Chicago Off the Beaten Path Tips by meteorologist1

It was in Chicago that the first self-sustaining chain reaction and the controlled release of nuclear energy was conducted. The site is at the University of Chicago. There is a sculpture which symbolizes a mushroom cloud by Henry Moore at the site. This site is declared as a Chicago Landmark.

The site is on South Ellis Ave. between 56th and 57th streets at the University of Chicago.

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Website: http://physics.uchicago.edu/moore_sculpture.html

The Rockefeller Chapel, also known as the University of Chicago Chapel, is the biggest church on the University of Chicago campus. The carillon tower contains 72 cast bronze cup-shaped bells, the second largest such instrument in the world. The structure has a length of 265 feet 2 inches, and a width of 120 feet 1.5 inches. The top of the tower is 200 feet 8 inches above floor level, and 207 feet above the street.

This neo-gothic style church is used for concerts, chamber choirs and orchestra activities, speeches, graduation, and new student orientation. The structure is magnificent from the outside and also impressive on the inside.

Located at the University of Chicago, Hyde Park (Chicago's Southside). 5850 South Woodlawn Avenue.

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Northwestern University is located on the north side of Chicago in Evanston. It is considered one of the best universities in the United States. The campus is located right next to Lake Michigan. The campus is very beautiful. Metra and CTA stations are nearby as well as some stores and shopping opportunities in Evanston.

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Website: http://www.northwestern.edu/

Beautiful park located on Chicago's North Side. Lots of flowers, trees in a very park-like setting. There's all kinds of plants in the park. There's even a Japanese garden. And the best thing, the admission is free! (but parking is not free) But it's a great place to spend your weekend.

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Website: http://www.chicago-botanic.org/

The first McDonald's restaurant in the world (Store #1) is located in Des Plaines, about 30-40 minutes northwest of downtown Chicago (the suburb just north of O'Hare airport). It was first opened on April 15, 1955. There is a complete replica of the first store here with golden arches and signs. It is located across the street from the original site, which is now replaced by a modern McDonald's. The replica is part of the McDonald's #1 Store Museum, which has limited opening hours (a few hours daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day).

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Website: http://www.mcdonalds.com/corp/about/museum_info.html

Six Flags Great America is a theme park located in Gurnee, IL, about one hour north of downtown Chicago, off Interstate 94. The park is famous for its roller coasters, although it also offers many entertainment and family rides. This park also has a water park area, which is included in the admission. There are also plenty of dining and shopping opportunities in the park. The Looney Tunes characters, including Bugs Bunny, are there to meet kids and take photos with them. This is a pretty fun place for the whole family, although waiting in line for the rides can be long sometimes. For those who are scared of roller coasters, don't worry, there are stuff like arcades and games all over the park, as well as the scenic railway that circles the park.

From Interstate 94, exit to Grand Ave. (Illinois Route 132). General admission is $54.99, but if you order online, the price is $42.99.

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Website: http://www.sixflags.com/parks/greatamerica/index.asp

A nice little charming village in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Long Grove is located near Illinois Route 83 and Route 53. Nice place to go if you want to get away from the wide roads, ubiquitous strip malls, and the heavy traffic of the other suburban cities and villages. Very peaceful and relaxing environment in Long Grove. Long Grove has a collection of interesting specialty shops as well as a few restaurants. Very easy to get to and parking is free.

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Website: http://www.longgroveonline.com/