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Explore Chicago with Foursquare

As the third largest city in the United States, Chicago’s developed a reputation for being the heart of America and owes some of its visibility to patron pop culture icon Oprah Winfrey. The city is also known for its newsworthy weather and airports that notoriously strand passengers.

What we know of Chicago and what Chicago really is are two different realities, however, and that’s where the ExploreChicago Foursquare initiative comes into play. The city’s badge-style approach — themed around Chicago’s unique way of life — to encourage visitors and residents to unlock the history and culture of Chicago is truly avant-garde. Foursquare users can tap into hidden treasures in 77 different neighborhoods, explore 552 parks, and dine at more than 7,000 Chicago restaurants.

As the Chicago Office of Tourism’s web specialist, Sarah Best speaks to the opportunities that Foursquare creates with palpable enthusiasm. She describes it as a “new way to get people out and about in the city” and finds the spill over onto Twitter and social media, with people “live blogging their efforts to unlock all three badges in one day,” as exciting proof that the city is on the right track.

Best is also enthralled by how city partners on the initiative — like the Art Institute of Chicago — are inspired by the potential to bring the city to life and are actively promoting their participation in the game.

For example, the Art Institute used their popular Facebook Page to highlight that Gallery 240 is where Cameron from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off became captivated by Georges Seurat’s, “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte.” Of course those attempting to unlock the “On Location” badge would become privy to that tidbit of Chicago lore while traveling and re-experiencing the city’s magical movie moments.

Adventurers in Chi-town this weekend can try their hand at the city’s Foursquare-themed Movie Madness tweetup with a twist. Attendees will be tasked to form teams and complete an On Location checkin race. Winners will literally see their names in lights on the Chicago Marquee.

The City of Chicago’s Foursquare endeavor proves that the city has something for everyone.

(Article via Mashable)