Welcome to the windy city of Chicago. Along with its beautiful design and wide range of restaurants, the city has many fun and exciting things to do for both locals and tourists. Whether you are interested in history and adventure or just checking out the city’s stranger attractions, Chicago has something fun and exciting for everyone, and the possibilities for adventure and entertainment are endless! Suppose you want to add excitement to your journey and try something new. Here are the top 5 fun and unexpected activities to indulge in and make your Chicago trip one to remember. From quirky museums to thrilling experiences, get ready to step out of your comfort zone and discover a new side of this vibrant city. So, get your cameras ready, and let’s go!
1. International Museum of Surgical Science
The International Museum of Surgical Science, a unique establishment run by the International College of Surgeons, is a must-visit. Its home in Lincoln Park, dating back to 1917, still boasts the original gilded staircase and Italian marble flooring. The museum houses thousands of antique pieces, including pictures of famous figures in medicine, X-ray machines, apothecary products, uniforms, and acupuncture needles.
Topics such as plastic surgery and “quack doctors” are just the beginning of what you’ll discover about the professional and cultural aspects of medicine. Florence Nightingale’s writings are among the many rare ancient books housed in the museum’s enormous library. Themed artworks and medical technology are the main attractions of contemporary art galleries. Given the lengthy and horrific history of surgery and all its grisly intricacies, it is not surprising that this is one of the most bizarre things to do in Chicago.
2. Oz Park
Oz Park in Chicago is a unique and unexpected activity that offers a delightful tribute to the region’s residents in the 1890s. Novelist L. Frank Baum, who penned “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” Since its official naming in 1976, this park’s 13.32 acres have transformed into an enchanting paradise for guests of every age.
The park is home to statues of the most recognizable characters from Baum’s classic novel, including the Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, and Dorothy with her dog, Toto. Each statue was created by local artist John Kearney, who used the lost wax technique to cast bronze figures of the characters. The statues are scattered throughout the park, giving visitors a fantastic and interactive experience.
Oz Park also features a themed playground called Dorothy’s Playlot, named after Baum’s Dorothy and Dorothy Melamerson, the park’s biggest individual donor. The playground is filled with play equipment for children, allowing them to climb, swing, and run in a fun and engaging environment.
In addition to the statues and playground, Oz Park offers a variety of facilities and programs for visitors. The park includes tennis courts, basketball courts, ball fields, and a running path. It also hosts events such as outdoor film screenings and the Art Therapy Connection’s Chalk Festival, which allows children, adults, and professional artists to create art using chalk.
Every day from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m., guests of Oz Park may have a blast at the park. Situated at 2021 North Burling Street, the park is at the crossroads of Lincoln and Webster, somewhat south of Lincoln, Halsted, and Fullerton. Anyone seeking a one-of-a-kind and entertaining Chicago experience can bring their pets to the park, which makes it an ideal destination.
3. Turtle Race At Big Joe’s
Turtle racing at Big Joe’s is a unique and entertaining activity that offers a amusing twist on traditional racing events. Racing one of the slowest animals in the world is fun and unexpected, making it a must-try for Chicagoans and visitors.
The turtle race at Big Joe’s is a rite of passage in the city, and those who wish to participate must show up and buy drinks and food to earn raffle tickets. Winning tickets will be assigned to one of six resident turtles, each with its own name and a lot of love from the community. The race takes place in an 8-foot-wide white ring, and the first turtle to crawl out of the ring within a time limit of up to five minutes wins.
The turtle race prize includes a free Big Joe’s t-shirt, entry into Big Joe’s Vegas tournament for the winner, and a free drink for those whose turtle comes in last. The turtles used in the race are either employees’ pets or live at the establishment, and they are cared for by employees.
Turtle racing has a rich history, originating in the Bahamas and spreading throughout the Midwest by the 1920s. It is believed that turtle races were incorporated into speakeasies across Chicago during prohibition.
4. The Crown Fountain
Even though it is only one of the numerous fountains found in Millennium Park, the Crown Fountain is still considered one of the most exciting sites to visit in Chicago. The structure is on a reflecting pool shallow enough for waders and splashers. Two towers of glass bricks are packed with LED lights that form the videos of one of the thousand people who live in the city. The fountain stream itself is emitted from these towers.
Every tower is fifty feet tall, and the LEDs change the photos to a different person every few minutes. The towers are each fifty feet tall. What is it about this that makes it so unique? In any case, the fountain is set up to give the impression that the water is being spat out of the mouths of these individuals (from the LEDs).
5. No Pants Subway Ride
Have you ever experienced a dream in which you are in a public place and realize you have been pantless? The No Pants Subway Ride (keep your underwear :-)) is considered one of the strangest things to do in Chicago. An annual winter ritual that involves a group of people riding the subway and taking down their pants before boarding a train is said to take place.
Their behavior must be completely natural, and they must maintain their determination to pretend nothing is wrong, ignoring the bewildered looks they receive. There is a lot of excitement about the No Pants Subway Ride in Chicago, even though it is a nationwide event. The activity often occurs on the Red Line of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), beginning at Loyola Station and culminating at the Loop.
In conclusion, Chicago is more than just a big city with a stunning architecture. The city offers many fun and unexpected activities that will leave you lasting memories. On top of the 5 activities already mentionned, you can explore the underwater world at the Shedd Aquarium, challenge your senses with the immersive Tilt experience, and unleash your competitive side. Whether a local or a tourist, these top 5 unexpected activities will add a unique and exciting twist to your Chicago adventure. So, grab your friends and family, or embark on a solo expedition and dive into the Windy City’s unexpected wonders.
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