Top Hidden Destinations To Visit In Chicago
Chicago offers tons of attractions that locals may not know about and tourists will find worthwhile. The best thing is, these are some of the top hidden destinations to visit in Chicago loved by locals. Locals are willing to share some of their secret spots so tourists can fall deeper in love with their city on their visit. These are some of the most worthwhile places to go to in Chicago that aren't packed during tourist season.
Chicago Stanley McCormick Memorial Court
The park outside the Art Institute of Chicago is a tranquil, hidden gem amid busy Michigan Avenue. The park, which is tucked away in the front of the art institute and slightly to the right, is blocked from view by six-foot hedges. Once you find the entrance you'll be surprised to leave the busy sidewalk and walk into the park which isn't in any tourist booklets, maps or on anybody's to-do list. The park features mature trees, plenty of benches to rest on and a fountain to drown out any faint peeps of taxi horns from the nearby street which are already muffled by the hefty hedges.
Just like the previous item, this hidden gem is in plain sight. Again, located near Michigan Avenue and across the street from Millennium Park, the Chicago Cultural Center is a little-known attraction. Located at 78 E. Washington St., this museum is completely free to the public to visit. The building itself is something to see with old world charm, libraries and desks for studying and stained glass domes. Inside, art exhibitions are changed regularly. Several floors of the cultural center is dedicated to art with messages based in Chicagoan and foreign culture alike. The exhibitions range from antique paintings to modern sculptures and include everything in between.
Time for something to eat? Located at 31st and Canal, Maxwell Street Polish is a short walk from the Lou Jones Metra station at 35th St. and the Sox El Stop, which can be easily accessed from the Loop. Maxwell Street is a no-frills grill located just blocks from U.S. Cellular Field. If you find yourself catching a cheap Sox game by purchasing a $5 nose-bleed seat at the door or even have a close-up spot to home plate, take a stop at Maxwell Street beforehand. A popular with locals but totally foreign to tourists, this tiny restaurant is tucked right next to the train tracks in an unassuming location. The burgers are melt in your mouth, the polish sausages are legendary and one cant go wrong with some Chicago-style hot dogs. Served in a bag with fries included in the low price, don't forget to grab some salt when you order as all the fries come unsalted.
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The Lakefront Trail is a popular tourist attraction with beautiful views of Lake Michigan and the city. So, why is it on this list? The key is to get on the trail at low-traffic spots where joggers and cyclists may not visit as frequently. A great place to get on the trail is just south of the Alder Planetarium, where the distance allows for less congestion on the trail and a better view of the entire city skyline.
Dessert lovers rejoice. This famous chocolate store has a location just around the corner from the Water Tower Place with views of the real water tower. This is the better alternative for chocolate lovers, as the M&M store right across the street packs in many more customers desperate for a Chicago gift to bring back home or quick chocolate fix. Even better, this store offers ice cream, brownies and often has free chocolate square samples. Don't forget to visit in the winter for rich hot chocolate.
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Robert Mathius is a Chicago suburb native who currently lives in Tinley Park. He has a passion for the automotive industry in addition to journalism and works to blend his two passions in his writing. Additional automotive reporting by Robert can be found on Examiner.com.
