Cary A Lind

If you're searching for a zoo knowledgeable about its animals, you should visit the Lincoln Park Zoo. It is one of the oldest zoos in the country and houses over 1,250 animals within its exhibits and attractions. During your visit, you will witness various animals, such as zebras, big cats, polar bears, penguins, gorillas, reptiles, monkeys, and more. Established in 1868, the Lincoln Park Zoo is rich in history. It is situated in Chicago's Lincoln Park and covers an area of 35 acres. One of the zoo's most unique features is a burr oak tree that goes back to 1830. For younger guests, the Children's Zoo and the Farm-in-the-Zoo exhibits offer hands-on experiences. Children will also enjoy the indoor play structure, while the Farm exhibit allows guests to pet animals like goats and feed the cows.

Hawthorne Race Course is a venue that offers both live racing and simulcasting. It is a thoroughbred horse racetrack with a one-mile dirt oval and a seven-furlong turf oval. The homestretch on the main track is 1,320 feet long, making it one of the longest in the country. Founded in 1891, Hawthorne Race Course is the oldest sporting venue in Illinois for horse racing, considered America's original sport. The business is family-owned and operated, now in its 4th generation, and has been hosting racing events on the City's border for over a century. The track is famously known as "Chicago's hometown track." Hawthorne is also the only race course in the nation that hosts both Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing. Additionally, they have the largest network of off-track betting bars in Illinois and offer two PointsBet Sportsbooks and a sportsbook at the track.

The Hideout is not your typical bar; it's a place where everyone is welcome, regardless of whether they fit in. This prohibition-era bar may be small, but it's been a community space for independent music and performance in Chicago for over 25 years. On Saturdays, you can enjoy live music and dancing at The Hideout. It's a hub for music, art, performance, plays, poetry, rock, and rebellion. The bar is rooted in complex, hard-playing, creative artistic expression and intellectual freedom. It's more New Deal than New Age, and while it's not for everyone, it's for anyone who wants to experience something unique and authentic.

If you want a unique entertainment experience in Chicago, consider visiting the historic Chicago Theatre. The theatre has been restored to its former glory and is now a popular venue for concerts and shows. It features a French Baroque design, crystal chandeliers, ornate artwork, and other decadent details. The iconic marquee of the theatre symbolizes the city and has been featured in countless works of art, photography, television shows, and movies. Apart from its rich history and stunning architecture, the Chicago Theatre is also a famous venue for live performances. It has hosted various events, including stage plays, magic shows, stand-up comedy, and musical acts. Many favorite artists have performed on its stage, including Frank Sinatra, Dolly Parton, Prince, and Kanye West, to name just a few.