Round Lake Park, IL Road Trips

Though founded in 1833, the City of Chicago was incorporated in 1837. Spurred by port and rail traffic, the City became one of the fastest growing urban areas in the world for several decades and gradually became both the center of the Chicagoland region and the entire Midwest. Much of the growth of the region can be linked directly to Chicago and its history. Following the conclusion of the Second World War, Chicagoland simply exploded. New model suburbs such as Park Forest gave returning veterans the new amenities of inexpensive housing away from the city. They settled, raised families and saw a cycle of growth continue. Population started shifting into these new suburbs, which continued to grow and incorporate. Today, the City of Chicago has 2.7 million people while the entire area has roughly 10.5 million (the Illinois and Indiana portions). Whereas once the city also held all the attractions, now there are hundreds of unique sites, restaurants and festivals throughout the entire area. Chicago, like much of the Midwest, is known for cold winters and warm, humid summers. During the spring and fall, temperatures can shift somewhat radically, though locations near the lake (typically within 20 mi (32 km)) tend to be somewhat shielded from this by the lake. You can expect highs in the lower 20s °F (around -5 °C) in January and February and mid-80s °F (around 30 °C) in July and August.

The Baha'i Temple: A cultural and architectural wonder located in Wilmette. Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture: Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture abounds through the Immediate Suburbs but particularly in River Forest and Oak Park. The Loop: Chicago's Loop contains a mixture of stylized modern skyscrapers and historic buildings.

Chicago is home to a number of major and minor sports teams. A few select local teams and their stadium or arena locations: Chicago Bears (National Football League - based at Soldier Field, Chicago) Chicago Blackhawks (National Hockey League - based at the United Center, Chicago) Chicago Bulls (National Basketball League - based at the United Center, Chicago) Chicago Cubs (Major League Baseball - based at Wrigley Field, Chicago) Chicago Sky (WNBA team - playing in the City's South Loop neighbourhood) Chicago Fire (Major League Soccer - playing in Soldier Field]) Chicago White Sox (Major League Baseball - based at U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago) Chicago Red Stars (National Women's Soccer League - play at the SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview) Chicagoland has a number of spectacular and award-winning parks. Some major parks throughout the area which draw crowds include the following: Millennium Park - the famous Millennium Park is in the Chicago Loop. Lincoln Park Zoo - a free zoo open near the lake shore in the Lincoln Park Neighborhood of Chicago. Brookfield Zoo - a world-renowned zoo located in suburban Brookfield in the Immediate Suburbs. Morton Arboretum - a world famous arboretum located in suburban Lisle in the Western Suburbs. Six Flags Great America - this flagship of the Six Flags parks is located in Gurnee in the Far North Suburbs. Illinois State Beach Park - a large natural area on Lake Michigan in the Far North Suburb of Zion. Harrah's Joliet Grand Victoria The Rivers Horseshoe Hammond Ameristar East Chicago Blue Chip Michigan City

Like any metropolitan area, Chicagoland offers nearly every type of cuisine at different price ranges. Chicagoland favorites include Italian beef (a beef sandwich served with beef broth and peppers), Chicago deep dish pizza, and Polish sausage. Chicago-style hot dogs (mustard, sliced tomatoes, with relish and pepperoncini peppers) are common throughout the Chicagoland area. Local favorite restaurant chains for Chicago-staples include Lou Malnati's (deep dish and thin crust pizza) and Portillo's (Italian beef, Polish sausage and Chicago-style hot dogs). Due to the pandemic, restaurants have invested in dining igloos and tents. Deliveries are available through Grub-Hub, other services, and sometimes from the restaurant itself. Residents from across the area will often swear by their local restaurants as the best. There are reviews, as most people know on Yelp, but also in the Chicago Tribune (Phil Vettel retired in early 2021), Chicago Reader (Mike Sula), Chicago Magazine, Happy Cow (vegetarian and vegan), and Check, Please! Some international rankings come from Zagat (surveys) and Michelin Guide (25 starred locations as of 2020). Hotel concierges are good resources and can sometimes get you reservations. City of Chicago, village Civic Centers, and trade groups may also be good sources of information.

