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

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

A historic and oft-filmed prison stands in a Chicago suburb.

The famous author's birthplace is preserved in a town that he once described as narrow-minded.

This cemetery is all that remains of a school for "wayward" girls.

Roses and other fascinating flora fill this garden built to commemorate Britain's immortal Bard.

A hidden grotto on the grounds of the Kane County Government Center.

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

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

This life-size bronze statue remembers the tallest recorded human in his Illinois hometown.

Hidden on the 7th floor of a historic building, this Cajun spot features wall-to-wall bottles of hot sauce.

A Japanese temple, old German townhouses, and public chess tables offer a peaceful escape from the bustle of the North Side.

Man-made geyser that rises to the exact height of the Gateway Arch.

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

This cheerfully-named branch of the Chicago River is the fetid result of years of blood, entrails, and meatpacking waste.

Its eclectic exhibits range from the world’s first motorcycle to Luke Skywalker’s Land Speeder.

Orthodox church partially financed by Tsar Nicolas II.

The first and only museum dedicated to stained glass and horology opened outside of Chicago in 2017.

This memorial plaque remembers a strangely shallow maritime disaster known as "Chicago's Titanic."

This architectural stunner is one of the few surviving Egyptian Revival theaters in the U.S.

No one knows how many bodies are in this vault in a Chicago public park.

A chance to follow in the footsteps of the word's most legendary animator.

This landmark of the Chicago silent film industry may not be in the picture business anymore but it still stands proudly.

A plaque marks a former safe house on the secret route, now hidden next to a McDonald's.