Chicago's Best Kept Secrets

Written and edited by Kelsey Spence - February 10th, 2024

In the third largest city in the United States, there is so much to do, but oftentimes, many people end up heading to the same sites throughout the city time and again. If you are a frequent visitor of Chicago, or if you’re a local, it can be tiresome seeing the Bean or visiting Navy Pier over and over. With so much to see and do in the city, why limit yourself to the same old attractions and activities?

Keep reading to learn about some of the lesser-known treasures of Chicago—and don’t forget to jot every Chicago secret attraction down on your to-do list!

Woolly Mammoth Antiques & Oddities

On the North Side of Chicago near the corner of Ashland and Foster you can find a unique shop selling all sorts of random stuff you never knew you needed. Some of the oddities they have up for grabs include antique clown shoes and taxidermy animals. Did I also mention they currently have a Haitian voodoo flag in stock?

Tribune Tower Artifacts

If you find yourself on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, make sure to stop by the Tribune Tower to feast your eyes on some architectural artifacts from around the world. Interestingly, these artifacts are literally within the walls of the tower. Some of the over 150 artifacts found there include pieces from the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Abraham Lincoln’s tomb, and the original World Trade Center.

Richard H. Driehaus Museum

The Richard H. Driehaus Museum is another Chicago gem located close to the Magnificent Mile. Since its inception in 2008, the museum has been housed within the Nickerson Mansion, a beautiful building constructed in 1883. The museum serves as a time capsule that visitors can immerse themselves in, featuring interior design and art from the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Lurie Garden

This gorgeous garden located in Millennium Park is a must-see all year round, but especially in the springtime when the blossoms are blooming in abundance, filling the stretch of land with magnificent pops of color. Lurie Garden takes up a space of over two acres and is surrounded by skyscrapers, creating a remarkably picturesque scene for its visitors to take in.

Rockefeller Memorial Chapel

On the South Side of the city near Hyde Park you can witness the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel in all its glory. The exterior of the building alone is something to marvel at, with its Gothic Revival architectural design and monumental stature. Within the chapel there are domes that arch high above the head, the walls of the church seemingly attempting to reach the heavens.

Enormous skyscrapers, Lake Michigan, and an endless variety of foods—no matter what you decide to spend your time doing while in Chicago, you’re bound to have a great time experiencing the city.