261 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Illinois - Atlas Obscura
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The Atlas Obscura Guide To

Illinois

261 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Illinois

Cities

Unusual Attractions in Illinois

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.

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Unique Food & Drink in Illinois

Explore Illinois

Launch Map

Upcoming Illinois Events

One of the many entrances to the Pedway.
Mar 23
Chicago, Illinois

Chicago's Underground: The Pedway Scavenger Hunt

Let this weatherproof, indoor scavenger hunt take you down into the depths of the city.
Charles Hull owned a tavern when he was 12 years old.
Mar 24
Chicago, Illinois

Rosehill Cemetery Walk

One of our most popular monthly events returns for the 2019 season!
Construction of the Bloomingdale Line.
Mar 28
Chicago, Illinois

The 606: Immigrant Stories and Connections

Elevate your perspective on the historical origins of the people that built the former industrial rail line and helped shape the surrounding neighborhoods.
The largest arcade in the nation.
Mar 30
Brookfield, Illinois

History and High Scores at the Nation's Largest Arcade

Learn the history of arcade games and Chicago's special place as one of the centers of arcade game creation.
The Tivoli Theatre, 1928
Mar 31
Downers Grove, Illinois

Tour The Tivoli, the Wonder Theatre of Suburban Chicago

Discover what separates this classic movie theatre from others in the Chicago area.
Dance into spring with tunes sure to put a spring in your step.
Apr 4
Chicago, Illinois

Spring Swing: Vintage Jazz at the International Museum of Surgical Science

Join us as we welcome warmer weather to Chicago with jazz star Dandy Wellington in this special after hours performance at the International Museum of Surgical Science.
Carlson and Blair's Studio for the Hunting Accident.
Apr 7
Chicago, Illinois

The Hunting Accident: A True Story of Crime and Poetry

A private studio tour and conversation with the creators of Chicago’s great graphic novel.
Nutella Babka.
Apr 10
Chicago, Illinois

A New Way to Babka

A cultural baking exploration with the talented pastry duo behind the popular online bakery Masa Madre.
The Plant.
Apr 13
Chicago, Illinois

Sweet, Savory and Sour Sips: A Drinking Tour at The Plant

Go behind the scenes at the historic Plant building, and sample a range of fermented brews made on site.
Horn Speakers
Apr 27
Chicago, Illinois

Sound and Beauty: A Tour of Specimen Products

Join us for a one-of-a-kind visit to Ian Schneller’s magical workshop teeming with his finely tuned creations.
Challengers Comics.
May 9
Chicago, Illinois

An Interactive History of Comics

Explore the history of comics, zines, & more at Challengers Comics.
Roller Skates.
May 19
Summit, Illinois

For Goodness' Sake, Roller Skate! An Evening of Skating, Trivia, and Hollywood History

As part of our 2019 Focus on Film Series, skate one of Chicagoland's oldest roller rinks, and then test your knowledge of skating in the movies.

Illinois Leaderboard

Recent Illinois Activity

noiseandlight noiseandlight wants to go to Essanay Studios
noiseandlight noiseandlight has been to Former Home of MTV’s “The Real World Chicago"
noiseandlight noiseandlight has been to Puerto Rican Flag Sculptures
noiseandlight noiseandlight has been to Man With Fish
noiseandlight noiseandlight has been to Quimby's Bookstore

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
July 27, 2018
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.
by Kavya Ram Mohan
June 22, 2017
A "sea devil" from Icones animalium (1553).

Where to Find the World's Best Hometown Monsters

Here are 25 places to see yetis, sea monsters, Sasquatch, and other cryptids.
by Molly McBride Jacobson
February 24, 2017

Lists Featuring Illinois

A Rat Lover's Tour of the World
Rats of Karni Mata Temple
Paxton Gate Exterior
Albino Squirrels of Olney, Illinois

A Rat Lover’s Tour of the World

15 places where rodents are celebrated, feared, preserved, and studied.

15

Including Karni Mata Temple, Nutty Narrows Bridge, and Paxton Gate