Sky Scraping in Chicago

Even the tallest skyscrapers can't give Windy City visitors the sweeping, above-it-all views seen on a trip with Chicago Helicopter Experience. Riders soar over the sprawling parks lining Lake Michigan and past glass-encased skyscrapers reflecting the peach and copper sunset. On twilight tours ($178 per person), headphones and a microphone allow passengers to ask questions as the pilot-turned-tour-guide points out landmarks like Soldier Field and the Museum Campus. Depending on riders' interests, the pilot shares a smattering of history (Navy Pier's role during World War II) on the 17-minute flight. For an extra thrill, take a private 35-minute fireworks tour ($600 per couple) that hovers around the Navy Pier fireworks Wednesdays and Saturdays, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. chicagohelicopterexperience.com