Happy 185th Birthday Chicago! Here are 7 ideas for celebrating an iconic American city

185 years ago today, Chicago was incorporated as a city. How do you want to celebrate?

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(CHICAGO) The city can trace its roots back to the 1780s when Jean-Baptist-Point Du Sable first settled in the area. However, on March 4th, 1837, Chicago was officially incorporated as a city, and it's the day we celebrate Chicago's birthday.

Though Chicago has had its share of rough times in the past few years, there is still a lot to celebrate about this iconic and influential city.

In no particular order, here are some fun things you can do in Chicago today.

#1 Lincoln Park Zoo

Founded in 1868, it's almost as old as Chicago itself. On the North Side in Lincoln Park sits the Lincoln Park Zoo, home to 200 species, and the only privately managed, free zoo in the US.

#2 Chicago's Lakefront Trail

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It's still too cold for the beach, but you can enjoy Lake Michigan's gorgeous lakefront when you walk or bike along the 18-mile paved Lakefront Trail.

#3 Enjoy the view from up above

You can either check out the city down below from 360 Chicago's Observation Deck at the former John Hancock Building or stand outside the Willis Tower (otherwise known as the Sears Tower) on the all-glass balcony at Skydeck Chicago.

#4 Listen to Irish music in an Irish pub

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Chicagoans love St. Patrick's Day. What better way to celebrate Chicago's birthday than an early St. Patrick's Day Festival? Chief O'Neill's Pub, one of the top Irish pubs in the world, is offering live music in a heated tent from Bohola, featuring Jimmy Keane and Pat Broaders.

#5 Eat a Chicago style hot dog

You could head to your nearest Portillo's for this traditional Chicago fare, or you could check out this article from Serious Eats to find the top 10 best Chicago-style hot dogs in the city. Number one on the list is Gene & Jude's in River Grove. Portillo's does show up 6th on this list, in case you were wondering.

#6 Head to a museum

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Chicago is home to world-famous museums. Some of the best include, The Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. For more ideas, Timeout Chicago has a list of 13 top ones.

#7 Wander around a park

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You can sometimes even forget you're in the middle of a big city when you immerse yourself in one of Chicago's beautiful city parks. Some top choices include Millennium Park, Grant Park, Lincoln Park, and The 606.

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This list is just the beginning. Chicago is a magnificent place with something for everyone. How will you celebrate Chicago's 185th birthday?

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