Tourist Chicago (Ch 18)

Welcome to campus, the Museum Campus of Chicago that is. The lake front area of Chicago is known as the Museum Campus. This area consisting of the three major museums is part of the bigger Grant Park. The Museum Campus was established in efforts to make travel between the museums safer and more user friendly to the public. With the crazy downtown traffic, the connection of the numerous park areas makes the journey more relaxing, as the scenic views are an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city streets.

Another draw for the public, both citizens and tourists alike, come to the Magnificent Mile. This mix of upscale and affordable brings on average 22 million visitors a year. The Magnificent Mile is home to 460 stores, 275 restaurants, 51 hotels, as well as the Chicago Tribune. To make the area more attractive to the public, areas along the sidewalk have been converted into planters. This little hint of historical reference to the agricultural influences of Chicago adds color to the concrete jungle and extends the park theme throughout the city.

If museums and shopping isn't what you are looking for in a city, don't be discouraged, there is plenty to see for all the sport lovers out there. Originally built in 1914 as Weeghman Park, Wrigley Field (renamed for the Cubs owner and bubble gum head William Wrigley Jr) is located in a residential neighborhood commonly referred to as Wrigleyville. Much history surrounds this baseball field as it is the second oldest active major league baseball park.

As of 2008, Chicago is also home to the smallest active major league football stadium, Soldier Field. The field is home to the Chicago Bears football team and serves as a memorial to American Soldiers who served and died during any war-hence the name. This stadium has been home to a NASCAR race, track and field, 1927 championship fight, motorcycle races, and will be home to the opening venue of the 2009 U2 concert and if the bid is accepted the 2016 Olympic Soccer matches.