Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) is 442 meters high and is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Standing on the observation deck on the 103rd floor, you can have a sweeping view of Chicago's skyline. "Chicago's architecture is astounding," said James Conaway, author of "Chicago: America's Green City," which was published in the September 2010 issue of National Geographic Traveler. Photography by MELISSA FARLOW
The Nichols Skywalk leads to Millennium Park via the world's largest green roof. Photography: MELISSA FARLOW
Sculptor Anish Kapoor created a shining landmark for Millennium Park and named it "Cloud Gate". Chicagoans love to call it "The Silver Bean." Its steel surface reflects the lush gardens and courtyards along Lake Michigan. Photography: MELISSA FARLOW
The Chicago Museum of Science and Industry is one of the largest science museums in the world. Children can freely explore, visit interactive exhibitions, and learn in 56,000 square meters of space. There is a 4.8-meter heart replica here, where visitors can walk in and learn how the human heart works. The museum has more than 35,000 items in its collection and has permanent exhibitions, including the U-505 submarine, the only German submarine on display in the United States. PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA FARLOW
Early in the morning, commuters rush through Chicago's "L" subway, the second largest rapid transit system in the United States. In addition to trains, Chicago residents can also commute on the "L" subway. According to a survey by the Chicago Tribune, the "L" subway ranks third among the seven wonders of Chicago, following Wrigley Field and the Lakefront. Photography: MELISSA FARLOW
Standing on the London Insurance Building, photographer Melissa Farlow overlooks the lively Chicago River passing through the city. This is one of four buildings built in the 1920s on the side of the North Wabash Avenue Bridge and can be seen in the foreground. Photography by MELISSA FARLOW
Students at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago took a break from their busy schedule to splash around in front of the video-enhanced Crown Fountain in Millennium Park. The fountain has been praised for its technical innovation, but has also been criticized for not fitting in with the park's aesthetic. Photography: MELISSA FARLOW
Chef Rick Bayless has three restaurants in Chicago. This is one of them. The artistic Tequila Bar brings refreshing Mexican cuisine. The restaurant also reflects the city's small green innovations, such as the use of LED lights. But Bayless said: "People will not hear speeches about environmental issues here, only good food here." Photo: MELISSA FARLOW
Young lovers kiss each other on the 46-meter-high Ferris wheel at Navy Pier. The pier, which stretches into the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan, was built in 1916 and houses a number of attractions, including the Smith Stained Glass Window Museum, the Children's Museum and the Float Balloon, a fixed helium balloon that floats on the lake. Photography by MELISSA FARLOW
A father and son walk across the rocks along Lake Michigan. This 29-kilometer lakeside trail leads from Hollywood Boulevard to 71st Street. It is popular and attracts many people running, biking, skating and walking. Photography: MELISSA FARLOW
