The city of Chicago is home to around 2.5 million people and takes pride in its rich history. Located on Lake Michigan in Illinois, Chicago is one of the country’s largest cities. It is known for its bold architecture and skyline full of tall buildings. Are you curious about the city of Chicago? In order to satisfy your curiosity, we have provided you with some interesting facts about Chicago that you will find interesting. So let’s begin.
Table of contents
- A City of Many Nicknames
- Birthplace of the Skyscraper
- Chicago’s Love for Festivals
- Largest Collection of Impressionist Art Outside Paris
- Chicago is Home to 23 Michelin-Starred Restaurants
- Home of the First Ferris Wheel
- Chicago’s Deep-Dish Pizza
- The Largest Municipal Library in the World
- A Pioneer in Television
- A River that Flows Backward
- A City with Reverse-Flowing River
- World-Famous Hot Dogs
- The Tallest Tower in the USA
- The L Train
- Chicago’s Green Spaces
- Chicago’s Museum Campus
- The First US Blood Bank
- An Epicenter of Jazz and Blues
- The Magnificent Mile
- Chicago’s Historic Wrigley Field
- FAQs
A City of Many Nicknames
Embed from Getty ImagesChicago is like a superhero with lots of cool nicknames. One of them is “The Windy City.” But guess what? It’s not because of the weather! The nickname comes from the politicians, who were known for being full of hot air, not the strong winds. Chicago got this nickname in 1876. Other nicknames of Chicago include City of Big Shoulders, The Second City, The White City, and The City That Works.
Birthplace of the Skyscraper
Chicago is known as the birthplace of the skyscraper. The world’s first skyscraper, the Home Insurance Building, was built here in 1885. It stood 10 stories tall, which was groundbreaking at the time. Today, Chicago’s skyline boasts iconic towers like the Willis Tower and John Hancock Center, making it a must-visit for architecture lovers.
Chicago’s Love for Festivals
If you love festivals, Chicago is the place to be. The city hosts over 400 neighbourhood festivals every year, celebrating music, food, and culture. Popular events like the Chicago Blues Festival and Taste of Chicago attract millions of visitors annually, offering a perfect opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant culture.
Largest Collection of Impressionist Art Outside Paris
Chicago’s Art Institute houses the largest collection of Impressionist paintings outside of Paris. Masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh adorn the walls, making it a paradise for art enthusiasts. The iconic “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte” by Georges Seurat is one of the highlights.
Chicago is Home to 23 Michelin-Starred Restaurants
Embed from Getty ImagesStudents living in accommodations in Chicago adore Chicago’s amazing good restaurant scene beyond all else. Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizza and street-style hotdogs, but it’s a city with so much more to offer. There is enough diversity to satisfy each taste bud, from street food to upscale dining with A-list chefs. You might be surprised to learn that Chicago is home to 23 restaurants with Michelin stars! Several student-friendly locations are BOKA group restaurants.
Home of the First Ferris Wheel
The Ferris wheel was invented for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. It was created by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. and stood 264 feet tall. Today, you can ride a modern version at Navy Pier, enjoying stunning views of the city and Lake Michigan.
Chicago’s Deep-Dish Pizza
One of the most iconic facts about Chicago is its deep-dish pizza. This cheesy, thick-crust delight was first created in 1943 at Pizzeria Uno. Locals and tourists alike line up to enjoy this signature dish. Be prepared for a delicious, gooey experience with every bite!
Curious about the city of Chicago? Check out the Top 5 Places to Visit in Chicago!
The Largest Municipal Library in the World
The Chicago Public Library is the largest municipal library in the world. The Harold Washington Library Center, located downtown, spans over 756,000 square feet and offers millions of books, archives, and resources. It’s a perfect place for students and book lovers.
A Pioneer in Television
Chicago made history in the world of television. The first-ever televised presidential debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon took place here in 1960. It was a groundbreaking moment in politics and media, influencing how political campaigns are conducted.
A River that Flows Backward
Embed from Getty ImagesCan you imagine a river flowing backwards? Well, the Chicago River does that! It has been a part of Chicago’s history for centuries, and it flows through downtown Chicago. Engineers worked their magic in 1900 to reverse the river’s flow, making it go away from Lake Michigan. It’s like a real-life magic trick!
A City with Reverse-Flowing River
Another fascinating fact about Chicago is its reversed river. Engineers reversed the flow of the Chicago River in 1900 to prevent pollution from contaminating Lake Michigan, the city’s water source. It remains one of the greatest engineering feats in history.
