois. The trail is good for all skill levels and primarily used for hiking and walking. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

Parking Recommendation Drive-up reduced rate validated parking ($16 for 12 hours) is also available. Present your ticket at the Navy Pier Guest Services Desk for validation to receive the $16 discounted parking rate.

There is no admission fee to enter Navy Pier. Attractions and public shows within Navy Pier may have admission prices, and current pricing can be obtained from each individual attraction’s box office or website. Navy Pier’s Youth Escort policy is in effect Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for patrons under the age of 18.

Reopening plans This iconic attraction and more will be welcoming guests as Navy Pier reopens in phases. The Pier is currently in the process of reopening indoor spaces and select businesses with the goal of being fully open by Memorial Day weekend.

Plan your visit to Navy Pier! With lots of fun attractions and activities to enjoy all year long, there’s always a reason to spend a day exploring the People’s Pier. Navy Pier is free and open to the public year-round.

5 Free Activities at Navy Pier

1. Stroll the Pier. Navy Pier stretches more than six city blocks and offers incredible views of the Chicago skyline, parks and Lake Michigan.
2. ATTEND A FREE EVENT.
3. ENJOY A FREE PUBLIC ART INSTALLATION.
4. WATCH A FIREWORKS SHOW.
5. GO FISHING!

Today. The Centennial Wheel proudly stands as an iconic part of Chicago’s skyline and cultural history. After you ride the Wheel, check out other things to do across the Pier like grabbing a bite to eat, catching a play at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, taking a cruise or exploring the scenic Crystal Gardens.

Parking at Navy Pier. Parking at Navy Pier is the easiest and most convenient way to access the our many restaurants, shops, and attractions. Navy Pier’s two on-site parking garages, West Garage and East Garage, can accommodate a total of 1,500 vehicles.