Experience Flyover Chicago

“Now I’m flying through the stars, hope this ride will last forever!” Chaka Khan

                  Visitors can opt to view the “real” Chicago through a series of walking tours, by water aboard a boat cruising the Chicago River, the world’s sole backwards streaming river, created by a public project in 1900 to protect the freshwater supply into Lake Michigan, or by flying over it using state-of-the-art technology created just for the Flyover Experience. Chicago’s newest attraction is an exhilarating aerial-type experience that soars across the city at an adrenaline pulsing pace. Chicago’s nearly 3-million residents occupy 77 unique communities on 234-square-miles of land, all best introduced by Flyover Chicago. #Choosechicago

                  Prior to first European contact Shikaakwa, as it was known by Native Americans, was a trading site and migratory hunting ground at the juncture of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Robert de LaSalle produced the first written mention of an area he pronounced as Checagou in his 1679 memoir. Father Jacques Marquette, a French missionary, and Louis Jolliet, a French-Canadian trader are recognized as “discoverers” of the region in 1673. Regional tribes then established a transitory trade system with the French for the next hundred years.

                  A French trader of African descent burst onto the scene in 1779. Jean Baptiste Point du Sable established the first permanent trading post where the river met the lake. He was born in Haiti of an enslaved mother and French sea captain father. His mother died when he was ten and his father had him educated abroad. He spoke several languages, collected fine art and had highly developed business acumen. He was the first nonindigenous settler in Chicago where he owned 800-acres, a 5-room home, a trading post, and a complex of buildings including housing for his workers. His life embodies the qualities of the city itself, resilience, strength, creativity and the ability to embrace different cultures. On October 25, 1968 he was officially recognized as the Founder of Chicago. A bust of du Sable is at 401 N. Michigan Avenue. themagnificentmile.com

                  Chicago is considered the Birthplace of Modern Architecture largely due to The Great Fire of 1871 that resulted in the loss of 18,000 buildings and a building boom that drew the country’s best architects. In 1885 the first skyscraper, a 10-floor, Home Insurance Building, was completed. Frank Lloyd Wright also came and designed structures. Two, the Robie House and Unity Temple, are now UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

Chicago was a hub for newcomers from 1850 through 1910, some from other cities and many European immigrants. From 1916-70 much of the movement was Black Migration from the South for economic opportunity and more than 500,000 African Americans moved to the city. WWII increased European migration because of wartime conditions. The influence of new cultures and Chicago’s unique ability to absorb new cultures and be enhanced by the inclusion is woven into the fabric of the city.

 “The Bean” is an iconic artwork designed to capture the skyline and reflect it to onlookers in Millennium Park. “Cloud Gate,” its formal name, was designed of 168 reflective stainless-steel panels to be 33-feet tall, 42-feet wide and 66-feet long for a total weight of 110-tons. It is one of the largest permanent public outdoor artworks in the world and the first of its type in the US. 

The Chicago Board of Trade Building was constructed in 1930. The 45-story, Art Deco, building was the tallest in the city until 1965. Atop the building’s tower stands a 31-foot, aluminum, 6-ton sculpture of Ceres, Roman goddess of agriculture, holding a sheaf of wheat and a pouch of grain. She wears a crown of wheat to represent the structure that housed the world’s largest grain exchange. Sculptor John H. Storrs left Ceres faceless. Apparently, he believed the building was so tall that no one would ever see it!

Flyover Chicago provides numerous thrills, not the least of which is soaring to sites that are otherwise not accessible. You move through The Bean and get up close and personal with Ceres. The total experience has three sections. Part One includes an introduction to the people and places you will see. In the second section you are given explicit safety instructions. Then you are seated during the flyover as you experience an original soundtrack, smells, smoke, mist and a drone generated ride on the streets of Chicago, skimming the water and lingering around and through the most famous sites. #Experienceflyover

The production was 3-years in the making and it is the first production of an urban environment. The ride is 9.5-minutes long and research has proven that is the optimum amount of time. Guests can learn about the people we meet during the flyover. All of the people and institutions are “real” Chicagoans. Don’t miss the singular items in the gift shop. It should be noted that Flyover Chicago is fully accessible for those with physical and sensory limitations.

Believe it or not, the thrill is not gone. Guests can visit a number of places that were highlighted. 

Manny’s Deli is a definite must. The 80-year-old deli is so iconic that it is a go to location for the Obamas and other presidents and celebrities, Clinton, Steve Harvey, etc. The menu is huge and the food is either made on site or locally sourced. They have won numerous awards and been showcased on several food shows including “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.” I guarantee you will find your bliss.

Swift & Sons Tavern is located across the street from Wrigley Field and the view of the activity around the field is almost as great as the food.

Miru at the St. Regis creates a special dining atmosphere. The chef’s specialties are shareable dishes and elegant breakfast options. Miru is Japanese for view and the view from the restaurant over the city is breathtaking. Also, note the architecture and artwork in the public spaces.

Duck Duck Goat offers Chinese-American inspired cuisine. Chef Stephanie Izard goes beyond your standard options and combines flavors in a special way. Private dining rooms are available and each room pays homage to an aspect of Chinese culture. 

Flyover Chicago is in a remodeled movie theater on the 3,300-foot Navy Pier. The pier was constructed on a base of 20,000 logs in 1916. It is lined with shops and restaurants where Chicago’s famous fare, Chicago-style pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, can be purchased while listening to a jazz soundtrack. 

The Sable at Navy Pier, a Curio by Hilton property, is convenient to everything. Guests are treated to extraordinary cleaning measures and the room amenities include river views and designer bath products. The hotel provides a Fitness Center, Lirica Restaurant, a Concierge, free WIFI, and 24-hour front desk services.

Flyover Chicago and experience the best of the best.