World-Famous Hot Dogs
Chicago-style hot dogs are a culinary legend. Loaded with mustard, onions, relish, tomatoes, pickles, sport peppers, and celery salt, these hot dogs are served on a poppy seed bun. Just remember – no ketchup allowed!
The Tallest Tower in the USA
Embed from Getty ImagesChicago has a super tall tower called the Willis Tower, like a big giant in the city. Imagine stacking 12 school buses on top of each other – that’s how tall it is! You can go up and see the whole city from way up high. It’s so big that even the clouds might want to play hide-and-seek with it! Make sure to visit this tower when you are in nearby student accommodation in USA for an amazing experience.
The L Train
Chicago’s elevated train system, known as the “L,” is one of the oldest public transit systems in the world. With its iconic tracks running above the city streets, it provides a unique and scenic way to explore different neighborhoods across the city.
Get to know the city of Chicago a little bit better with our blog – Exploring the Top 5 Must Visit Bookshops in Chicago!
Chicago’s Green Spaces
Chicago boasts over 600 parks and green spaces. Millennium Park, home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (nicknamed “The Bean”), is a favourite spot for tourists and locals. The city’s lakefront trails offer stunning views of Lake Michigan, perfect for biking, jogging, or relaxing.
Chicago’s Museum Campus
Located along the lakefront, Chicago’s Museum Campus is a cultural hub that includes the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium. It’s an ideal spot for a day of exploration and learning, especially for students interested in science, nature, and history.
The First US Blood Bank
Embed from Getty ImagesChicago is home to the world’s first US blood bank because of Dr. Bernard Fantus. He’s like a superhero doctor who started the first blood bank in Chicago in 1937. A blood bank is like a safe storage place for blood that can be used to help sick people feel better. Thanks to Dr. Fantus, hospitals all over the country started making blood banks to save lives and keep people healthy. Remember Dr. Fantus the next time you hear about blood banks!
An Epicenter of Jazz and Blues
Chicago is considered one of the birthplaces of modern jazz and blues music. Legendary artists like Muddy Waters and Louis Armstrong once performed in the city’s vibrant clubs. You can still enjoy live performances in historic venues like the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge.
The Magnificent Mile
Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is a shopper’s paradise. Stretching along Michigan Avenue, it features luxury boutiques, department stores, and fine dining. From global brands to local treasures, it offers a world-class shopping experience.
Chicago’s Historic Wrigley Field
Baseball fans will love Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. Opened in 1914, it’s the second-oldest Major League Baseball stadium in the U.S. With its ivy-covered walls and lively crowd, catching a game here is a classic Chicago experience.
These fascinating facts about Chicago highlight the city’s rich history, cultural diversity, and endless attractions. Whether you’re planning a visit, studying abroad, or simply exploring from afar, Chicago has something unique to offer everyone.
FAQs
Chicago is known as the “Windy City” and is the third-largest city in the United States. It’s famous for its iconic skyline, deep-dish pizza, and vibrant arts scene. The city is also home to architectural marvels like the Willis Tower and cultural landmarks like Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago.
Chicago got the nickname “The Windy City” not because of strong winds but because of talkative politicians who were full of hot air. This happened in 1876, and the nickname stuck!
The Willis Tower is so tall that if you stacked 12 school buses on top of each other.
Dr. Bernard Fantus is the superhero doctor who started the first US blood bank in Chicago in 1937.
Chicago has a population of approximately 2.7 million people, making it the third most populous city in the U.S. It is a diverse city, with residents from various cultural backgrounds, contributing to its vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, jazz and blues music, and iconic architecture. It’s also famous for its sports culture, being home to the Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago Bears. The city’s festivals and vibrant theater scene add to its charm.
Chicago is the birthplace of deep-dish pizza, a thick, cheesy pizza baked in a pan. Another iconic dish is the Chicago-style hot dog, served with mustard, onions, pickles, and tomatoes — no ketchup! Italian beef sandwiches and Garrett Popcorn are also local favorites.
Chicago’s architecture is world-renowned, featuring innovative designs and towering skyscrapers. The city was rebuilt using modern architectural styles after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Notable architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies van der Rohe have left their mark on Chicago’s skyline.
The Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, stands at 1,450 feet (442 meters) and has 110 stories. It was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1973 and remains one of the tallest in the U.S.
Chicago is a cultural hub with numerous theaters, music festivals, and museums. The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the most prestigious art museums in the world. Additionally, the city is famous for its contributions to jazz, blues, and house music.
We hope you liked this blog where we covered some of the interesting facts about Chicago. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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