Looking for offbeat things to do in Chicago. Going in May.

[bif]

Been there tons of times. Done weird things like the Museum of Surgery. The Pullman district. The Oriental Museum. Al Capones grave. Any unusual things you can recommend?

[kimbutgar]

1. Navy pier

Speed boat on Lake Michigan.

[CurtEastPoint]

2. I love this place: Bahai Temple in Wilmette.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bah%C3%A1%27%C3%AD_House_of_Worship_(Wilmette,_Illinois)

[CrispyQ]

3. A friend went last year & took a one-day architectural river cruise.

She said it was one of the most enjoyable things they did.

[dhill926]

5. yep, this cruise is amazing...

[bif]

11. We booked it!

Heading to Chicago tomorrow. We're also going to visit the Driehaus Museum.

[CrispyQ]

14. Have a great time!

I would love to visit Chicago!

[zipplewrath]

4. Gino's east

Be prepared to take some home.
Oh, and a Cubs game.

[Stuart G]

6. Architectural Tour...outstanding...Boat Ride down the Chicago River...also outstanding..

I need to think a moment,...let's see...??? Tour of the U of I Campus just west of the loop...
another one.....................................
Drive south to Roosevelt Rd..then go west over a huge bridge. The bridge is over the railroad tracks of a number of Railroads going south and west. It is an incredible site if you like trains..all kinds of trains I might add..some sitting there, some moving around some switching going on....etc.
...Let's see???...I suppose you have seen the campus of the University of Chicago...get a map and go west on 55 street...not.. sure exact..map will tell you..very nice....... beautiful.
.... Liconoln Park Zoo.,...........................
.......... Belmont Harbor..., east of Lake Shore Drive..very beautiful....there will be some more ideas in the next few days....I know a great deal about Chicago..here and there, and everywhere...yes indeed....

Stuart
..

[Stuart G]

7. Another one...Chicago Botanical Garden....in Highland Park Ilinois..it is off the Edens Expressway..

The flowers are in bloom. I suppose you know about it...if not, this one is indeed...world class yes, I have been to Botanical Gardens all over...Paris, Tokyo, San Diego...etc...If you haven't been there, it is worth a 2 or 3 hour stay. (or more)... Especially in the spring. Parking is expensive, but admission is free. One idea at a time....??? sorry more coming later...

Stuart..

[bif]

12. We visited it mid summer

Many years ago and you're right, it's absolutely fantastic! Funny story: We visited it with a friend and we were all pretty hung over. My friend wore dark sunglasses the whole time. Finally, as we were leaving he took off his glasses and commented, "Wow, these colors are amazing!"

[LNM]

8. Graceland Cemetery was interesting

Lots of famous Chicagoans buried there. It's north of downtown. You can pick up a map and do a self-guided tour.

[Little Star]

9. I went to Wilton's for cake decorating classes.....

back in the day: https://www.wilton.com/learn-wilton-school/

That was in Darien about 30 minutes from Chicago. They have an outlet store where you can pick up some nice baking pans, etc.

If I remember right I think they have windows at the school that look into the classes where you can watch teachers instructing students in a live baking scenario.

[Stuart G]

10. Go south around the Mueseum of Science and Industry. there is a Park, Jackson Park..

kinda ride around. It really is beautiful. and large. Now here is another one. Go to the top of the John Hancock Building. I don't know what they are charging, it ain't free. The view there is the best in the entire city. Since it is on the lakefront, it is much better than the Sears Tower. After visiting the John Hancock Building, then walk about 2 blocks (maybe 3) east to the lakefront. Walk along the lakefront. As you walk down that walk, there is a view of the lakefront that is terrific. Yes, that walk will take some time, but it worth it.
.....Here is one that will take time. Drive North to the end of lakeshore drive. at the very end, there is a stoplight, make a right turn onto Sheridan Road. Stay on "Sheridan Road" for a few miles, and you will see a variety of housing. all kinds of apartments, tall buildings. and go past Loyola Campus..
...Now if you stay on Sheridan Road and go north a few miles...you will see some of the most expensive houses in the entire area. on the lakefront..but you can see some from the street. Incredibly large and expensive. The farther north you go...more expensive. When you get to "Lake Cook Road" that is the end of those homes. That one will take a couple of hours...
.. Drive Lakeshore Drive all the way north to the end, (At Sheridan Road..then turn around and drive South about 15 miles..to 67st South. That could take you a couple of hours. Then drive back to downtown. As you drive you see an expanse of the lakefront. You see the special aspect of Chicago is..the lakefront..
..You will see and experience that special feeling..as you drive along..It is indeed beautiful..Now here is the last one..Get up real early. ...Maybe 5:30am or earlier. Go down to the lakefront and watch the sun rise over the lake..in a park of your choosing. That view on a clear day of the sun rising over the lake..is "incredible"...Get the exact time of sunrise from the internet..That time is there..somewhere..

................good luck.......and enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!

[Callalily]

13. Take a food tour!

I took one last week and it was wonderful. The tour I took was Gateway to the West Loop!

Contact info: www.chicagofoodplanet.com

[bif]

15. Did the architectural boat tour of the river. Also...

the Driehaus Museum (fantastic!), and the Museum of Contemporary Art (waste of time and money). Had tea at Russian Tea Time near the Art Institute. Fun but short visit.