Stuff to see in IL? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

LoganSnake · 10-25-2007, 07:02 PM

So my girlfriend and I want to go somewhere for the whole day in a few weeks that we haven't been yet (most places, heh). We're in Chicago and I would prefer if it was within 2-3 hours driving distance from us max. Something interesting. Maybe man-made? We've been to the House on the Rock twice already and are now looking for something fresh. Anybody got any ideas?

Some things not to suggest: cemeteries (I like 'em, she doesn't), farms, factories. That's all I can think of right now.

intecel · 10-25-2007, 08:55 PM

All I remember about Chicago, is that if you drive 3 hours in any direction away from it, you'll see lots and lots of corn...

Ok, fine, maybe not to the northeast...

pig · 10-26-2007, 04:32 AM

i'd go down to champaign and get pizza at either papa del's or jupiter's, then shoot pool at jupiter's. walk around the campus a bit. but that's just me. this time of year, there will be a lot of corn fields that are cut up for halloween to have 'haunted fields...' you can find some of those, if that's your thing.

The_Jazz · 10-26-2007, 04:44 AM

You can try Galena. There are lots of little shops, antique stores, etc. around there, and apparently the leaves look good now. It's a quaint little town, and Dubuque's about 30 minutes away. It's not too bad a drive.

Going south there's not too much unless you want to see a U of I football game. They're doing ok this year, so that might be fun.

In Chicago the Frank Lloyd Wright tour is starting up soon. That's pretty cool. You could also take one of the gangster tours (good season for that!) to see the sites of various mob hits. Or you could try to go watch the field construction at Wrigley.

squeeeb · 10-26-2007, 07:03 AM

you can go to metropolis, illinois, and get a pic of you with the superman statue, but that's about 6 hours away.

Ustwo · 10-26-2007, 08:07 AM

Living in IL my whole life, I can tell you, its a boring state once you leave the Chicago area.

There are some nice areas, like "Starved Rock" where one peaceful native American tribe starved out another peaceful native American tribe, to Naperville which has been voted one of the best places to live in America, but over all its just boring.

If you want nature, you go north to Wisconsin.
If you want culture, you stay where you are.
If you want shopping, you stay where you are or go to oak brook.
If you want food stay where you are.

Really the nicest thing about Chicago is that being central to the rest of the country, its in easy flying to anywhere and with O'Hare you can go about anywhere on the planet non-stop. That requires money of course, so for on the cheap, well, you better be easily amused

LoganSnake · 10-26-2007, 08:48 AM

That is precisely why we are having trouble picking a place to go...there are none that interest us. Is there something like the House on the Rock or the Winchester Mansion in IL? I've been to this mansion where government officials used to reside. The one I went to in NY was much bigger and better.

clavus · 10-26-2007, 09:32 AM

Man made? How about the Museum of Science and Industry? See all KINDS of man made stuff.

Amazing art (also crafted by men & women) is at the big art museum whose name escapes me. See American Gothic. See the Francis Bacon (can't remember which one... Figure with Meat maybe). See Monet's Haystacks (looks boring in a photo, but great in real life).

LoganSnake · 10-26-2007, 10:39 AM

Well, considering that we're both from Chicago, we've been to the museums already. Was just looking for something fresh.

The_Jazz · 10-26-2007, 10:54 AM

Have you been to Peggy Nodavard right by the Lincoln Park Zoo? It's pretty cool.

You can always go to the zoo, have lunch at RJ Grunts and take a stroll on the lakefront. This weekend you'll most likely see us there with Max since the monkeys are his absolute favorite.

Go to the Botanical Gardens and see the model trains. I think this is the last weekend.

Go mock the Trixies and Chads at Armitage and Halsted.

Go to house and condo open houses and adopt new identities.

Go "bird watching" at Montrose Harbor and try to pick out the gay cruisers.

maleficent · 10-26-2007, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Jazz

Go "bird watching" at Montrose Harbor and try to pick out the gay cruisers.

oh like that's hard to do...

Borla · 10-27-2007, 03:43 PM

Here are some ideas I would consider if I were you:

1) Starved Rock State Park, maybe 100 miles or so SW of Chicago. You could even get a room at the lodge, or rent a cabin, if you wanted to make it an overnight trip. Lots of trails through the woods, and it's a perfect time of year for that.

2) Someone already mentioned Galena, IL. Lots of shops, including a winery you can tour, and some very historic sites.

3) Visit downtown Naperville. There are some great restaurants, a riverwalk trail, plenty of shops, and is just a quick drive down I-88.

You could also go to your local Barnes and Noble or Borders bookstore and look in the "local" section. There are quite a few books with roadtrips and daytrips one can make from Chicago.

filtherton · 10-27-2007, 03:46 PM

I hear the toll booths are lovely this time of year.

clavus · 10-27-2007, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoganSnake

Well, considering that we're both from Chicago, we've been to the museums already. Was just looking for something fresh.

Oops. Duh!

