In the Shawnee National Forest, amazing rock formations peer through the treeline.

World's second largest particle accelerator, where nature reveals its secrets.

In a quiet north Chicago neighborhood rests a stunning relic of the golden age of earthenware design.

An outdoor urban gallery of large-scale artworks by the world's most influential street artists.

A notorious Route 66 eatery once frequented by Al Capone.

Where old school Polish Chicago and young hipster Chicago live side by side.

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

Combination beer garden and music venue in the heart of Wicker Park.

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

Chicago's largest cemetery is full of beautiful Victorian monuments and more than a few ghost stories.

A century-old hotspot for jazz, frequented by everyone from Charlie Chaplin to Al Capone.

An antiquated German apothecary on Chicago's North Side.

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

Tucked away between two 19th-century buildings, this small shop specializes in the macabre.

A late sculptor's last project was to turn this abandoned cement factory into a castle-themed amusement park.

A plaque on the side of a parking garage marks the burial place of a great Ottawa chief.

One of the world's earliest skyscrapers.

During the 19th-century, this park was a vital trading fort.

This titanic oil company sign is a reminder of the Americana boom of the 1970s and also its commoditization.

The famous greeting card maker owns a collection of paintings by the famed surrealist.

One of few surviving standpipe water towers in the U.S.

When he found his hometown was no more, Lowell Davis decided to recreate a "new" ghost town from scratch.

This otherworldly church spire reaches up toward the heavens.

This historic motel standing at the "crossroads of America" offers a radio in every room and was saved by local protesters.