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Chicago, Illinois _________________
Driving Directions
From Quincy, take I-172 south for 15 miles and continue on I-72 east for
98 miles. Follow I-55 north for 194 miles to Chicago. Total distance is
307 miles.
Calendar of Events
There is so much to see and so much to do in the Windy City! Take a look
at the Calendar of
Events to see what you want to do.
History
Chicago’s beginnings have been traced back to Jean Baptiste
Point du Sable who built the first settlement at the mouth of the Chicago
River in 1779. More than 50 years later, in 1831, Chicago was incorporated
with a modest population of 350 residents. The population exploded over
the next six years growing to 4,170 by 1837. Chicago became a major transportation
hub because of its location on Lake Michigan, the creation of the Illinois
& Michigan Canal, and the invention of the railroad.
Chicago prospered until a tragic event, the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. More than 300 people died, 90,000 were left homeless, and more than 200 million dollars of property was damaged. The city proved to be resilient and has grown to be a powerhouse city with nearly three million residents.
Chicago is also a very popular Midwest vacation spot with its multi-cultural heritage and wide range of attractions. Its location on the shores of Lake Michigan, combined with its stunning architecture, wealth of cultural activities, and world-famous museums make Chicago a must-see destination.
The Chicago Cultural Center is an official visitors information center, a great place to learn about the windy city. Before you go, visit the official Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau website [ www.877chicago.com ] or call (877) 244-2246 for more information.
Tours
There is a wide variety of tours available in Chicago. Tour neighborhoods,
architecture, landmarks, or attractions. For more information visit the
Chicago
Tourism webpage.
Links/Related Websites
Chicago Convention
and Tourism Bureau
City of
Chicago
MetroMix
Climate/Weather Conditions
Average Temperatures
January 25°F
February 28°F
March 37°F
April 48°F
May 59°F
June 69°F
July 74°F
August 73°F
September 66°F
October 55°F
November 41°F
December 30°F
Average precipitation = 34 inches/year