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

A sprawling museum filled with larger-than-life works of art.

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

It was originally part of a "terrible lizards" collection at the 1964 New York World’s Fair.

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

To find the "unicorns of the deep" you've got to go downstairs.

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 goddess-topped water fountain in Chicago was created thanks to the dreams of a thirsty newsboy.

Not to be confused with the iconic New York City skyscraper, this Chicago building is a vibrant hub for artists.

These abandoned grain silos and tunnels are an urban exploration dream.

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

Once called the "Polish Gold Coast" it is an icon of the neighborhood that bears its same name.

This small, but long-running hobby club has built one of the largest model rail lines in the US.

This urban drawbridge gained eternal pop culture fame when the Blues Brothers jumped it while it was raised.

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

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

The unluckiest U-boat in the entire German fleet is now on display in a Chicago museum.

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

Home to a protest movement, a bombing, and a dramatic change in labor history.

What was once the second largest steel mill in the US is now a sprawling complex of modern ruins.

A beloved Chicago music venue offering cold beer and lots of “Friendly."

A hot dog stand where the heads are just as hot as the dogs.

This sprawling mini-golf empire is an impressive testament to a disappearing attraction.

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