Places cristyshepherd Wants to Go

First known as the "Sample House," this construction mash-up was meant to be a living catalogue of building styles.

Once called the "Polish Gold Coast" it is an icon of the neighborhood that bears its same name.

Orthodox church partially financed by Tsar Nicolas II.

This historic-shipwreck-cum-diving-spot can still be seen poking its boiler out of the Lake Michigan waters that claimed it.

A plaque marks a former safe house on the secret route, now hidden next to a McDonald's.

Arguably the best example of an authentic Dutch windmill in the United States, rivaling its counterparts in the Netherlands.

One of the last functioning antique elevators in Chicago.

Tour the luxe "glass cage" that inspired and unnerved the architecture world upon its debut.

A strange and haunting monument of unknown origin in the historic Graceland Cemetery.

A small abandoned and abused cemetery that has become a magnet for ghost hunters.

Even with only two residents and one building, this tiny Illinois town is famous for its burgers.

The city of Rockford, Illinois is symbolically protected by a quartet of fittingly stony sentinels.

A shining sculpture made of 3,115 lights, the number of visible stars in the Northern Hemisphere.

World's second largest particle accelerator, where nature reveals its secrets.

A beloved Chicago music venue offering cold beer and lots of “Friendly."

A replica viking ship from the Chicago World's Fair is still in dry dock in an Illinois park.

A hot dog stand where the heads are just as hot as the dogs.

Built to house a chapter of the Knights Templar, this grandiose building is a relic of Freemasonry in Chicago a century ago.

When you visit his grave, be sure to rub the Great Emancipator's nose for good luck.

Combination beer garden and music venue in the heart of Wicker Park.

Beloved bar home to musicians of all eras and reputations.

River pirates, murderous bandits, and serial killers used this Illinois cave as their debauched hideout.

Former hotel turned into haunted playground.

Cemetery featuring rare glass-fronted columbarium.