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All the United States Illinois Des Plaines

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Des Plaines

3 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Des Plaines, Illinois

Updated March 26, 2021

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Unusual Attractions in Des Plaines

Wide shot of the front; around where the students got picked up from detention and said their goodbyes.

Des Plaines, Illinois

Maine North High School

Where a brain, a beauty, a jock, a rebel, and a recluse met one Saturday and changed their lives forever.
Square Deal Shoe Store

Des Plaines, Illinois

Square Deal Shoe Store

This historic store hides a museum exhibiting a shoe-sizing x-ray machine and a pair of kicks that once belonged to the world's tallest man.
Permanently Closed
McDonald’s First Store Museum

Des Plaines, Illinois

McDonald's First Store Museum

Despite its name, this fast food museum is actually a replica of the ninth McDonald's store.
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Scrabble Grave, Helen Cornelius Bowden

Park Ridge, Illinois

Scrabble Grave

A board game enthusiast's love for the game, memorialized forever.
2 miles from Des Plaines
Permanently Closed

Park Ridge, Illinois

Wood Library and Museum of Anesthesiology

Medical museum focused on antique anesthesiology equipment.
2 miles from Des Plaines

Park Ridge, Illinois

American Science & Surplus

A science teacher's dream.
3 miles from Des Plaines
Pickwick

Park Ridge, Illinois

Pickwick Theatre

A towering Art Deco movie palace made to look like a Mayan temple.
3 miles from Des Plaines

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Des Plaines

Permanently Closed
McDonald’s First Store Museum

Des Plaines, Illinois

McDonald's First Store Museum

Despite its name, this fast food museum is actually a replica of the ninth McDonald's store.
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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Des Plaines, Illinois

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    3
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Recent Des Plaines Activity

  • katiewojcik19

    wants to go to Maine North High School

    11 days ago
  • trystiandski

    wants to go to Square Deal Shoe Store

    5 days ago
  • trystiandski

    wants to go to McDonald's First Store Museum

    5 days ago
  • hyacynthgirl

    wants to go to Square Deal Shoe Store

    1 day ago
  • hyacynthgirl

    wants to go to Maine North High School

    1 day ago

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