We took a pretty leisurely drive from Grand Rapids to Chicago, hugging Lake Michigan and visiting two scenic spots on the way; South Haven – a pretty beach town – and Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.  At both, we were blown away by the size of the lake – it looks and feels like the ocean.  It has large beaches, massive sand dunes, Baywatch style life guards – and even waves….although no risk of sharks, one of Matthew’s personal phobias!  The only obvious clue that you weren’t actually on the coast was a noticeable absence of that distinct ocean smell.

Lighthouse at South Haven, Michigan

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

This lake is AWESOME!

Matthew had not been to Chicago since his earlier consulting days, and for the rest of the family it was a new destination and experience – one that everyone enjoyed.  After some accommodation hiccups we found ourselves a great city pad in South Loop, about a block from WholeFoods (so good to cook for yourself when on the road!), some great restaurants and about 10 minutes drive to some world class culture.

We visited the Field Museum and saw Sue – the largest and most complete T-Rex discovered to date, the Tsavo Lions (of “Ghost and the Darkness” infamy), as well as being lucky enough to see a special exhibition of the Terracotta Warriors.  We also squeezed in a visit to the Shedd Aquarium and spent a morning checking out the iconic architecture along the river.

The kids LOVED Millennium Park, a fantastic if sometimes controversial addition to the city.  Built above a city railroad yard, it has some inspired sculptures including the Cloud Gate and Crown Fountain, an extensive kids slide complex and an awesome climbing wall.  We had to drag them away.  Exhausted….

Graceful Lionfish at Shedd Aquarium

Cloud Gate by Anish Kapoor

Water fun at Crown Fountain

I’ll try to not get too wet….

Marina City iconic Chicago Architecture

Sue, the world’s largest T-REX

Terracotta General

Tsavo Lions (looking positively playful!)

By contrast, for the adults The Art Institute was amazing – such a concentration of quality pieces, particularly the Impressionist and American Modern Art collections.  It’s always a privilege to see famous works, but there was also a great exhibition on America’s ‘Fall’ after the Great Depression.

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Last but certainly not least, we spent a relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable day with Matthew’s Aunt and Uncle – Robyn and Jerry – who Matthew sees on average every 15 years or so.  Having seen them in New York less than a year ago, the statistics are improving dramatically!

Chicago was a fantastic city (see all photos here) – very classy but without the overwhelming density and crazy energy of New York.  We will definitely be back, we literally skimmed the surface this time around.  A week of art, culture (and civilisation!) has been great – now it’s the kids turn as we hit waterparks in two states….