The City of Big Shoulders
Carl Sandburg called Chicago the “City of the Big Shoulders” celebrating its role as the industrial capital of the USA at the beginning of the 20th Century. Today, Chicago has grown and evolved into a center of industry, manufacturing, finance, medicine, transportation and sports.
Chicago is the third largest population center in the USA and considered to be in the top 10 global financial centers.
- Voted one of the Top 10 Cities in the World by Lonely Planet's Best in Travel
- Chicago Named City of the Year by GQ magazine
For more detailed information check out Chicago's Wikipedia Page »
Lake Michigan
Chicago was founded at the mouth of the Chicago River where it emptied into Lake Michigan. As one of the most impressive engineering feats of the 19th Century, the citizens of Chicago reversed the flow of the Chicago River to protect the source of their drinking water. Chicago celebrates the 26 miles of public parks that border Lake Michigan.
Neighborhoods
The growth of Chicago was fueled by the influx of immigrants. Today, the city is a mosaic of ethnic groups and neighborhoods. Over 60 identifiable ethnic groups are spread out across the city.
Climate
Chicago is along the southwest shore of Lake Michigan and occupies a plain, which, for the most part, is only some tens of feet above the lake. Lake Michigan averages 579 feet above sea level, and the city is in a region of frequently changing weather. The climate is predominantly continental, ranging from relatively warm in the summer to relatively cold in the winter.
Temperature (Fahrenheit)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Avg. High | 32 | 34 | 43 | 55 | 65 | 75 | 89 | 82 | 75 | 63 | 47 | 36 |
| Avg. Low | 18 | 20 | 29 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 66 | 65 | 58 | 47 | 34 | 23 |
