The greater Chicagoland area, "Chicagoland", shares much
in common with other major metropolitan areas but also has a great
number of features unique to its location, built environment, and
history. The city evolved with a focal point of trade at its center
and progressive rings of commerce, industry, residential and agricultural
areas moving outward. This pattern, along with the eastern boundary
at Lake Michigan, funneled the metropolitan area into a shape somewhat
like a baseball field or a half-moon that angles inward. The city
itself showcases phenomenal architecture and world-class museums,
mainly in its downtown Loop area. Hyde Park and the University of
Chicago, as well as Lincoln Park with its well-known zoo, also represent
major attractions for the city. The suburban areas have a great
deal to offer, some of which gets frequently overlooked. Evanston
and the North Shore highlights are well-heralded, as is Oak Park's
world-known architecture and the fauna and flaura of Brookfield
Zoo and the Morton Arboretum, respectively. Less celebrated but
well-worth a visit are the historical and commercial landmarks of
the Northwest Suburbs, and the picturesque Americana of the South
Suburbs. Great natural areas and charming smaller cities line Chicagoland's
frontier, and beyond these other cultural centers in Wisconsin,
Illinois, and Indiana abound.