This place is beautiful and melancholy at the same time. Wonderful way to honor the deceased circus…read moreperformers who have been laid to rest here.

Beautiful historic grounds with a particularly poignant tribute at Showmen's rest. Definitely well…read moreworth visiting.

I stopped here because when I was at Sand Ridge Nature Center for a Black History Month activity, I…read morewas told there was an Underground Railroad site only a few miles away. I honestly didn't realize there were any UGRR sites in Illinois until the event at the Forest Preserve, so I definitely wanted to see it. Unfortunately it was disappointing in that there isn't much to see. In the last few years the National Park Service has erected a marker here to commemorate the site of Ton Farm as part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Registry, an effort led by the Little Calumet River Underground Railroad Project. It was the first such site in Chicago to earn this destination. The Tons were Dutch immigrants who settled here in the 1850s, and were staunch abolitionists. The location along the Calumet made it possible for Freedom Seekers to escape via ferry amongst other methods, such as to the next stop on the UGRR just over the border into Indiana. The Ton Farm has long since been destroyed, hence the existence of simply a marker. Somewhat fittingly, the site is currently home to Chicago's Finest Marina, a Black-owned business with a neat history of its own, as it was a place where folks who encountered discrimination in the mid-20th century at other city marinas to be served (and is the oldest Black-owned marina in the city). As such, it's a private business/residence and there are no services or historical remnants here. Even though there is nothing more than a marker here, and Riverdale is a neglected neighborhood on Chicago's southeast side, it's an important site to commemorate and honor those Freedom Seekers who sought to escape the oppression of the south, as well as those who provided them aid on their journey.

I was on my way to Tizzy's for ice cream. When I noticed this beautiful scenery of flowing water. I…read morequickly pulled over and got out of my car. I was mesmerized by the water flowing down the dam. There is free parking and benches for you sit down and inhale the scenery. The sight is just so relaxing and peaceful. Such a remarkable historical landmark in Lyons. The river itself is amazing. It's very enjoyable and will relax your mind. I was excited to learn the history about this amazing tower. "Hoffman Tower is the name of a tower in Lyons, Illinois, named after the brewer George Hoffman Jr. " It was built in the year 1908 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 22, 1978." The Tower is reputed as the first building in Lyons to be lighted by electricity."

Stumbled upon this by chance seen it off in the distance and had to stop...so much history in this…read morebuilding

I always enjoy visiting the Willis Tower. There are so many things to do and see, and I discover…read moresomething new every time I visit. The views from the top are amazing, and the atmosphere makes each trip exciting and memorable.

The tour was epic!! So much history and details in the architect of this Old Sears Tower now known…read moreas The Willis Tower. Definitely a staple attraction to visit.

This used to be my favorite store in the late '60's and early '70's. While working downtown, and…read moregoing to college downtown, i used to eat my lunch almost every day. They had the absolute best cream of mushroom soup. Tons of mushrooms in a delightful cream sauce. And those desserts!!! I can still taste that wonderful cake slice with a thick layer of butter cream frosting. And people were all dressed up so nicely to go shopping in those days. I remember how well trained staff were. So polite and knowledgeable about what they were selling. And just the feeling of shopping in such a magnificent building. And such an enormous building. Such great memories.

Another free treasure. This historical building used to be Marshal fields and now is the Macys on…read moreState street. It's a beautiful building ... took some inside pics from different angle and perspectives. It's famous for the mosaic ceiling which is a work of art that pics can't capture ... but i tried. It's beautiful. The dome ceiling was designed by renowned glass artist Louis Comfort Tiffany (it's the largest Tiffany mosaic in existence) and crafted by a group of 50 artisans who worked atop scaffolds for over 18 months to complete the project. This work of art shimmering vaulted ceiling that covers 6,000 square feet and comprises 1.6 million pieces of iridescent glass. If you like it and are looking for more free art treasure check out the ceiling in the chicago cultural center for another gorgeous Tiffany ceiling. Love that Chicago offers so much to see and do free or for little cost. I also like looking and and looking down at the different floors. afraid of heights but it was still worth a glimpse over the railings. Also check out the restaurant .. very elegant .. i think it's the walnut room.

There wasn't an event or pop up happening the day I visited but it is still a great place to stop…read moreand sit a while, maybe enjoying some lunch or people watching! The architecture views here are also fantastic!

It's a lovely square that holds lots of pop ups, from what I'm told. But there's also lots of…read moreattractions nearby. There are plenty of spots to sit and relax. I went for the Taylor Swift pop up.

Robert Morris was born in England and became an American businessman. He was one of the men who…read moresigned the Declaration of Independence. Hyam Salomon was born in Poland and moved to New York where he became a businessman and joined the Anti-British Sons of Liberty. So why does this memorial show George Washington in his Revolutionary War uniform shaking hands with Morris and Salomon? Well, those two men were considered to be the major financiers of the Revolutionary War. It was dedicated on the 150th Anniversary of the Ratification of the American Bill of Rights on December 15, 1941. A plaque on the base is inscribed with these words: Symbol of American Tolerance and Unity and of the Cooperation of People of All Races and Creeds in the Upbuilding of the United States. This monument designed by Lorado Taft and completed/by Leonard Crunelle was presented to the city of Chicago by the Patriotic Foundation of Chicago The main inscription reads: Robert Morris . George Washington . Haym Salomon "The government of the United States which gives to bigotry no sanction - to persecution no assistance requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens in giving it on all occasions their effectual support" President George Washington 1790. Unfortunately the plaque and inscription are in poor shape and are difficult to read. The back of the monument has a very cool bronze image of Lady Liberty embracing a huge crowd of people that are obviously of different origins.

I heard of the wooden alley many years ago and have driven by but never really stopped to look…read more The wooden alley is a remnant of a bygone era for sure. Located in Near North near the Cardinal's Residence, this alley runs west to east and is made entirely of wooden blocks. Wood blocks started being used for construction in this manner in the mid-19th century, which made lots of fuel for the Great Fire, of course. This style of paving obviously fell out of favor as new technology emerged. The neighborhood likes to cultivate an air of the 19th / early 20th century with gas lamps and this adds to the aura. This alley was constructed in 1909, restored over the years, and is one of only two remaining in the city of Chicago. It's been on the National Register of Historic Places for 20 years. If you're in the area you can stop here to see something unusual and quirky for this day and age.

This is probably something thousands of people pass by every day and have no idea something like…read morethis is here. We found this on Atlas Obscura and followed directions from there. It is just south of Lincoln Park. Stepping onto the wood itself, it feels much softer than the asphalt of your typical street or the material your standard sidewalk is made out of. There is a historical marker near State Parkway detailing the history behind the wooden alley.