Unique Chicago Places

[belle22]

Any off the beaten path Chicago places to see? Like icream and Oz park.

 

[sunshine1178]

Any off the beaten path Chicago places to see? Like icream and Oz park.

What's Oz park?

For ice cream, try Oberweis. It's a local dairy, and the ice cream is pretty good.

 

[PurpleDog]

I lived in Chicagoland for 10+ years, and the area has literally hundreds of things to do that are unique to it.

These are not off the beaten path but: I'd definitely visit The Lincoln Park Zoo, and make the drive through the city on Lake Shore Drive to get there. I’d visit Wrigley, have the definitive Chicago dog at either SuperDawg or Portillo’s, and make sure I had an Italian beef or deep dish pizza before leaving. The Billy Goat Tavern under the Chicago River bridge at Michigan is a must, and shopping on the Magnificent Mile is always fun.

 

[POOHsie]

I enjoyed visiting the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. It is housed in one of few remaining structures from the 1893 World's Columbian Exhibition. The museum houses a WWII German U-Boat that you can visit. The story of how it got there is kinda cool.

The 1893 fair is an interesting story, and the grounds today are just how they were laid out for the event 120 years ago by the designer of Central Park. The original Ferris Wheel began there. Also the "midway." The buildings were lit up at night with electricity, a new novelty. There was also a famous serial killer working the fringe area at the time. There are books about the fair, and about the killer.

On your way there you will get a look at Soldier Field. In the area also are Frank Lloyd Wright structures that you are allowed to visit. You'll need a car for these places.

 

[buy24me]

I live in Chicago all my life and what others suggested are good places to check out. You will have to check out the stuffed pizza at either Gino's Pizza or Lou Malnati's since Chicago is also know for their stuffed pizza. Also check out the beam and Millenium Park. The magnificent mile is a must! Great for window shopping and just shopping in general. The Shedd Aquarium is also a great check out place as well as Navy Pier.
Enjoy your time in Chicago!! It's a great place and has so much to offer!! That is why I still live here

 

[PurpleDog]

I enjoyed visiting the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. It is housed in one of few remaining structures from the 1893 World's Columbian Exhibition. The museum houses a WWII German U-Boat that you can visit. The story of how it got there is kinda cool.

The 1893 fair is an interesting story, and the grounds today are just how they were laid out for the event 120 years ago by the designer of Central Park. The original Ferris Wheel began there. Also the "midway." The buildings were lit up at night with electricity, a new novelty. There was also a famous serial killer working the fringe area at the time. There are books about the fair, and about the killer.

On your way there you will get a look at Soldier Field. In the area also are Frank Lloyd Wright structures that you are allowed to visit. You'll need a car for these places.

"The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America" was one of the most interesting books I've read in the last 10 years. Its tells an amazingly interesting story about the city of Chicago back in 1890-94, and the mostly unknown tale of a serial killer running rampant in the city at that time. The book is 100% based in fact, but reads like a thriller novel. HIGHLY recommended !!

 

[POOHsie]

"The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America" was one of the most interesting books I've read in the last 10 years. Its tells an amazingly interesting story about the city of Chicago back in 1890-94, and the mostly unknown tale of a serial killer running rampant in the city at that time. The book is 100% based in fact, but reads like a thriller novel. HIGHLY recommended !!

That was the book! It was a great read. I also got a few books with lots of pictures regarding the 1893 fair, and a good one about the 1871 Chicago fire. That is another compelling story (a barn-burner, lol). I got all the books in Chicago, but you can find them online, if searching by subject.

I wish I lived in Chicago. It is a truly great city, and the people, buildings and activities are first rate!

 

[nilseks]

If you're taking kids (or even if you're not!) the water taxi on the Chicago River is fun, scenic, inexpensive...and a great way to get around!

 

[FINFAN]

not off the beaten path, but off the ground...the Skybox decks in the Willis(Sears) Tower..I love it up there!


Black Dog for ice cream

The Pedway is kinda cool, considering itis under the city and in winter, that's a good thing.

There is the Museum of Holography..I *think* it is still around

sunshine, Oz Park is named after The wizard of Oz..it is up north /Lincoln Park area. There are the Tin Man,(I htink that was the first to go in) Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow and Dorothy statues from the movie. L. Frank Baum wrote the first Oz book here in Chicago, and I'm pretty sure the Park District chose the name for the park.