The Atlas Obscura Guide To Brookfield

2 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Brookfield, Illinois

Updated September 13, 2025

Unusual Attractions in Brookfield

Brookfield, Illinois

Galloping Ghost Arcade

What may be America's largest classic video game arcade lurks inconspicuously in a Chicago suburb.

The Sinclair Dinosaur of the Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield, Illinois

Brookfield Zoo's Sinclair Dinosaur

It was originally part of a "terrible lizards" collection at the 1964 New York World’s Fair.

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Lyons, Illinois

Hofmann Tower

A source of civic pride, though the reason for its construction is unknown.

1 mile from Brookfield

Forest Park, Illinois

Showmen’s Rest

A section in the cemetery mostly for circus performers, including victims of the famous 1918 Hammond Circus train wreck.

2 miles from Brookfield

Westchester, Illinois

Wolf Road Prairie

One of the finest examples of a black soil prairie that was barely saved by the Great Depression.

2 miles from Brookfield

Hillside, Illinois

The Spinning Headstone

In a cemetery full of holy men, mobsters, and haunted graves, among the most remarkable graves an ordinary husband and wife's spinning headstone.

3 miles from Brookfield

Hillside, Illinois

The Italian Bride

Julia Buccola Petta's body was peculiarly well-preserved when it was exhumed six years after her death.

3 miles from Brookfield

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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Brookfield

2 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Brookfield, Illinois

Unusual Attractions in Brookfield

Brookfield, Illinois

Galloping Ghost Arcade

Brookfield, Illinois

Brookfield Zoo's Sinclair Dinosaur

Lyons, Illinois

Hofmann Tower

Forest Park, Illinois

Showmen’s Rest

Westchester, Illinois

Wolf Road Prairie

Hillside, Illinois

The Spinning Headstone

Hillside, Illinois

The Italian Bride

Plan Your Trip

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Brookfield, Illinois

Brookfield Leaderboard

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Recent Brookfield Activity

Popular Destinations

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Brookfield

2 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Brookfield, Illinois

Unusual Attractions in Brookfield

Plan Your Trip

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Brookfield, Illinois

Brookfield Leaderboard

Places Added

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent Brookfield Activity

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