The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. Founded in 1879, it houses a collection of more than 300,000 works of art spanning 5,000 years of human history. The museum's collections include paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs, textiles, and architectural models from around the world. In addition to its extensive permanent collection, the Art Institute also mounts temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, the Art Institute is one of the city's most popular tourist destinations. More than two million people visit the museum each year. 

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Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan. It is located in the Streeterville neighborhood of the city and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Midwest. The pier was originally built in 1916 as a cargo facility for the United States Navy, but it was later converted into a public space. Today, Navy Pier is home to a variety of attractions, including an amusement park, a Ferris wheel, museums, restaurants, and theaters. The pier also hosts several special events throughout the year, such as fireworks displays and concerts.

Cloud Gate, also known as "The Bean", is a public sculpture by British artist Anish Kapoor. Located in Chicago's Millennium Park, it is made up of 168 stainless steel plates welded together. The sculpture's unique shape reflects both the sky and the cityscape, and its surface reflects the light in different ways throughout the day. Visitors are welcome to walk around and under the sculpture, and its concave underside provides a perfect view of the skyline. Cloud Gate was unveiled to the public in 2006 and has since become one of Chicago's most iconic landmarks.Did you know that you don’t have to travel to California to find great wine in the west? The Verde Valley is home to some of the state’s top vineyards and tasting rooms, and wine enthusiasts from far and wide will find something to suit their palate on the Verde Valley Wine Trail. With ten stops along the trail, visitors will have a chance to experience the best of Arizona wine all while enjoying the beautiful scenery and rich history.

Founded in 1834, the city of Aurora, Illinois is located in the Fox River Valley about 40 miles west of Chicago. Aurora is home to a diverse range of industries, including high-tech manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. The city also has a thriving arts scene, with several museums and theatre companies.

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Joliet is a city located in Northern Illinois, situated on the Des Plaines River, and is a part of the Chicago metropolitan area. The city has a diverse range of neighborhoods and is home to many historic landmarks. Today, Joliet is known for its strong sense of community and its many annual festivals. The city is also home to several parks, museums, and theaters.

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Naperville is a city in DuPage and Will counties in Illinois. Located approximately 32 miles west of Chicago, Naperville is home to several nationally recognized public schools, two institutions of higher education, an array of healthcare facilities, and an active downtown area that serves as the cultural and social center for the city. The city is also home to several museums and historical sites, including Naper Settlement, a living history museum that tells the story of Naperville's founding and early days as a frontier town.

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Cicero, Illinois is a town in Cook County named after the Roman statesman Cicero and is home to many historical landmarks. One of the most notable is the Cicero Public Library. Cicero is also home to several parks, including Laramie Park, which offers residents a place to picnic, hike, and fish. In addition, the town has several restaurants, shops, and other businesses that help to make it a thriving community.

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Elgin is a city located in the northern part of Illinois, about 40 miles northwest of Chicago. Elgin is home to many significant businesses and organizations, including the Grand Victoria Casino, the Nationaligunamics plant, and the Elgin Community College. The city also boasts a variety of cultural attractions, such as the Hemmens Cultural Center and the Gail Borden Public Library.

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Kenosha, Wisconsin is a city located on the southwest shore of Lake Michigan. Kenosha is known for its manufacturing industry, and it is home to several major companies, including car manufacturer Chrysler and medical device company Snap-on. The city also has a vibrant arts scene, with several museums and galleries.

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Waukegan is a city in Illinois located on the shore of Lake Michigan, about 40 miles north of Chicago. The city is home to several businesses and industries, including a large steel mill and a paper mill. The city also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with several museums and art galleries.

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