Best Local Trivia About Chicago
While many cities can boast a long history and their own local trivia, not many can compare to the diversity of Chicago. Chicago may be known as "The Windy City" for its infamous corrupt politicians, but it's not just politicians that have become famous out of Chicago. Whether it's the 1920s gangsters during prohibition or the seemingly endless list of celebrities that would flock to the city, Chicago has some great venues that are worth taking a trip to see. Take part in some of the local trivia surrounding the city and see the diversity of Chicago, whether you're a local or a tourist.
Chicago History Museum
1601 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 642-4600
www.chicagohistory.org
The Chicago History Museum has a number of exhibits that can draw in visitors, both local and tourists. The "Chicago: Crossroads of America" exhibit is a huge draw because it highlights many different aspects of the history of Chicago. The City in Crisis portion of the exhibit highlights dramatic occurrences in Chicago's history, including the Great Fire of 1871. Visitors can view heat-fused household items from the fire or remnants from the historical 1968 Democratic National Convention.
Sunday Bloody Sunday History Pub Crawl
Chicago History Museum
1601 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 642-4600
www.chicagohistory.org/tours
Date: Feb. 23, 2014
Tickets for this pub crawl are $30 for members and $40 for non-members. It will be held on February 23 at 1 p.m. Pub crawlers will take a trolley tour and visit the best Bloody Mary bars in Chicago. Liz Garibay, tavern historian, will lead the discussion to divulge some great trivia about the history behind each of the taverns visited on the tour. The St. Valentine's Day Massacre, which happened in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, will be just one of the many stories told on this riveting pub crawl tour.
Castle
632 N. Dearborn St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 266-1944
www.castlechicago.com
Formerly known as Excalibur Nightclub, Castle may have changed its name but still remains one of the most haunted places in Chicago. The 1915 Eastland Disaster occurred on the Chicago River, where more than 800 people perished. Because of so many fatalities, many buildings became make-shift morgues, including the building now known as Castle. Former employees of the building have reported strange sightings, bottles inexplicably falling from the shelves and even security alarms being triggered for no reason.
Related: Best Hotel Bars In Chicago
The Palmer House Hilton Hotel
17 E. Monroe St.
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 726-7500
www.palmerhousehiltonhotel.com
While enjoying the latest in the $170 million renovations to keep the Palmer House a first-class hotel, visitors can also take in the historical significance of the nation's longest continually-in-use hotel. Built in 1871, the Palmer House was meant to be a wedding gift for socialite Bertha Honore from Potter Palma, a Chicago business magnate. The Palmer House continued its infamy as the place to go for the elite society, with stars like Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and many more gracing its doors. The Palmer House features dining options, bars, spas and a health club so it's not just a place to lay your head while in Chicago.
Staropolska Restaurant
3030 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 342-0779
www.staropolskarestaurant.com
Many people are familiar with the fact that Chicago is a multicultural city with a number of different pocket neighborhoods throughout the city. However, what many people don't realize is the fact that Chicago has the highest population of Polish residents outside of Poland. Chicago students celebrate Casimir Pulaski Day and many businesses offer Polish-speaking employees, from bank tellers to grocery store clerks. When visiting Chicago, whether you're a tourist or just driving in from the suburbs, check out some traditional Polish cuisine and find out a little more about those in your community through food.
Sara Lugardo is a professional writer out of Chicago, Illinois. She has a Bachelor's in Communication and is currently working on her Master's. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
