In this episode, we're exploring the history of the Chicago River itself before diving into the buildings we remembered most from the Architecture River Tour. From the birthplace of the skyscraper to icons like Marina City, Tribune Tower, Aqua, and more, you'll discover the stories that unlocked Chicago for us.

Thanks for joining me on The Great Travel School. If you enjoyed today's episode, I'd love for you to follow the show and leave a review, it really helps other curious travelers find us. I'll see you next time as we continue exploring Chicago, one story at a time.

Millions of people visit Millennium Park every year to snap a photo with The Bean. But almost nobody knows the extraordinary story hiding beneath their feet.

In this episode, we uncover how a stretch of railroad tracks and parking lots became one of the world's most celebrated public spaces. You'll discover why Chicago gambled on a bold vision that transformed downtown and created a park that became the cultural heart of the city.

Because Millennium Park isn't just a beautiful place to visit.

It's proof that the greatest cities are built by people willing to imagine something better before anyone else can see it.

Thanks for joining me on The Great Travel School. If you enjoyed today's episode, I'd love for you to follow the show and leave a review, it really helps other curious travelers find us. I'll see you next time as we continue exploring Chicago, one story at a time.

Why Chicago?

Because every city has a personality. Before we dive into Millennium Park, Wrigley Field, the Art Institute, or deep-dish pizza, I think it's worth asking a bigger question: What makes Chicago...Chicago?

In this first episode of The Great Travel School, we're exploring the history, art, architecture, engineering, and people that shaped one of America's most fascinating cities. You'll discover how a city built on a swamp became the birthplace of skyscrapers, reversed the flow of a river, rebuilt itself after disaster, and never stopped imagining what was possible.

Whether you're planning a trip, traveling from your living room, or just love learning about the world, my hope is that you'll finish this episode seeing Chicago a little differently.

Welcome to Chicago.

Thanks for joining me on The Great Travel School. If you enjoyed today's episode, I'd love for you to follow the show and leave a review, it really helps other curious travelers find us. I'll see you next time as we continue exploring Chicago, one story at a time.