If you’re looking for fun and adventure mixed with great culture and history in a bustling and happening city, then look no further than the exciting city of Chicago, Illinois for your next vacation.Chicago is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, and for good reason. Chicago has much to offer tourists, guests visiting family and friends, and locals alike on a year-round, everyday basis.Often referred to as the “Windy City” and the “Second City,” Chicago ranks high on the scale of the “things-to-do, places-to-see” domain. In fact, there are so many different options for what you can do and see during your stay in Chicago that it’s hard to know where to start.For children, the young at heart, and animal lovers of all ages, Chicago offers two of the best zoos in the U.S. The Brookfield Zoo, located just outside Chicago, is a must-see, with its vast array of wildlife and beautiful and unique animals—more than 2,000 species, in fact—for your viewing pleasure. The Lincoln Park Zoo in northern Chicago is also highly recommended and more than worth your time.Fine arts meet history in the magnificent and renowned Apollo Theatre located in the heart of the city of three million, in the Lincoln Park theater district. The famous Apollo stage has hosted many fabulous performances over the years, and to this day continues to be the home of many comedic and dramatic plays, musicals, concerts, and other special events.Chicago boasts a number of other spectacular landmarks and attractions as well, including both the Sears Tower Skydeck and the John Hancock Observatory. Both landmarks give the tourist a breathtaking bird’s-eye view at about 1,000 feet above the ground of not only Chicago and all its dazzling splendor, but also of the entire Chicagoland, which encompasses parts of neighboring states Indiana and Wisconsin, in addition to Illinois’ Chicago and surrounding counties.Many tourists prefer to visit these landmarks either at night—complete with all the city’s stunning lights—or at sunset, for a glorious view of the sky. The summer nights in Chicago, by the shores of Lake Michigan, are ofter illuminated by spectacular fireworks. These pyrotechnical feasts can be best viewed by the Navy Pier.For an all-in-one journey through much of Chicago’s cultural and historical landmarks, check out the Amazing Chicago Funhouse Maze down at the Navy Pier, which is also home to Time Escape, a motion simulation taking you through the history of Chicago.Another great way to experience Chicago and all it has to offer is through one of the available boat tours, which take you around Chicago and are more leisurely in nature, or city bus tours, which take you through the streets of Chicago, with tour guides pointing out landmarks and giving historical information.Chicago hosts a wide variety of annual festivals and shows that draw in large crowds comprising locals, residents of nearby communities and counties, and tourists who travel in from all over the place. A few of the more popular ones include the Chicago Blues Festival, Taste of Chicago, Venetian Night, and the Chicago Air & Water Show—which are all held in summertime, generally from about mid-June until the end of August.Chicago is also home to one of the magnificent Six Flags theme parks, so if you love thrills and rides galore, take a day to spend at Six Flags for more fun and excitement that you can handle. Great for families with children, couples, and groups of friends.Of course, what trip to a great American city would be complete without taking the time to check out at least a few of its museums? Although Chicago offers a wide selection, if you go to Museum Campus, you can take in The Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, and Shedd Aquarium all in one stop.If Chicago is tempting the traveler inside you to witness its landmarks first-hand and partake in its many attractions, start making your travel plans today! Book some time off work, and then start conducting some research well enough in advance for you to be able to find great deals and special discounts for a travel package to Chicago.