The palatial McDonald's that inspired Wesley Willis.

This surprising gem is a world-class archeological museum hidden at the University of Chicago.

The beloved home to all publications indie, erotic, and punky.

This abstract sculpture is rumored to cast a hammer-and-sickle shadow once a year.

Theater has had many different incarnations but has survived the ravages of time.

To find the "unicorns of the deep" you've got to go downstairs.

Illegal drag racing two stories beneath Chicago’s streets.

This bronze sculpture on a former squash court marks the secret origins of the Atomic Age.

This landmark of the Chicago silent film industry may not be in the picture business anymore but it still stands proudly.

Former bath house turns gastropub.

The 30,000-volume library is one of the world's most impressive poetry collections.

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

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

Where old school Polish Chicago and young hipster Chicago live side by side.

Where Cusack's record store from the film "High Fidelity" was located.

The unluckiest U-boat in the entire German fleet is now on display in a Chicago museum.

Home to a protest movement, a bombing, and a dramatic change in labor history.

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

An avant garde art museum at the University of Chicago.

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

First planned industrial community in the United States.

A little-known subterranean street runs under some of the best-known buildings in Chicago's River North.

Beloved bar home to musicians of all eras and reputations.

A European-style bath house in Chicago.