One can do and see a lot of great things in the City of Chicago, but there is definitely something that can not be done: See everything in one trip. That is unless your vacation is five years long. But if, like most working folks, your visit to Chicago is limited to a long weekend, a week, or even 10 days, then a little research and planning can go a long way. Chicago is the third most populated city in America (only behind New York City and Los Angeles) so this is a big place with a lot of people. Wherever your interests lie, odds are Chicagoland has it. Like to breed Catalan Sheepdogs? Come to The International Kennel Club Cluster of Dog Shows in February at McCormick Place. Like to watch southeast Asian dancers? Check out the Children's Cambodian Cultural Dance Troupe. If your tastes are slightly less exotic, like say, baseball, the Cubs and White Sox host plenty of home games.

According to the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau, the number one tourist attraction in Chicago, by far, is Navy Pier, which lures well over 8 million visitors annually. The Lincoln Park Zoo and John. G. Shedd Aquarium are next on the list, each bringing in millions of patrons every year. Chicago's major museums - the Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry, and Field Museum - generate massive tourism dollars into Chicago's economy, as well.

The following is a suggested itinerary for the traveler who has a few extra days to spend in the Second City.