The last masonry skyscraper ever built reveals a transitional moment in architectural history.

This family driveway also serves as the highest point in Illinois.

An exhibit of items from the mental institution where Mary Todd Lincoln lived after her son conspired to have her committed.

This monolithic statue was erected in honor of Chief Black Hawk (even if it wasn't made to look like him).

The original vault that held the president's remains still stands, empty, not far from where he was finally buried.

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

This historic Illinois "Muffler Man" has been converted from axe-touting lumberjack to rocket-wielding space ace.

This Mediterranean castle was built for a millionaire and his giant dog.

A collection of 11 million buttons illustrates the human toll of the Holocaust.

The murals have transformed a residential alley into a vibrant drive-through gallery.

The clothes-washing king doubles as a community center with some unusual features, including an aviary filled with finches.

The original Garfield station is the oldest station facility on the "L", with the station house dating from 1892.

Once at the center of U.S. finance, the historic Trading Room was meticulously recreated piece by piece and rebuilt in the Art Institute.

A towering Art Deco movie palace made to look like a Mayan temple.

Chicago was once a major hub of film production, but being silent film you don’t hear much about it.

This titanic Catholic church in Chicago is also a refuge of the fictional cult-favorite wizard detective Harry Dresden.

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

Where dioramas can follow you home.

A bloodstain from "the wound of the transverberation of the heart."

The oldest house in Chicago certainly doesn't look the part and there are some who say it doesn't deserve its title either.

One of the few remaining relics of the meatpacking hub that made Chicago the "hog butcher to the world."

An abandoned observatory in the middle of the Illinois prairie.

The hometown of Popeye's creator is littered with a growing collection of granite cartoon characters.

While he no longer has an eatery to give him context, this off-brand Paul Bunyan still holds his giant hot dog with pride.