The Willis Tower, previously known as the Sears Tower, is in downtown Chicago. Completed in 1974, it is a 108-story building that held the title of the tallest building in the world for nearly 25 years. It remains the tallest building in the United States. The Skydeck, located on the 103rd floor, is the building's observation deck, approximately 1,353 feet above the ground. It is one of Chicago's most popular tourist attractions, welcoming about 1.3 million visitors annually. Recently, renovations have introduced new glass balconies with floors extending four feet over the street. The balcony provides stunning views of Illinois, Lake Michigan, and neighboring states Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin on a clear day.
If you're a fan of Shakespeare, you should attend the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier. This professional theater company was founded in 1986 by Barbara Gaines and is the third largest in the Midwest. They produce works from the Shakespeare canon and other theatrical performances, with over six hundred performances annually at the Courtyard Theater and the Upstairs space. The theater has won numerous awards, including 36 Joseph Jefferson Awards, three Laurence Olivier Awards, and a Regional Theatre Tony Award. The theater also has a family series for younger audiences and special student pricing.
History and nature enthusiasts must visit the Field Museum in Chicago. The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 21 million specimens that showcase the history of human and animal life in different regions. One of the museum's key attractions is Sue, the most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton worldwide. The Field Museum offers permanent and rotating exhibits that provide an insight into the world's natural history. The museum features a wide range of exhibits, including Mammals of Asia, Mammals of Africa, the Grainger Hall of Gems, Underground Adventure, Inside Ancient Egypt, Evolving Planet, The Ancient Americas, DNA Discovery Center, McDonald's Fossil Prep Lab, and the Regenstein Laboratory. The Field Museum Library is home to over 275,000 volumes of research collections, which are fundamental for the museum's scientific staff. The Library provides information on biology, anthropology, botany, geology, archaeology, museology, and other fields of study.
The Empty Bottle sounds like an excellent spot to catch some live music. They offer affordable drinks, reasonable cover, and a fun crowd. It's interesting to note that the bar started as a cat-filled hole-in-the-wall in 1992 but later moved two blocks up the street to a slightly larger and better-equipped venue. They've been putting on great shows for the past 20 years and have managed to maintain their success thanks to their low prices, lack of attitude, and loyal customer base.