Chicago is the third most populated city in all of the U.S., and it receives more than 40 million international and domestic visitors each year. The city has several bodies of water nearby, including the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes; the Chicago River; and the Calumet River. Chicago was the first city in the world to ever erect a ferris wheel. The city offers a robust combination of city and suburban life, with excellent sports, arts, theatre, dining, and music scenes. All Chicago Events Here!