Jadey · 11-20-2007, 09:35 PM

If you are in to history you can always drive to Springfield and go to the Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum. I was down there for a conference and it was pretty cool. A couple of the exhibits were really well done, especially the "Ghosts in the Library"

In Springfield is also the Dana-Thomas house if you are in to architecture. It was designed by Frank Lloyd-Wright and is supposed to be one of the best representations of his "prairie home" style.

How about agricultural history (a fav of mine)? You can head to the Quad Cities and check out the John Deere sites. And if you take I-80 you can stop along the way in Grand Detour just outside Dixon to see where John Deere first setup shop after moving from Vermont and began manufacturing his "singing plow" The John Deere Pavilion in Moline is pretty nice and the John Deere Collectors center is cool too. There are several nice restaurants downtown and it's right along the Mississippi river. And depending on when you go the authors of "The John Deere Story: A Biography of John and Charles Deere" are scheduling a book signing at the Deere gift shop next to the pavilion after T-giving.

Plan9 · 11-20-2007, 09:55 PM

I assume you've seen Blue Man Group.

Every time I go to Chicago... I see 'em the first night.

The_Jazz · 11-21-2007, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crompsin

I assume you've seen Blue Man Group.

Every time I go to Chicago... I see 'em the first night.

The fact that you were 3 blocks from my old place worries me more than it should.

LoganSnake, if you're still looking, my wife suggested getting the Tribune on Saturday and reading the "One Fine Day" column in the Living section. They go to a neighborhood in the city or a suburb and discover things to do and places to eat. If you need suggestions in Andersonville, Edgewater, West Lakeview or the Loop, I've got tons of suggestions.

LoganSnake · 11-21-2007, 06:51 AM

I'll check out the Tribune.

And Crompsin, yeah we've seen the Blue Man Group at the Briar Street Theater already. It was awesome. I'd go again.

Right now I'm trying to get her to go see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra this December with me. She's still on the fence...

10-25-2007, 07:02 PM	#1 (permalink)
LoganSnake We work alone Location: Cake Town	Stuff to see in IL? So my girlfriend and I want to go somewhere for the whole day in a few weeks that we haven't been yet (most places, heh). We're in Chicago and I would prefer if it was within 2-3 hours driving distance from us max. Something interesting. Maybe man-made? We've been to the House on the Rock twice already and are now looking for something fresh. Anybody got any ideas? Some things not to suggest: cemeteries (I like 'em, she doesn't), farms, factories. That's all I can think of right now. __________________ Maturity is knowing you were an idiot in the past. Wisdom is knowing that you'll be an idiot in the future. Common sense is knowing that you should try not to be an idiot now. - J. Jacques

10-26-2007, 04:32 AM	#3 (permalink)
pig pigglet pigglet Location: Locash	i'd go down to champaign and get pizza at either papa del's or jupiter's, then shoot pool at jupiter's. walk around the campus a bit. but that's just me. this time of year, there will be a lot of corn fields that are cut up for halloween to have 'haunted fields...' you can find some of those, if that's your thing. __________________ You don't love me, you just love my piggy style

10-26-2007, 04:44 AM	#4 (permalink)
The_Jazz Asshole Administrator Location: Chicago	You can try Galena. There are lots of little shops, antique stores, etc. around there, and apparently the leaves look good now. It's a quaint little town, and Dubuque's about 30 minutes away. It's not too bad a drive. Going south there's not too much unless you want to see a U of I football game. They're doing ok this year, so that might be fun. In Chicago the Frank Lloyd Wright tour is starting up soon. That's pretty cool. You could also take one of the gangster tours (good season for that!) to see the sites of various mob hits. Or you could try to go watch the field construction at Wrigley. __________________ "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - B. Franklin "There ought to be limits to freedom." - George W. Bush "We have met the enemy and he is us." - Pogo

10-26-2007, 07:03 AM	#5 (permalink)
squeeeb part of the problem Location: hic et ubique	you can go to metropolis, illinois, and get a pic of you with the superman statue, but that's about 6 hours away. __________________ onward to mayhem! Last edited by squeeeb; 10-26-2007 at 07:06 AM..

10-26-2007, 08:07 AM	#6 (permalink)
Ustwo Pissing in the cornflakes	Living in IL my whole life, I can tell you, its a boring state once you leave the Chicago area. There are some nice areas, like "Starved Rock" where one peaceful native American tribe starved out another peaceful native American tribe, to Naperville which has been voted one of the best places to live in America, but over all its just boring. If you want nature, you go north to Wisconsin. If you want culture, you stay where you are. If you want shopping, you stay where you are or go to oak brook. If you want food stay where you are. Really the nicest thing about Chicago is that being central to the rest of the country, its in easy flying to anywhere and with O'Hare you can go about anywhere on the planet non-stop. That requires money of course, so for on the cheap, well, you better be easily amused __________________ Agents of the enemies who hold office in our own government, who attempt to eliminate our "freedoms" and our "right to know" are posting among us, I fear.....on this very forum. - host Obama - Know a Man by the friends he keeps.

10-25-2007, 08:55 PM	#2 (permalink)
intecel Psycho	All I remember about Chicago, is that if you drive 3 hours in any direction away from it, you'll see lots and lots of corn... Ok, fine, maybe not to the northeast...

