249 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Illinois - Atlas Obscura

Unusual
Attractions
in Illinois

Chicago, Illinois

Oz Park

This Oz-themed public park had a wonderful impact on the surrounding neighborhood.

rdb

Chicago, Illinois

Tiffany Dome

A massive thing of wonder, this stained-glass masterpiece is thought to be the largest Tiffany dome in existence.

Added by zackofalltrades

Chicago, Illinois

Wicker Park Secret Agent Supply Co.

This shop for all your super spy needs hides an educational secret.

HJHausman

Added by HJHausman

Chicago, Illinois

Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities

This morbid, delightful curiosity shop offers everything from animal bones to human teeth.

Added by dmholtz

Chicago, Illinois

Willis Tower Glass Platform

Four glass boxes hover over 1,000 feet in the air to give visitors an unparalleled view of Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois

International Museum of Surgical Science

A monument to the art of slicing people open.

Added by mbison

Chicago, Illinois

The Violet Hour

A speakeasy takes on Chicago's drinking culture.

Added by lizzieboyle

Chicago, Illinois

Shit Fountain

A giant bronze coil of feces is both a tribute to doggie defecation and a reminder to pick it up.

Josh

See All 249 Things to Do in Illinois See All 249 Places

Atlas Obscura Itineraries

Chicago: A Weekend Guide for the Curious Traveler

Just when you thought you knew the Windy City, it finds new ways to surprise you.

Unique
Food & Drink
in Illinois

Atomic Cake

Gastro Obscura

Atomic Cake

This Chicago specialty stacks three cakes into one monster dessert.

Gastro Obscura

rachelrummel

Added by rachelrummel

Gym Shoe Sandwich

Gastro Obscura

Gym Shoe Sandwich

The South Side favorite is a cross between a meat-lover's sub and a gyro.

Gastro Obscura

rachelrummel

Added by rachelrummel

The Horseshoe

Gastro Obscura

The Horseshoe

The original “nails” have disappeared from this cheese-smothered, horseshoe-shaped ham dish.

Gastro Obscura

CormacRedfield

Added by CormacRedfield

Jeppson's Malört

Gastro Obscura

Jeppson's Malört

One of the world's least-loved liquors calls Chicago home.

Gastro Obscura

rachelrummel

Added by rachelrummel

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Explore Illinois

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vinzc wants to go to Hidden Egyptian Temple in Field Museum Break Room

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Stories
About Illinois

Jim Westerfield working in his Illinois garden during the summer.

The Plant Breeder Who Minted a New World of Flavor

Jim Westerfield created dozens of new culinary mints in his Illinois garden.

by Samantha Nobles-Block

The Route 66 record holder was bested by a bigger rocking chair in Illinois.

How the U.S. Lost the Title for the World's Largest Chair

After a century of states battling it out for the honor, the current record holder is in... Austria.

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A "sea devil" from Icones animalium (1553).

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by Molly McBride Jacobson

February 24, 2017

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Illinois