April 22nd, 2010 by admin

The Windy City is home to some of the world’s most renowned attractions, including Navy Pier, the Art Institute of Chicago and Lincoln Park. However, there are a few hidden gems to be discovered beyond tourist-ridden downtown and the Lake Shore neighborhood. If you want to experience

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The Windy City is home to some of the world’s most renowned attractions, including Navy Pier, the Art Institute of Chicago and Lincoln Park. However, there are a few hidden gems to be discovered beyond tourist-ridden downtown and the Lake Shore neighborhood. If you want to experience some of Chicago’s unique attractions, museums and cultural sites, make sure you add the following overlooked attractions to your itinerary.

Ernest Hemingway’s Birthplace

Located in Oak Park, Ernest Hemingway’s house and museum isn’t a prime tourist attraction, but it is a great place to learn about the author’s childhood, lifestyle and achievements. The Queen Anne house was built by the Hemingways’ maternal grandparents and Ernest was born in one of the bedrooms on the second floor on July 21, 1899. You can take a self-guided tour of the home’s interior to see the library, old-fashioned parlor, antique décor throughout the nursery and Dr. Hemingway’s room.

Charnley-Persky House

The Charnley-Persky House is a historic brick building that was built in the late 19th-century and is one of the few residential structures in the area created by Louis Sullivan, a legendary American architect. It’s also a National Historic Landmark. Frank Lloyd Wright made significant contributions to the design and structure of the building, and it has been coined the “first modern house in America.” Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the site to learn about the unique design of this modern building and enjoy easy access to shopping and attractions on North Lake Shore Drive nearby.

The Charnley-Persky House, 1365 North Astor Street, Chicago, 312.573.1365

National Museum of Mexican Art

The National Museum of Mexican Art is a free museum that features an impressive collection of sculptures, drawings, folk art and paintings by dozens of Latino artists. The site is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is an attractive alternative to spending the entire day at the Art Institute of Chicago. When you drive through the neighborhood where the museum is located, you’ll also catch a glimpse of hand-painted murals by area Latinos.

The National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 West 19th Street, Chicago, 312.738.1503

Public Art Gallery in the Marquette Building

The Marquette Building in downtown Chicago is a historic site that features a large public art gallery in its main lobby. Head here to enjoy a free, self-guided tour of exhibits that include a collection of Native American bronze heads, Tiffany mosaics and sculptures of animals and explorers. You can pick up a brochure about the history of the building in the main lobby and walk up to the second floor to see the beautiful mosaics wrapping around the balconies up close.

The Marquette Building, 140 South Dearborn Street, Chicago

Baroque Mansion

The Baroque Mansion is located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood and is one of the city’s most unique buildings, designed with neo-Baroque architectural details, carved stone ornaments and a carved balcony over the doorway. At night, the entranceway is illuminated by a set of yellow and white floodlights and is a breathtaking sight. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the mansion site and explore the regal rooms to learn more about the architects that completed the building in 1896, and see artifacts and collectibles of the owner, Francis J. Dewes.

Baroque Mansion, 503 West Wrightwood, Chicago

Olive Park

After you tire of the high-energy atmosphere on Navy Pier, take a short drive north to explore Olive Park, a tranquil and scenic setting that features an abundance of trees and greenery and offers picture-perfect views of the Chicago skyline. The park was named after soldier Milton L. Olive III. It’s an idyllic spot for a picnic, enjoying a good book and relaxing under shady trees on a hot summer’s day.

Olive Park, 500 N Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

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