Chicagoland has beer (craft breweries abound), wine (one winery in Roselle), spirits (craft distilleries), mixed drinks, and coffee to compete with any other first-class city in the world. Goose Island Brewery started as an independent brewery on Chicago's only island at the Chicago River. It is now owned by Anheuser-Busch and still brews and distributes local favorites 312 and Green Line beers. Craft breweries: Great Lakes (in Lake Bluff), Half Acre (in Chicago) and Two Brothers (in Warrenville) are among the biggest and their beers are easily found. Many breweries have added kitchens to serve quality foods, with limited hours and days. Drinking alcohol in the parks or streets of Chicago is not allowed. Millennium Park's Pritzker Pavilion events are among the rare exceptions. "Picnic permits" might provide an option to add alcohol to your event. At the forest preserves in Cook County, outside of Chicago, drink is allowed if away from roads and designated non-drinking areas. Restaurants, sports stadiums, and entertainment venues may have liquor permits (either bring your own, beer and wine, or additional spirits permits), which allow for the serving of alcohol. Chicagoland's love of coffee is extensive. Excellent coffee can be found in the city and throughout the region. Coffee roasters sell at their own shops and may distribute their coffee widely. Starbucks locations have grown extensively in Chicagoland and the city is home to the largest Starbucks in the World. In addition, Metropolis (local), Dark Matter, and Peets, are among the chains in Chicagoland.

Chicagoland is a major hub for vehicle, air, rail and port traffic and is accessible via any number of different methods. The city has an outstanding public transport system, which allows great access not only to the city but to many areas of the region. Below are a few different methods of entry: Interstate System: Chicagoland is the dead center of most major interstates serving the Midwest as well as many cross-country routes (specifically, I-80, I-90 and I-94). The following routes either pass through or connect the region: I-80 (portions tolled): I-80 crosses through the South Suburbs region. I-88 (tolled): I-88 is a regional interstate which connects the region to the Quad Cities I-90 (tolled): I-90 connects the region locally to Rockford and Gary and ultimately Madison and South Bend. I-94 (tolled): I-94 connects the region to Milwaukee and Detroit and ultimately to the Twin Cities. I-55: I-55 terminates in Chicagoland and connects it to St. Louis and ultimately to New Orleans. I-57: I-57 terminates in Chicagoland and connects it to Champaign and Memphis. I-65: I-65, which originates in the Indiana portion of Chicagoland, connects the region to Indianapolis and ultimately Louisville. US Highways: Chicagoland is connected through a series of US numbered highways including US 20, US 30, US 41 and US 45. O'Hare International Airport: The region's primary airport, O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world. It provides service to most other major cities in North America and many international destinations.

Despite its excellent public transportation (by US standards), personal vehicles remain the best form of transportation in the area. The interstates are the primary method of vehicle travel, though, mostly to avoid tolls and congestion, many local routes are used. Below are some common routes which tourists may find useful for avoiding traffic: North–south routes: US 41: US 41 (known as "Lake Shore Drive" in Chicago) is a primary north-south route. It connects the Far North Suburbs, North Shore, City and South Suburbs. US 45: US 45 is a primary north-shore and connects the Far North Suburbs, Northwestern Suburbs, Immediate Suburbs and Southern Suburbs. IL 53: IL 53 is a unique route that primarily serves as a connection point between various points of the Northwestern Suburbs. However, it is an important thoroughfare for connection to local interstates. The expressway portion of it terminates at Lake-Cook Road. IL 59: IL 59 connects the Chain O'Lakes to the Northwestern Suburbs and Western Suburbs before terminating in Naperville. IL 31: IL 31 is the major north-south route connecting the Chain O'Lakes and Fox River Valley. East–west routes: IL 120: IL 120 is the primary connection between the Far North Suburbs and the Chain O'Lakes. It terminates near Woodstock in McHenry County. Through much of the Far North Suburbs, this route is open freeway.

Chicagoland, as a whole, is generally safe. However, depending on what a visitor is doing and when they are visiting, unique situations can be present. Below is a brief summary: The police emergency number is 911. If used from a cell phone, it will contact the town or village you are in. If near the border of a town, the town's police can transfer you to the town you need. CWB Chicago reports crime in the city. The Chicago Police Department (CPD) can be contacted via local area (there are 3) or central non-emergency numbers. Other towns have their own police and will have non-emergency numbers. Chicago will put you through to non-emergency or emergency services using 311 (phone or app), and the CPD maintains a website map online of crime statistics. As of 2021, the lake has been high for a few years causing a few beaches to be closed to swimmers (sometimes due to the erosion protections added by the US Army Corps of Engineers). The beaches are a gem but Lake Michigan can be dangerous due to its temperature and occasional rip tides. Lifeguards are posted during summer months (Memorial Day to Labor Day) and swimming is allowed within designated areas. Chicago beaches are in need of lifesaving equipment (lifesaver rings and ropes) as well as a need for better signs. There are docks one can walk upon, but at times of high waves or ice they become slippery. Once in cold water, a person will have a hard time breathing or swimming. Be safe. Coast Guard service is limited. Life vests are recommended if on any water. After the pandemic, Chicago beaches reopened in Spring 2021.