People escaping slavery passed through the oldest house in Lombard, Illinois on their northbound journey to freedom.

A historic beacon built in the aftermath of the worst maritime disaster on the Great Lakes.

This softly rounded mansion was built without corners not to avoid evil spirits, but to make them more comfortable.

One of the first historical sites of an alternative universe was installed in the town of Paris, Illinois—which is now home to an annual spelling bee of Kcymaerxthaereal words.

First known as the "Sample House," this construction mash-up was meant to be a living catalogue of building styles.

Arguably the best example of an authentic Dutch windmill in the United States, rivaling its counterparts in the Netherlands.

Cold War missile launch site which has been converted to a public park.

Half-sized replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa built to honor Galileo.

You have to love a museum with a truly dedicated focus. A focus on Superman, for example.

One of the largest pieces of scientific equipment ever carried on a NASA space shuttle sits in a Chicago alley.

A small abandoned and abused cemetery that has become a magnet for ghost hunters.

The legacy of an unsolved, gruesome murder rests beneath the spans of this historic bridge.

The final resting place of up to 6,000 Confederate soldiers, the largest mass grave in the Western Hemisphere.

A six-story-tall golden pyramid, surrounded by a moat.

The city of Rockford, Illinois is symbolically protected by a quartet of fittingly stony sentinels.

This grave in a ghost town cemetery marks the death of a witch on a day that never happened.

The face of a woman pushes its way through the earth.

This modest post office sits on the site of H.H. Holmes' famous murder castle.

This elaborate Hindu temple is located in a Chicago suburb, but looks like it was transported directly from India.

Recognized the world over as the home of the McCallisters in the 1990 movie "Home Alone."

River pirates, murderous bandits, and serial killers used this Illinois cave as their debauched hideout.

A gothic church spire sits atop this skyscraper, the tallest church in the world.

A hollow cement depiction of time's inexorable effect on the human body.

This unauthorized stone mermaid was secretly carved out of public stone before being permanently preserved.