[hkskyline]

Lake Michigan is so big so the salt runoff in the spring shouldn't be a big issue. Perhaps if it runs into the Chicago River or end up along the Mississippi, it might be a bigger issue, but I have never heard of this sort of issue in other northern cities.

Chicago's architecture is not only amazing from the outside, but many buildings' interiors are also worth a visit. While access varies and is typically limited, these small areas alone are already eye-dropping.

The Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) building dates from the Great Depression and has a lovely Art Deco lobby.









The Marquette Building's lobby has an abundance of sculpted mosaics depicting French explorer Jacques Marquette's journey.





The Palmer House Hotel had a tragic history, being gutted by the Great Fire just days after opening. It was rebuilt and re-opened in 1873, becoming a major social gathering point at the turn of the century. After a $170 million renovation, it is now part of the Hilton chain, although its lobby lounge looks nothing like a multinational's standard cookie-cut design.







Macy's has a tourist information center in the basement, but don't forget to head upstairs to see the beautiful dome ceiling designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany. It took 50 artisans over 18 months to complete this masterpiece.









The Chicago Cultural Center also has a beautiful stained-glass dome and an intricately-carved interiors.









The Rookery is one of the earliest examples of using steel framing with masonry walls. Its 11 stories reflect a multitude of styles. It has since been renovated back to Frank Lloyd Wright's style and the interior courtyard is a large and bright space that is publicly-accessible.