The Chicago Buzz

A big jump, from South Dakota to Illinois, but only a few points worth mentioning between the Badlands and Chicago.

A short stop in Mitchell, stuck in a traffic jam by the the Corn Palace (what a traffic jam!), before reaching our campground at Chamberlain, just by the Missouri.

Missouri, Chamberlain

Missouri actually marks a significant change in our Northern scenic byway, since this is where the WEST deserts ends, replaced by huge fields of corn and wheat.

Finally, after several hundred miles of endless fields, crossing the Mississippi, we made it to the Michigan lake. Our campground, the Illinois Beach State Park, is located just by the Lake with its own beach, from where you can distinguish Willis and John Hancock towers. Perfect for our morning sport activities, including sand castle building. Not quite as beautiful as Chicago Architecture, but hey, it's a good start!

Next two days is all about discovering Chicago.

Jump on the 09:10 train from Waukegan, arrival downtown at 10:30. And here we go for 6 to 7 hours sight-seeing.

We decided to start the first day with a boat tour, to get a global view of the city: not much to say but WOW. 

Following the great fire of 1871, the city had to be rebuilt from scratch. Chicago became the playground for famous architects, and new skyscrapers came out in a few years: all quite modern and original. And all this just by Michigan Lake which is a like an open door to escape the town and go out sailing whenever you need it!

After a quick lunch at Uno's, we spent the afternoon north of Michigan River, amongst other shopping on the Michigan Avenue.   

Following Annicka's recommendation, we stopped by the American Girls shop. The concept is great (Bravo to the Head of Marketing!) and a really clever way to teach kids about American History. Camille and Chloe have started reading the origins of Kaya (with Mum's help to be fair), and more in the pipe...

On our second day, we had planned to see the Aquarium and the Shield Museum. But there is so many things to see in this town, that by the time we walked to the Shedd Aquarium, going through the south part of the city and the Millennium park, we knew we would have to skip one of the two. Kids helped us make-up our mind... the beluga whales and the dolphins were the winers!

One last question you might have: why did we call this post the "Chicago Buzz"? Here is the simple explanation... Arthur the fashion victim!!!!! 5 traveling, 3 girls, 2 adults, and who gets to go have a nice haircut!

ENDS

Just for the FUN, a few more pictures of the awesome city!

       

Views of the City

The Millennium Park

The Shedd Aquarium