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

Unusual
Attractions
in Illinois

Tin Man at Oz Park.

Chicago, Illinois

Oz Park

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

41.9209, -87.6457

The exterior of the new store

Chicago, Illinois

Wicker Park Secret Agent Supply Co.

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

41.9061, -87.6706

Added by HJHausman

The newly restored Tiffany Dome.

Chicago, Illinois

Tiffany Dome

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

41.8837, -87.6250

Added by zackofalltrades

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.

41.8789, -87.6363

Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities

Chicago, Illinois

Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities

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

41.9761, -87.6690

Added by dmholtz

International Museum of Surgical Science

Chicago, Illinois

International Museum of Surgical Science

Museum dedicated to Surgical Science, and its assorted arts.

41.9101, -87.6268

Added by mbison

Interior shot of The Violet Hour

Chicago, Illinois

The Violet Hour

A speakeasy takes on Chicago's drinking culture.

41.9089, -87.6774

Added by lizzieboyle

Shit Fountain

Chicago, Illinois

Shit Fountain

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

41.8997, -87.6744

See All 227 Things to Do in Illinois See All 227 Places

Unique
Food & Drink
from Illinois

Atomic Cake

Gastro Obscura

Atomic Cake

This Chicago specialty stacks three cakes into one monster dessert.

Gastro Obscura

Added by rachelrummel

Jeppson's Malört

Gastro Obscura

Jeppson's Malört

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

Gastro Obscura

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

Added by rachelrummel

Get weekly dispatches on the world’s most wondrous food and drink with Gastro Obscura.

Explore Illinois

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mlekoal wants to go to Ebenezer Floppen Slopper's Wonderful Abandoned Water Slides

mlekoal wants to go to Onan's Gold Pyramid House

mlekoal wants to go to Lincoln Tomb

mlekoal wants to go to Tsavo Man Eaters

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Stories
About Illinois

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

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

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