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Secret Historical Spots In Chicago You Need to See

Secret Historical Spots In Chicago You Need to See

The Windy City is home to the Da Bears, deep dish pizza, Navy Pier and shopping that draws tourists from around the world. Chicago is packed with attractions, but there are some secrets you have to explore for a unique experience beyond the captivating architecture, museums and the Magnificent Mile.

Floods and fire have molded the city, but history is what has shaped it since it was founded in 1833. These secret historical spots in Chicago may be public, but they have an interesting charm. Best of all – they aren’t tourist traps and most are free!

Secret Historical Spots In Chicago You Need to SeeThe Last Wooden Road

To indulge in a fascinating secret-filled adventure that goes beyond The Loop, start in Astor Street District. The area is home to the historic district of the city and there, you can find Chicago’s last complete wood block alley. The original creosote treated lumber is gone, but it was restored using black locust blocks.

You can find the wooden street between State and Astor, south of coach house on North Avenue. While there, taking a walking tour (free on Wednesdays) with the Gold Coast Neighbors Association. Enjoy the architecture of styles in the style of Queen Anne, Richardsonian Romanesque and Georgian revival style.

Secret Historical Spots In Chicago You Need to See

Forgotten Field of Dreams

To stand in the spot where the Chicago Cubs won their last World Series, you won’t be heading to Wrigley Field. Instead, go to the University of Illinois Medical Center. Tucked away, between buildings, located by Taylor, Wood, Polk and Wolcott Streets, you will find a small park you can stand in. It was the former location for West Side Grounds (aka West Side Park). For perspective, home plate was by Polk and Lincoln intersection and the first base grandstand ran parallel to W Wolcott Street. Start your journey by entering the complex at the corner of West Taylor Street and South Wood Street located behind the University’s Biologic Resources Laboratory.

Secret Historical Spots In Chicago You Need to SeeAl Capone Hiding in Plain Sight

A few of Al Capone’s favorite hangouts linger in the city. Namely, The Green Mill owned by Al’s friend, “Machine Gun” Jack McGurn. However, some of his bloodier haunts are now just forgotten fields and lots. The Flower Shop Capone’s rival, Dion O’Bannion, ran on 738 North State Street is now just an run-of-the-mill parking lot. If you have visited the city, you have probably passed the place, unaware a mobster was murdered where you just parked your sedan.

Secret Historical Spots In Chicago You Need to SeeThe Ghost of the Four Deuces

Over at 2222 South Wabash, you will find the home of Chicago Boss Johnny Torrio’s first home-base for operations, The Four Deuces. Here, gambling, prostitution and drinking took place, but enemies of Capone and Torrio were taken to the basement where they met a terrible end. Currently, it is an empty lot, but some remnants of the building can be found peeking from the grass. The hole where the building once stood is captivating when you think of all that happened on the hallowed ground before you.

Harry Caray’s Water Tower Italian Steakhouse’s Basement

When Harry Caray’s Restaurant Group was building the Kinzie Street location, workers found a small trove of items from Al Capone’s enforcer, Frank Nitti. The high-ranking Capone member had an apartment on the fourth floor of the building. In his “Vault” you will see the address book containing contact information for Chicago gangsters, a three-door safe, tunnels and secret rooms, original newspaper articles and photographs. Guests can enter through the bar free of charge.

The Barbershop at Renaissance Blackstone Hotel

The hotel is one of the many places packed with history. The Barbershop is actually gone now, but the remnants in the marble floors can still be seen. Presidents like Teddy Roosevelt and Jimmy Carter stopped in for a trim and shave. Al Capone was a fan of the location because it is windowless. Al also had a secret room next to the shop for hiding place for his alcohol and himself during police raids. The Chicago mobster wasn’t the only leader conducting “business” there. Charles “Lucky” Luciano hosted the first-ever Crime Convention in the Crystal Ballroom.

It also houses the original Smoke-Filled Room where political meetings changed history in Suite 915. Warren G. Harding was nominated for his Presidential run thanks to a secret meeting in the room.

Secret Historical Spots In Chicago You Need to See

The Bronze Bull’s Eyes

You’ve seen it – the bronze cow located in front of the Chicago Cultural Center. You have probably taken pictures with it or merely thought, “Hey, a bronze bull. Nice.” Did you know that it was a gift to Chicago after hosting a community-based public art project? Some may not notice the two famous Windy City landmarks reflected in the bull’s eyes. The “Chicago Picasso” sculpture and the Historic Water Tower that survived the 1871 fires can be see in place of pupils.

[Images Via Flickr and Chicago Public Library]