In light of the recent decision by the International Olympic Committee to deny Chicago the 2016 Summer Games, we thought it was high time to pay tribute to The Windy City. Though the Olympic snub was controversial, no matter what side of the argument you fall on, nobody can rightfully spoil it for Rio de Janeiro. The city will do Brazil and South America proud in 2016.

This however, is all about The Second City, Chicago. Home of Oprah, Michael Jordan and for a time, Barack and Michelle Obama, the city attracts well over 30 million domestic visitors a year but sadly, only about 1 million from abroad. Despite status as a world class city, with a rich history, vibrant arts, culture and restaurant scene, iconic skyline and vast urban park system, Chicago deserves more foreign love. Just consider these ten must-see attractions in The City of Big Shoulders.

10. Art Institute of Chicago

One of many fine attractions in improbable, immense Grant Park, the Art Institute of Chicago has one of the most impressive collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art on the planet. Notable masterpieces in the museum’s permanent collection include Bedroom in Arles by Vincent Van Gogh, The Basket of Apples by Paul Cézanne and American Gothic by Grant Wood.

9. Adler Planetarium

One of several U.S. National Historic Landmarks in Chicago, the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum was the first planetarium built in the Western Hemisphere. Part of Museum Campus Chicago, a lakefront park that also features the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum of Natural History, the Adler is a major symbol of the city.

8. Shedd Aquarium

One of best aquariums in the world, bar none, the Shedd contains over 32,500 fish, marine mammals, birds, snakes, amphibians, and insects. With over 2 million annual visitors, the aquarium is the most popular cultural attraction in Chicago.

7. Wrigley Field

Of course, with annual attendance over 3 million since 2004, perhaps Wrigley Field deserves to eclipse Shedd Aquarium in that department. The home of the Chicago Cubs is one of only two classic ballparks left in America. Only Fenway Park in Boston is older.

6. Green City Market

Consistently one of the top farmer’s markets in the United States, Chicago’s Green City Market is a model in the sustainable food movement. At the south end of Lincoln Park, the vast market proves that Chicago has a lot more than hot dogs and deep-dish pizzas on the menu.

5. Millennium Park

Within gigantic Grant Park and the historical center of downtown Chicago known as The Loop, Millennium Park is a popular congregation spot. The park and huge rooftop garden has only been open since 2004 but has fast become a favorite with locals and visitors alike. The most awesome feature of Millennium Park may be the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, with design by architect Frank Gehry.

4. Magnificent Mile

The principal thoroughfare of The Loop, the Magnificent Mile portion of Michigan Avenue provides Chicago with a street icon. Home to several indelible landmarks, such as the Old Chicago Water Tower District, Allerton Hotel, Tribune Tower and Wrigley Building, the Mile is definitely must-see.

3. Field Museum of Natural History

The Field Museum is simply one of the best in the world in the realm of natural history. On the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the facility contains a prodigious collection of well over 20 million specimens, with some of the best dinosaur bones you will ever see.

2. Willis Tower Skydeck

Want a peerless view of Chicago? Head to the incredible Willis (formerly Sears) Tower Skydeck. The observation deck is on floor 103 of what is the fifth-tallest skyscraper in the world.

1. Lincoln Park

At 1,200 acres, Lincoln Park provides Chicago with a massive recreation space. Astride Lake Michigan, the park contains baseball fields, basketball courts, volleyball courts, tennis courts, a golf course, gardens, a lake, theater, zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservatory, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and many important monuments.

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