The Atlas Obscura Guide To

Hidden
Chicago

Discover 115 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Chicago, Illinois

Unusual
Attractions
in Chicago

Community Picks Recently Added

Tin Man at Oz Park.

Chicago, Illinois

Oz Park

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

41.9209, -87.6457

The exterior of the new store

Chicago, Illinois

Wicker Park Secret Agent Supply Co.

This shop for all your super spy needs hides an educational secret.

41.9061, -87.6706

Added by HJHausman

The newly restored Tiffany Dome.

Chicago, Illinois

Tiffany Dome

A massive thing of wonder, this stained-glass masterpiece is thought to be the largest Tiffany dome in existence.

41.8837, -87.6250

Added by zackofalltrades

Chicago, Illinois

Willis Tower Glass Platform

Four glass boxes hover over 1,000 feet in the air to give visitors an unparalleled view of Chicago.

41.8789, -87.6363

Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities

Chicago, Illinois

Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities

This morbid, delightful curiosity shop offers everything from animal bones to human teeth.

41.9761, -87.6690

Added by dmholtz

Interior shot of The Violet Hour

Chicago, Illinois

The Violet Hour

A speakeasy takes on Chicago's drinking culture.

41.9089, -87.6774

Added by lizzieboyle

International Museum of Surgical Science

Chicago, Illinois

International Museum of Surgical Science

Museum dedicated to Surgical Science, and its assorted arts.

41.9101, -87.6268

Added by mbison

Shit Fountain

Chicago, Illinois

Shit Fountain

A giant bronze coil of feces is both a tribute to doggie defecation and a reminder to pick it up.

41.8997, -87.6744

See All 115 Things to Do in Chicago See All 115 Places

Unique
Food & Drink
from Chicago

Atomic Cake

Gastro Obscura

Atomic Cake

This Chicago specialty stacks three cakes into one monster dessert.

Gastro Obscura

Added by rachelrummel

Gym Shoe Sandwich

Gastro Obscura

Gym Shoe Sandwich

The South Side favorite is a cross between a meat-lover's sub and a gyro.

Gastro Obscura

Added by rachelrummel

Jeppson's Malört

Gastro Obscura

Jeppson's Malört

One of the world's least-loved liquors calls Chicago home.

Gastro Obscura

Added by rachelrummel

The Toleen

Gastro Obscura

The Toleen

Thai red beans and rum combine in a winter warmer inspired by a South American specialty.

Gastro Obscura

Added by ximenalarkin

Explore Chicago, Illinois

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RobertPakko has been to Tiffany Dome

mrbremer wants to go to Coyote Building

mrbremer wants to go to Beer Baron Row

mrbremer wants to go to Stan Mansion

mrbremer wants to go to The 606 aka Bloomingdale Trail

Stories
About Chicago

A debaucherous night at The Mirage.

How a Chicago Dive Bar Exposed Corruption and Changed Journalism

In the 1970s, the Chicago Sun-Times used the Mirage as a front.

SUE watches as a couple of mammals prepare for some foot removal.

SUE the T. Rex Is Moving

We interviewed everyone's favorite murderbird about their new digs.

February 06, 2018

Inside the 4,000 sq-foot Dulcelandia.

The Many Treats Inside Chicago’s Piñata Emporium

Every two weeks, Dulcelandia imports thousands of products from Mexico.

by Ximena N. Larkin

December 20, 2017

Latkes, which are fried in oil, are traditionally eaten at Hanukkah.

The University of Chicago’s 71-Year-Running Jewish Food Debate

An unwinnable fight between latkes and hamantashen.

by Natasha Frost

December 19, 2017

A CT scan of the mummy shows the child's skull, with milk teeth and adult teeth jostling for space.

Using a Particle Accelerator to See Inside a 1,900-Year-Old Mummy

We've come a long way from 19th-century mummy "unwrapping parties."

by Natasha Frost

November 30, 2017

A collection of dental mannequins.

The Artist Who Sees Vintage Medical Devices as Sculpture

A Chicago gallery showcases haunting pieces of medical and dental history.

by Sarah Laskow

November 20, 2017

A screenshot of the tree canopy map.

A Very Detailed, Interactive Map of Chicago’s Tree Canopy

It reveals some startling patterns.

by Delaney Nolan

August 14, 2017

The stone above the front doorways bear the name of the Fine Arts Building.

Take an Audio Tour of Chicago’s Fine Arts Building

The Fine Arts building offers a sonic experience straight from the 1890s.

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