Ultimate Offbeat Guide to Chicago, Illinois

Standing thirty-three feet tall, Chicago's famous Cloud Gate art installation, was inspired by liquid mercury. Catch the city's skyline in the reflection.

You may have to fight your way through the crowds of tourists who are always there; regardless, you should still do it because it's a Chicago staple.

Most people point to the Skydeck—glass-floored boxes that jut out four feet from the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower—as the prime source of stomach-turning fear in Chicago. However, if you're brave enough to venture out, you'll get some fun selfies.

Tips: If you get there before 10:30 a.m., you can mostly beat the crowds. Also, the elevator to the Skydeck is an attraction in and of itself—you'll climb over 100 floors in less than a minute.

Oz Park is one of Chicago's hidden gems. It's completely Wizard of Oz-themed, with statues of many major characters. Of course, Dorothy is sporting her ruby slippers.

The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art is the only non-profit in the country focusing entirely on the work of self-taught and outsider artists. The exhibitions display a rotating assortment of more then 1,100 works of art.

One of the more well-known outsider artists, Henry Darger, lived in a one-room apartment in Chicago for most of his life, writing and illustrating a 15,000 page saga detailing the adventures of the mythical Vivian Girls, which was discovered after his death. The Intuit Center came into possession of much of his work and furnishings and has re-created his room in the museum, giving you a glimpse into Darger’s extraordinary mind.

The bronzed “coil” sits atop a marble pillar on Augusta Boulevard, reminding dog walkers to pick up their messes. The fountain is on private property, but that hasn’t stopped sightseers from taking a peek and snapping a picture.

Tip: If you’re interested in checking it out, remember to respect the homeowners and stick to the sidewalk—that goes for your pooch, too.

The Occult Bookstore on Milwaukee Ave. is the oldest metaphysical store in the country. It specializes in rare artifacts, books, relics, tools, occult art, and other things you won't find at the corner store.

Tip: Be sure to check the schedule if you plan on visiting—you might be able to catch a workshop or presentation.

Not only is The Wieners Circle famous for amazing Chicago-style hotdogs, cheese fries, and burgers, it's also the restaurant where you can expect a little verbal abuse from the employees—but it's all in good fun.

Kuma's Corner has a stellar reputation for being one of the coolest and most delicious burger joints in the city. Every burger on the menu is named after a famous heavy metal band, including the Led Zeppelin burger, which you have to hold together with waffle fries.

Tips: Kuma's Corner is one of the busiest restaurants in the city, so if you're planning on grabbing lunch, arrive well in advance.

Head down to the racetrack at Big Joe's for the most unique gambling experience of your life. This local dive bar features turtle races on weekends, and it gets wild—turtles have never been so exciting. It’s the only time you’ll ever want your bet to be the slowest animal on the track. The cheap drinks and fun atmosphere make this place a good time.

Tip: Get there extra early to grab a table, but stick around until the end of the night. Most of the crowd turns in early and passes off their spare race tickets to the crowd, which means more chances to win big.