The Windy City offers more than its fair share of things to do. As the cultural center of the Midwest and America’s third-largest city, you won’t ever get bored in Chicago.
But there’s more than meets the eye. If you look closely, Chicago offers some things to do that are quirky and a bit off-the-wall. Here are a few of our favorite not-so-common things to do in Chicago.
Gain a Wealth of Knowledge at the Money Museum
The Loop
Tucked away within the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, the Money Museum is exactly what it sounds like — a museum devoted to the history of the American dollar. You can watch in horror as about $10 million in old currency is shredded in front of visitors every day, or see what a million bucks in $1 bills looks like.
Speaking of money, it doesn’t cost any to get in. Can’t make it? Well, there’s an online Money Museum too.
The museum is just two blocks from the famous Willis Tower. (While we’re focusing on the lesser-known spots to visit here, do check out the popular SkyDeck atop the Willis Tower if you haven’t already!)
Shop For Secret Agent Supplies
Wicker Park
Secret Agent Supply Co. sells all the accessories you need to be a spy. Decoders, spy glasses, fake mustaches and other disguises are all for sale.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Secret Agent Supply Co. is just a front. The shop exists to raise funds for 826CHI, a non-profit program that offers literacy and writing tutoring to those locally who need it. In fact, books written by the program’s students are offered for sale at the store.
The tutoring services are free because of the money raised at the Secret Agent Supply Co. If you stop by, show your support by buying a book by one of the program’s students (or a fake mustache, if you need one).
Eat at the Nicest McDonalds You’ll Ever Visit
River North
Seriously — Chicago is home to a two-story McDonalds that boasts plasma TVs, leather chairs, gelato for sale and two outdoor patios. There is no more luxurious place to eat a Big Mac.
For some reason, McDonalds chose this location in River North to serve as a museum to the fast food giant’s history. You’ll find the museum on the second floor, along with homages to Elvis Presley and the Beatles.
Stand in the Shadow of the Tin Man at a Wizard of Oz-Themed Park
Lincoln Park
When urban revitalization started taking hold in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, the city decided to honor one-time resident L. Frank Baum, author of The Wizard of Oz, by naming a park after him. In the years since, the park has become home to towering metal sculptures of the Tin Man, the Lion, the Scarecrow, Dorothy and Toto.
You’ll find the main entrance to the park at the crowded intersection of Lincoln Avenue, Webster Avenue, Larrabee Street and Geneva Terrace.
Whether you’re in Chicago on business or just to get away, be sure you step off the beaten path and check out these quirky places — or find your own!
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