Cloud Gate, nicknamed "The Bean", is a stainless steel sculpture by Anish Kapoor in Millennium Park, Chicago. Completed in 2006, it is made of 168 polished plates welded together seamlessly. Its mirrored surface reflects the city skyline and visitors, who can walk beneath its arch.

The Art Institute of Chicago, founded in 1879, is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. Its collection includes Grant Wood's American Gothic, Seurat's A Sunday on La Grande Jatte and many Impressionist masterpieces. Two bronze lions guard its Michigan Avenue entrance.

The Chicago Riverwalk runs along the main branch of the Chicago River through downtown. It offers cafes, boat rentals and great views of the city's famous architecture. Architecture boat tours depart from here, passing landmarks such as the Wrigley Building and Marina City.

Willis Tower, formerly the Sears Tower, is a 442-metre skyscraper completed in 1973 in Chicago. It was the world's tallest building for nearly 25 years. The Skydeck on the 103rd floor features The Ledge, glass boxes extending from the building that let visitors look straight down 412 metres.

Navy Pier opened in 1916 on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan. Today it is a popular attraction with the Centennial Wheel, restaurants, a children's museum and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Summer fireworks and boat tours make it a favourite spot for visitors.

Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park is one of the largest fountains in the world, dedicated in 1927. Built in a Rococo style of pink Georgia marble, it represents Lake Michigan, with four sea horses symbolising the surrounding states. Its water shows and evening light displays run from spring to autumn.

Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs since 1916, is the second-oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. It is famous for its ivy-covered outfield walls, hand-turned scoreboard and red marquee. The surrounding Wrigleyville neighbourhood is lively with bars and restaurants on game days.

Indiana Dunes National Park stretches along about 24 km of Lake Michigan's southern shore. It features sand dunes, beaches, wetlands, prairies and forests with remarkable biodiversity. The Three Dune Challenge climbs the park's highest dunes for views of the lake and Chicago skyline.

The Milwaukee Art Museum sits on the shore of Lake Michigan. Its Quadracci Pavilion, designed by Santiago Calatrava and opened in 2001, features a moving sunscreen called the Burke Brise Soleil that opens and closes like the wings of a bird. Its collection includes nearly 25,000 works.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan features massive sand dunes rising up to 140 metres above Lake Michigan. The Dune Climb is a popular challenge, and the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive offers overlooks of the lake and islands. Clear water and quiet beaches attract summer visitors.

Mackinac Island in Lake Huron, Michigan, is a car-free island where people travel by horse-drawn carriage, bicycle or on foot. Its Victorian charm includes the Grand Hotel with the world's longest porch, historic Fort Mackinac and famous fudge shops. Most of the island is a state park.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior is known for its colourful sandstone cliffs streaked with minerals, rising up to 60 metres above the water. Highlights include Miners Castle, Chapel Rock and waterfalls. Boat cruises and kayaking tours give the best views of the cliffs.

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore includes 21 islands in Lake Superior off Wisconsin's Bayfield Peninsula. It is known for its sea caves carved into red sandstone, historic lighthouses and kayaking routes. In cold winters, the caves become spectacular ice caves.

Split Rock Lighthouse stands on a 40-metre cliff above Lake Superior in Minnesota. Built in 1910 after a series of shipwrecks, it is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States. Visitors tour the lighthouse, keepers' houses and fog signal building.

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, opened in 1988 beside the Walker Art Center, is one of the largest urban sculpture gardens in the country. Its centrepiece is Spoonbridge and Cherry by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. It features more than 40 works of art and is free to visit.