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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Des Plaines

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

Updated March 26, 2021

Unusual Attractions in Des Plaines

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.

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.

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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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

Park Ridge, Illinois

Pickwick Theatre

A towering Art Deco movie palace made to look like a Mayan temple.

3 miles from Des Plaines

Niles, Illinois

Leaning Tower of Niles

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

5 miles from Des Plaines

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Des Plaines

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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