Cave-In-Rock, Illinois
Cave-In-Rock
River pirates, murderous bandits, and serial killers used this Illinois cave as their debauched hideout.
The Atlas Obscura Guide to Illinois
398 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Illinois
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animals
Tsavo Man Eaters
These pretty kitties killed and ate as many as 135 railway workers.
Podcast
Is Alton, Illinois America’s Most Haunted Small Town?
With haunted mansions, churches, hotels, and parking lots, this small port town on the Mississippi River has become a pilgrimage site for fans of all things paranormal.
Story
Who Knew Illinois Had This Many Spooky Places?
Beyond Illinois’s famous haunted houses are lonely cemeteries, unusual monuments, and Spiritualist homes with generations of folklore.
ecosystems
Cave-In-Rock
River pirates, murderous bandits, and serial killers used this Illinois cave as their debauched hideout.
Unusual Attractions in Illinois
Off the Beaten Path
Chicago, Illinois
Tsavo Man Eaters
These pretty kitties killed and ate as many as 135 railway workers.
Chicago, Illinois
Oz Park
This whimsical Oz-themed park had a wonderful impact on the surrounding neighborhood.
Chicago, Illinois
Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities
This morbid, delightful curiosity shop offers everything from animal bones to human teeth.
Chicago, Illinois
Tiffany Dome
This massive stained-glass masterpiece is thought to be the largest Tiffany dome in existence.
Chicago, Illinois
Garfield Park Conservatory
A lush green oasis in the middle of Chicago.
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.
Chicago, Illinois
Shit Fountain
A giant bronze coil of feces is both a tribute to doggie defecation and a reminder to pick it up.
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Life-Changing Trips: Olympics, Cicadas, and Once-in-a-Lifetime Concerts
Listeners to the Atlas Obscura podcsat share their stories of life-changing trips.
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Podcast
Prowling for Coyotes in Chicago’s Graceland CemeteryBy The Podcast Team , Atlas Obscura
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spiders
This Arachnid in Illinois Had Armored Spikes on Its 8 LegsBy Olivia Young , Atlas Obscura
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doomsday cults
Why Doomsayers Think the Eclipse Will Bring Disaster to IllinoisBy Leah Hudson , Atlas Obscura
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Podcast
Jerry’s Hat MuseumBy The Podcast Team , Atlas Obscura
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Podcast
The Super MuseumBy The Podcast Team , Atlas Obscura
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poison
Airing Out the Mystery of the Mad Gasser of MattoonBy Colin Dickey , Atlas Obscura
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physics
Uneven Gravity Makes You Weigh More in Illinois Than in IndianaBy Frank Jacobs , Atlas Obscura
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