Tourists at Millennium Park visit the Cloud Gate sculpture, better known as the Bean, despite the cold.

Visitors can skate for free in Millennium Park downtown, surrounded by the Chicago skyline.

A small customer looks at the dreamy wares at the American Girl store in Water Tower Place in Chicago. The balloon pictured is really for sale, for $150.

Winter in Chicago should include a stop at the Ghirardelli chocolate shop near the Water Tower, where you can get hot chocolate for $3.50.