Chicago is filled with amazing places such as Millennium Park, the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Navy Pier and so many more, but here are some of the city’s best-kept secrets!
1. Green Mill’s Trap Door
Green Mill owner, Dave Jemilo, discovered a world of tunnels leading to the Uptown Theater, Aragon Ballroom, and even across Broadway. It has been said that these tunnels were used as escape routes for gangsters during the Prohibition Era.
2. German Submarine
Beneath the Museum of Science and Industry lies a WWII German U-505 submarine. The 700-ton vessel was refurbished in 2004 and is included in the museum’s collection as a national historic landmark.
3. Five Miles of Underground Shopping
Chicago’s pedway covers 40 blocks of the downtown area. By using the pedway people are able to stop and visit the food courts, bars, barbershops, and even Macy’s which are all included in the underground shopping world.
4. Famous Custom Collection
The Chicago History Museum holds items such as a dress wore by Audrey Hepburn, the coat of Abraham Lincoln, and Michael Jordan’s Bulls uniform. This 50,000-piece collection holds pieces dating back to the mid 18th century, but it not available for public viewing.
5. Underground Eateries
The ultra lounge, Haven, the nightclub, Underground, and the subterranean eatery, Chilam Balam, are all places that can be found below the sidewalks of Chicago. These popular hideaways each have their own unique feel that can be noticed as soon as the doors have opened.
6. Loop and South Loop Maze
In the early 1900s freight tunnels were build 40 feet below street level as a way to transport goods and coal to businesses around the city, and cart away ash from the buildings. Some say gangsters, such as Al Capone, used these tunnels for gambling purposes and to evade police.
7. Wacker Drive
The upper and lower Wacker drives see an average of 60,000 vehicles per day in it’s 2 mile stretch. Movies such as The Dark Knight, with Heath Ledger, and Wanted, with Angelina Jolie have filmed famous scenes on this Chicago roadway.
Want to know more about Chicago’s Underground Secrets? Check out this Chicago Now blog for more fun facts and interesting news.
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