The oldest university museum west of the Mississippi retains its 19th century feel.

One of Chicago's last seafood smokehouses perfects a dying breed of fishcraft.

Known as the "Cross At The Crossroads," this massive metal cross is just short enough to avoid the FAA.

The world's largest collection of the world's largest objects is in one small Illinois town.

Even with only two residents and one building, this tiny Illinois town is famous for its burgers.

This library and museum is dedicated to the life and literature of the Indianapolis native author.

A quirky mishmash of Route 66 memorabilia and other throwbacks from the past.

This historic folk art garden contains a nightmare tower that claims to be the world's largest concrete totem pole.

Buy a token from the liquor store and you can make this beast spew flames on command.

This massive stained-glass masterpiece is thought to be the largest Tiffany dome in existence.

A Bibliophile's Dream.

Not to be confused with the iconic New York City skyscraper, this Chicago building is a vibrant hub for artists.

The beloved home to all publications indie, erotic, and punky.

Home to a protest movement, a bombing, and a dramatic change in labor history.

Small and slightly hidden, the American Writers Museum is preserving the legacy of America's finest authors.

A hot dog stand where the heads are just as hot as the dogs.

Chicago’s incendiary role in the labor movement.

A plaque marks a former safe house on the secret route, now hidden next to a McDonald's.

The city of Rockford, Illinois is symbolically protected by a quartet of fittingly stony sentinels.

More than 5,000 contemporary and "historic" mustards from around the world.

"Looks so real, it's scary!"

A statue honors the genius who allegedly first took a meatball and made it into a hamburger.

An authentic Dutch windmill, built in the Netherlands and shipped to Wisconsin.

The remnants of this Douglas fir predate Columbus's arrival in North America.