Chicago

For many years the world's tallest skyscraper, the Sears Tower is really nine buildings combined into one massive structure. Completed in 1974, it was erected to consolidate offices housing 6,500 Sears employees from all over the city.

Close to the famed Chicago 'L', the elevated train and Chicago Transit Authority buses, it would have been taller but the Federal Aviation Authority was concerned about plane safety on routes to and from O'Hare.

Founded in 1893 as the Columbian Museum, this treasure trove of archaeological artifacts is one of the world's preeminent institutions. With a library of more than 250,000 volumes and millions of stored objects, it is a world class center of learning about the history of mankind. A major part of that collection is available to the public and it makes for much more than a dry, academic visit.

Sited at the shore of Lake Michigan, the John G. Shedd Aquarium is widely acknowledged to be among the world's finest. Home to more than 650 species of fish, reptile, amphibians, birds and mammals, they have over 8,000 individual animals from around the world.

Since 1930, the collection has grown to include a 90,000 coral reef exhibit, whale and dolphin habitats, an Amazon display, penguins and much more.

Whether you want to ride a ferris wheel or lean toward seeing some Shakespeare, Navy Pier has every kind of enjoyment you can imagine. Open to the public since 1916, the area was revitalized in 1995. Ever since, it has attracted visitors from all over the world - over 8 million in 2005 alone.

Don't worry about crowds, though. There's so much to do and see that lines are rarely a problem. There is a dock with ships to see and restaurants to sample, just like Pier 39 in San Francisco. Or you can just sit and enjoy the fountain at Gateway Park, with 240 jets, all computer synchronized.

A mile of shopping! Now that's something to set the heart a flutter. But the excitement doesn't stop there, because this famed area has much, much more to offer. True, the shopping is first rate. But there's sightseeing, dining and lots more.

If you want to be a junior architect start at the LEGO store at 520 N. Michigan Ave and build a skyscraper with your son or daughter. You can buy a table or T-shirt, or get a kit to duplicate the Sears Tower.

Chicago is hugely popular among tourists for great buildings, restaurants and shopping. But one of the chief attractions, for both locals and visitors, remains the Brookfield Zoo. Opened in 1934, the zoo is located on 216 acres about 14 miles west of downtown. The sights and the location are perfect for someone looking for something just outside the metropolis in the suburb of Brookfield.