Chicago offers the rare opportunity to enter three worlds at once.

First, the city is a monument to art and modern architecture. The buildings soar, while the museums house various, ranging collections. Most notably, there is the Art Institute of Chicago (both a museum and art school) and numerous galleries with in-house collections and traveling exhibits to offer. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright made quite an impression on the area, having moved there in 1887 to work for a local firm and then quietly designing homes throughout the city. These Wright houses distinctly stand out from their city surroundings having large, glazed walls, terraces, and low-slung roof overhangs. The Robie House is among the best well known. Wright later struck out on his own, once his "bootleg" homes came to be a problem in his decidedly urban firm. The 110-story Sears Tower is another example of striking architecture and also simply a chance for visitors to see more of the city. At 1,353 feet, it is the highest observatory in the area, boasting a line of sight that extends 40 to 50 miles on a clear day.

Second, Chicago is well known for its triumphs and failures in sports, and visitors can spend an afternoon taking in a game of basketball, baseball, football or soccer. Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs since 1914, is one of the views from the north side of the before-mentioned Sears Tower. Ivy-covered and packed with people, Wrigley Field is an experience all of its own.

Third, Chicago gives a chance to stay in a very urban city and still see hints of the rural and natural. Frank Lloyd Wright made a point of bringing something of nature into the residential areas he built in. In addition, one of the best ways to escape the streets and cars is to jump on a cruise boat or in a canoe and take in the Chicago River.

There is a sight for every traveler that makes a journey. Chicago is a city with many different sides, many different sights, and seemingly many different worlds. Really, it is just a world of its own, and it acts as a brilliant gateway to the West.