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McCormick Place facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
20070110 McCormick Place (4)
The McCormick Place

McCormick Place is a giant building complex in Chicago, Illinois, USA. It's the largest convention center in North America! Think of it as a super-sized place where many big events, shows, and meetings happen. It's located right next to Lake Michigan, about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) south of downtown Chicago.

Discovering McCormick Place

McCormick Place is made up of four buildings that are all connected. These buildings are designed to host huge gatherings.

Where is McCormick Place Located?

This massive center is in Chicago, Illinois. It sits right on the edge of Lake Michigan, which is one of the Great Lakes. Its location makes it easy for people to visit from all over the world. It's just a short distance from the heart of Chicago.

What Kinds of Events Happen Here?

McCormick Place is famous for hosting many different kinds of events. These include:

  • Trade Shows: These are big events where companies show off their new products. Imagine a giant fair just for businesses!
  • Conventions: These are large meetings where people from the same industry or hobby gather. They share ideas and learn new things.
  • Special Events: Sometimes, very important events happen here. For example, the 2012 NATO Summit in Chicago was held at McCormick Place. This was a meeting of leaders from many countries. Also, President Barack Obama gave his 2012 election victory speech right here!

Who Was Cyrus McCormick?

The convention center is named after a very important person named Cyrus McCormick. He was an American inventor and businessman. He invented the mechanical reaper, a machine that helped farmers harvest crops much faster. His inventions changed farming forever. The city of Chicago honored him by naming this huge center after him.

Images for kids

  • First McCormick Place

    The original McCormick Place, completed in 1960, seen in 1966 from Lake Michigan before it's destruction by fire in 1967.

  • 20070110 McCormick Place (2)

    Lakeside Center looking south from Lake Shore Drive and 18th Street in 2007

  • Mayor visits McCormick Place’s COVID19 ACF during construction (50196340887) (1)

    Parts of McCormick Place were transformed into a makeshift hospital amid the COVID-19 pandemic

  • McCormick Place West Building View 27Nov07

    McCormick Square flanked by the West Building (left) and Hyatt Regency Hotel

  • McCormick Place Grand Concourse 27Nov07

    Grand concourse looking west

  • 20070110 McCormick Place (1)

    South Building from Lake Shore Drive looking northwest in 2007

  • 20070110 McCormick Place (3)

    West Building looking southeast from Indiana and Cermak (22nd St) in 2007

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McCormick Place Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.