Apple Pie Picks
Take a Ride Around The Loop
Chicago's downtown area is known as "The Loop." This area got its name from the elevated train, the "El," which loops around the city's center. The orange line, purple line and pink line run clockwise around the city while the brown line runs counterclockwise. The aboveground brown line is the most scenic for visitors. The Loop forms a rectangle about 0.4 miles east-to-west and 0.6 miles north-to-south. The El is the second longest rapid transit system in the United States, after the New York City Subway. The oldest section of the El began operating in 1892, also making it the second oldest rapid transit system in America after New York. Grab a ticket and go for a ride!
Willis Tower
More famously known as Sears Tower, the Willis Tower is the fifth tallest building in the world. It is 1,450 feet high and 110 stories tall. Visitors can take the 70 second high-speed elevators up to the 103rd floor Skydeck for views of the whole city. On a clear day you can see all the way to Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois. A glass-bottom ledge also stretches out 4.3 feet from the Skydeck where you can look straight down at the ground below. Before heading back down to the ground floor, check out the multimedia exhibits and the movie "Reaching for the Sky" that tells the history of the tower.
Wrigley Field
Built in 1914, Wrigley Field is the home ballpark of the Chicago Cubs. Watching a game at the second oldest ballpark in the United States, where the scoreboard is still hand operated by a number turner, is a great American experience. It is the oldest National League ballpark and the second oldest active Major League ballpark. Wrigley Field is known for its ivy covered brick outfield wall, and the famous 1934 original entrance red marquee painted in white letters that state "Wrigley Field, Home of Chicago Cubs." Lights were finally added to the field in 1988, after 5,687 consecutive day games played by the Cubs at Wrigley. Depending on what time of the year you visit, tours of the locker rooms, press box and a walk onto the field are possible.