10-26-2007, 08:48 AM	#7 (permalink)
LoganSnake We work alone Location: Cake Town	That is precisely why we are having trouble picking a place to go...there are none that interest us. Is there something like the House on the Rock or the Winchester Mansion in IL? I've been to this mansion where government officials used to reside. The one I went to in NY was much bigger and better. __________________ Maturity is knowing you were an idiot in the past. Wisdom is knowing that you'll be an idiot in the future. Common sense is knowing that you should try not to be an idiot now. - J. Jacques Last edited by LoganSnake; 10-26-2007 at 08:50 AM..

10-26-2007, 09:32 AM	#8 (permalink)
clavus pow! Location: NorCal	Man made? How about the Museum of Science and Industry? See all KINDS of man made stuff. Amazing art (also crafted by men & women) is at the big art museum whose name escapes me. See American Gothic. See the Francis Bacon (can't remember which one... Figure with Meat maybe). See Monet's Haystacks (looks boring in a photo, but great in real life). __________________ Ass, gas or grass. Nobody rides for free.

10-26-2007, 10:39 AM	#9 (permalink)
LoganSnake We work alone Location: Cake Town	Well, considering that we're both from Chicago, we've been to the museums already. Was just looking for something fresh. __________________ Maturity is knowing you were an idiot in the past. Wisdom is knowing that you'll be an idiot in the future. Common sense is knowing that you should try not to be an idiot now. - J. Jacques

10-26-2007, 10:54 AM	#10 (permalink)
The_Jazz Asshole Administrator Location: Chicago	Have you been to Peggy Nodavard right by the Lincoln Park Zoo? It's pretty cool. You can always go to the zoo, have lunch at RJ Grunts and take a stroll on the lakefront. This weekend you'll most likely see us there with Max since the monkeys are his absolute favorite. Go to the Botanical Gardens and see the model trains. I think this is the last weekend. Go mock the Trixies and Chads at Armitage and Halsted. Go to house and condo open houses and adopt new identities. Go "bird watching" at Montrose Harbor and try to pick out the gay cruisers. __________________ "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - B. Franklin "There ought to be limits to freedom." - George W. Bush "We have met the enemy and he is us." - Pogo

10-27-2007, 03:43 PM	#12 (permalink)
Borla Junkie	Here are some ideas I would consider if I were you: 1) Starved Rock State Park, maybe 100 miles or so SW of Chicago. You could even get a room at the lodge, or rent a cabin, if you wanted to make it an overnight trip. Lots of trails through the woods, and it's a perfect time of year for that. 2) Someone already mentioned Galena, IL. Lots of shops, including a winery you can tour, and some very historic sites. 3) Visit downtown Naperville. There are some great restaurants, a riverwalk trail, plenty of shops, and is just a quick drive down I-88. You could also go to your local Barnes and Noble or Borders bookstore and look in the "local" section. There are quite a few books with roadtrips and daytrips one can make from Chicago. __________________ Coimhéad fearg fhear na foighde!!!!

10-27-2007, 03:46 PM	#13 (permalink)
filtherton Junkie Location: In the land of ice and snow.	I hear the toll booths are lovely this time of year.

11-20-2007, 09:35 PM	#15 (permalink)
Jadey This Space For Rent Location: Davenport, Iowa	If you are in to history you can always drive to Springfield and go to the Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum. I was down there for a conference and it was pretty cool. A couple of the exhibits were really well done, especially the "Ghosts in the Library" In Springfield is also the Dana-Thomas house if you are in to architecture. It was designed by Frank Lloyd-Wright and is supposed to be one of the best representations of his "prairie home" style. How about agricultural history (a fav of mine)? You can head to the Quad Cities and check out the John Deere sites. And if you take I-80 you can stop along the way in Grand Detour just outside Dixon to see where John Deere first setup shop after moving from Vermont and began manufacturing his "singing plow" The John Deere Pavilion in Moline is pretty nice and the John Deere Collectors center is cool too. There are several nice restaurants downtown and it's right along the Mississippi river. And depending on when you go the authors of "The John Deere Story: A Biography of John and Charles Deere" are scheduling a book signing at the Deere gift shop next to the pavilion after T-giving. Last edited by Jadey; 12-02-2007 at 02:52 PM..

11-20-2007, 09:55 PM	#16 (permalink)
Plan9 I Confess a Shiver	I assume you've seen Blue Man Group. Every time I go to Chicago... I see 'em the first night. __________________ *Whatever you can carry.* "You should not drink... and bake."

11-21-2007, 06:51 AM	#18 (permalink)
LoganSnake We work alone Location: Cake Town	I'll check out the Tribune. And Crompsin, yeah we've seen the Blue Man Group at the Briar Street Theater already. It was awesome. I'd go again. Right now I'm trying to get her to go see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra this December with me. She's still on the fence... __________________ Maturity is knowing you were an idiot in the past. Wisdom is knowing that you'll be an idiot in the future. Common sense is knowing that you should try not to be an idiot now. - J. Jacques