A trip to Chicago, the Windy City, could be everything you want from an American tour, combining historical imagery with plenty of sight-seeing and entertainment opportunities.

Visit Chicago on an adventure holiday to explore the city’s past and present and take in the monuments and attractions, including the Navy Pier, the Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park.

Chicago, which is the US’s third most populous city, is situated between the watershed of Mississippi River and the Great Lakes in north-east Illinois at the tip of Lake Michigan in the south-west of the state. It was established in 1833 and is famous for its associations with gangsters of the 1920s, such as Al Capone.

Why not opt to take a guided bike tour of the area to catch a glimpse of the main sights before deciding which you would like to explore in greater depth?

The location is the perfect destination for a tour of the east coast of the USA and presents opportunities to learn more about the city’s history. Take a look down North Michigan Avenue and explore the Magnificent Mile’s many eateries and shopping hotspots, while marvelling at the historic Water Tower, which was built between 1867 and 1869 and is one of the only buildings to survive the Great Fire of 1871.

If you’d like a further taste of history, have a stroll near the Michigan Avenue bridge, which dates back to 1913 and is a popular spot for amateur photographers. If it’s culture you’re after, make sure you visit the earliest skyscraper to be built in the area – Triune Tower. The bottom part of the building’s face was constructed from more than 150 bricks brought to the city from well-known locations of the world such as the pyramids of Egypt and the Taj Mahal.

You might also like to visit the inspiring Art Institute of Chicago or expand your mind at the largest museum in the western hemisphere – the Museum of Science and Industry. Exhibits on show include the U-505 submarine, a Boeing 727 aeroplane and a working coal mine.

Since the 1920s, when the city went through an industrial awakening, Chicago has become a business hub. Walking down the Magnificent Mile from the Gold Coast to the Loop district, you’ll see first hand the hustle and bustle of workers and be able to take in such sights as the Wrigley office building, which is thought to be one of the city’s most attractive constructions with its white façade.

After some cultural learning, you might opt for some excitement as part of your adventure holiday. Take a ride on the 150-foot Ferris wheel situated at Navy Pier to see breathtaking bird’s eye views of the city. For similarly stunning outlooks, why not climb to the 103rd floor of the Skydeck Chicago in the Willis Tower? Or the 94th floor of the Hancock Observatory, where you can take a skywalk in the open-air and discover how the Windy City got its nickname?

Back on firm ground, take a walk in the park and release your inner child by playing in the interactive Crown Fountain if your American tour takes place in the warmer seasons or admire the interesting design and architecture of the open space.

For some more greenery, why not visit Garfield Park Conservatory, where you can take in the tranquil gardens under glass? If you have a penchant for nature and little cash to flash, Lincoln Park Zoo might be a great attraction, housing more than 1,000 creatures.

And if it’s more culture you’re after, you’re sure to find something right for you at the Chicago Cultural Center, where more than 700 free music, dance, theatre events, lectures, films and art exhibitions are held every year. Of course, while in Chicago, you might also like to find a nearby theatre that is putting on the musical of the same name.

On an adventure holiday to Chicago you’ll find just that if you opt for the watersports available at Lake Michigan. Feel the wind rush through your hair as you learn to sail under the supervision of trained instructors, or travel to the dunes between the lake and Silver Lake and try out a host of boats such as wave runners, skiers and paddle boats.

There’s a swimming area if you fancy taking a dip or for a more sedate activity, why not have a go at salmon fishing?

If you enjoy spectator sports, you won’t want to miss a game involving one of the city’s two major league baseball teams – the White Sox and the Cubs. Root for your favourite and then discover more about the activity at the Chicago Baseball Museum.

With so much to see and do in Chicago, you’re sure to be blown away by the Windy City.