You have probably heard Chicago called the Windy City. Many people think the name comes from the strong, cold winds coming off Lake Michigan. Other versions have it that politicians were so enthusiastic in promoting Chicago as the site of the 1893 World's Fair that they were accused of blowing hot air! Both Lake Michigan and the pride of its citizens have been key Chicago assets in building the city as a center of trade and commerce.

You have probably heard Chicago called the Windy City. Many people think the name comes from the strong, cold winds coming off Lake Michigan. Other versions have it that politicians were so enthusiastic in promoting Chicago as the site of the 1893 World's Fair that they were accused of blowing hot air! Both Lake Michigan and the pride of its citizens have been key Chicago assets in building the city as a center of trade and commerce.

The Windy City has much to offer you, no matter what your age or interests. Sightseers can take in the architecture, lakeshore parks and sculptures. If you love museums, Chicago offers first-rate art, science and history options. In addition to famous deep-dish pizza, food lovers will find every world cuisine in every price range.

The Windy City has much to offer you, no matter what your age or interests. Sightseers can take in the architecture, lakeshore parks and sculptures. If you love museums, Chicago offers first-rate art, science and history options. In addition to famous deep-dish pizza, food lovers will find every world cuisine in every price range.

If you have a chance to explore Chicago, you'll find neighborhoods with distinct personalities reflecting the immigrant groups which settled there over the decades. These adventuresome travelers were motivated, often by hardship, to leave their homes in other countries and U.S. states, in order to find work and a new life in Chicago.

If you have a chance to explore Chicago, you'll find neighborhoods with distinct personalities reflecting the immigrant groups which settled there over the decades. These adventuresome travelers were motivated, often by hardship, to leave their homes in other countries and U.S. states, in order to find work and a new life in Chicago.

Picture yourself driving a boat or waterskiing, when suddenly a forty-pound fish jumps out of the water and smacks into your body. This is a real danger in the Mississippi River and its tributaries, including the Illinois River.

Picture yourself driving a boat or waterskiing, when suddenly a forty-pound fish jumps out of the water and smacks into your body. This is a real danger in the Mississippi River and its tributaries, including the Illinois River.

Since Illinois is nicknamed the Prairie State, you may be surprised to see forests along the train route close to Chicago. For example, between Willow Springs and Lemont, the train passes through a portion of Cook County's Forest Preserves.

Since Illinois is nicknamed the Prairie State, you may be surprised to see forests along the train route close to Chicago. For example, between Willow Springs and Lemont, the train passes through a portion of Cook County's Forest Preserves.