Chicago’s Hidden Gems

As one of the country’s most popular cities to visit, it’s no surprise that Chicago has a treasure trove of popular tourist destinations. But what about the city’s hidden gems? From off the beaten path destinations to unknown places, there is so much in the Windy City to discover. 

Read on to unlock Chicago’s one-of-a-kind attractions, the local favorites kept secret by those who live here - until now!

Unique Museums & Exhibits

While the Art Institute and Field Museum are both beautiful and well-worth the visit, Chicago has a wide range of exhibits commonly overlooked by the average tourist. If you’re ready to step off the beaten path, pay a visit to:

• The Federal Reserve's Money Museum, where you can learn about the history of money, see the banknote printing process, and the museum’s most popular display: A sum of $1 million, comprised entirely of one-dollar bills.  
• The International Museum of Surgical Science, for a unique journey through the fascinating history of medicine and surgery, from ancient times to the modern era. 
• The Insect Asylum, a quirky museum with thousands of preserved insects and vintage taxidermy from around the world on display.
• Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art, where self-taught artists and non-mainstream creators showcase often unconventional and thought-provoking work. 

One-of-a-Kind Tours

From historical bike rides to fantastical tours, there’s no shortage of unique, exciting, and delicious things to see and sample in Chicago:

• L Stop Tours, a guided exploration of Chicago’s neighborhoods using the city’s iconic “L” trains. Choose from a variety of tours across different neighborhoods and cultures. 
• Foodie Ride Bike Tour, a trip through Chicago’s Westside that encourages visitors to taste their way through the city’s rich history of immigrants and the food they’ve gifted us. 
• On Location Tours, where you’ll get to visit and learn about the movie-making magic of our city with sites from The Untouchables, The Dark Knight, and of course, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
• Chicago Architecture River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady, an experience loved by locals and tourists alike. Sail down Chicago’s rivers and waterways accompanied by expert commentary with docents from the Chicago Architecture Center. Learn about the city’s history, evolution, and impact on the rest of the world while you take in breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline. 

Outdoor & Nature Experiences

A bustling city, the Windy City is known for its amazing urban adventures. However, one of Chicago’s hidden secrets is that it also offers gorgeous outside excursions as well:

• Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, also known as The Magic Hedge, is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers, attracting hundreds of different bird species throughout the year.
• Oz Park, a whimsical park with statues of Wizard of Oz characters throughout. 
• LGBTQ Legacy Walk, an outdoor museum that runs along North Halsted Street, with plaques featuring significant figures and milestones in LGBTQ+ history and crosswalks colored for different Pride flags. 
• The 606, an elevated trail and green space built on a former railway that spans several Chicago neighborhoods. 
• The Maxwell Street Market, a historic open-air market known for its wide selection of clothing, antiques, fresh produce, and delicious food. 

Iconic City Views

No insider guide to Chicago destinations would be complete without mentioning the premiere avenues for breath-taking views and exclusive, one-of-a-kind experiences. 

• The Pedway, an extensive network of underground walkways, tunnels, and bridges, providing a convenient way to navigate the city – especially during the winter. 
• Open House Chicago, an annual event in October organized by the Chicago Architecture Center that offers free access to over 150 architectural sites across the city. 
• 360 Chicago, an observation deck located on the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Center, where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline – without the long lines of the Skydeck. 

From amazing Mexican food at The Maxwell Street Market to stunning skyline views aboard Chicago’s First Lady, these are just a few of the best unknown places in Chicago to visit. Whether you’re looking for something weird, unique, thought-provoking, or off the beaten path, we’re sure you’ll find it here!