Things to do in Andersonville, Chicago

By Dom Bewley
andersonville water tower

Chicago is a great city full of diversity, including from some unexpected places. Andersonville is known locally as 'Little Sweden', thanks to its Swedish immigrant community. So why not go and see what all the fuss is about? These are the best things to do in Andersonville when you vacation in Chicago!

Including:

  • Comic collections
  • Art galleries
  • Historical museums
  • Magic shows
  • New age performances
  • and more!
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Stand up comics

In the past decade or so, comic books have seen a resurgence, thanks to the popularity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America have all become household names in the past decade, with their films bringing in billions. So, it's no wonder that comic shops like Alley Cat Comics are reaping the benefits too! Nestled behind an iron gate, you'll find this delightful shop. Step inside, and you'll discover a world of comics, graphic novels, and books, so if you're in the market for a specific release, or looking to increase your collection, go check them out. They also host weekly game nights, if you fancy sprinkling a little competition into the mix.

Art attack

Andersonville might be called Little Sweden due to its large Scandinavian population, but that brings other continental benefits along with it. In this case, we're talking culture, and by culture, we mean art galleries. if you want to get your art on, Andersonville's got you covered.

For nearly 30 years, Las Manos Gallery has showcased the work of local artists, giving visitors an impression of the area from those who call it home. Now, it doubles as a store, where you can purchase your favorite pieces! A great stop on your tour of Andersonville, if you're looking for things to hang on your dreary walls.

For a more eclectic, community-focused collection of hand-crafted art, clothing, jewelry, and much more, head over to Andersonville Galleria. Over one hundred vendors display their wares across two winding floors, so it's a great place to explore and discover something that's just right for you.

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Historical signifance

Given the influence Swedish immigrants continue to have on the area, it's no wonder Andersonville has a museum dedicated to them. For over forty years, the Swedish American Museum has done just that.

With thousands of artifacts to see, and personal stories to read, it's a fascinating look at how Swedes helped make the US the country it is today. So, if you want to know more about Andersonville's rich culture and history, you know what to do.

It's magic!

Is your life missing a little spark? Is the banality of the real world dragging you down? Well, why not add a little magic to your vacation? Well, take a walk to the Chicago Magic Lounge and discover a world of wonder within its walls.

Expect to find a wide variety of magic shows across its three performance spaces, as well as a fully-stocked bar, a menu of delicious bites, and even kid-friendly performances on Sundays. They really pulled the rabbit out of the hat with this one. Sorry. No, I'm not sorry. Wordplay is the nectar of the gods.

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The Future is now

On the subject of shows, why not catch some theater while you're in town? We're not talking about any of that traditional stuff, either. We're talking weird. We're talking leftfield. We're talking quick-fire theatre.

At the Neo-Futurarium, they specialize in indie theatre. What makes them unique is their signature shows, which are an hour long and contain thirty short plays that lead into one another. In their cozy performance space, you'll be expected to get involved in the action, so be prepared for that should you dare venture forth. And, if you're truly taken by their style, you can even learn from them at some of their in-house workshops!

Caffeine dreams

After all that doing, you might be needing a pick me up to see you through. Luckily, Andersonville has one of the best coffee houses in Chicago! At the Coffee Studio, you'll find a selection of locally-sourced, sustainably-grown coffees and teas in a wide variety of flavors and styles.

And if you want to have a go at making your own at home, they even sell all the tools you'll need to make your own fantastic brews. If you wander in after dark, you'll find this coffee house has transformed into a craft beer and liquor joint, where you can try some local creations of the alcoholic variety!

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Eat, don't deplete

Looking for a nice place to grab some grub during your stay? Andersonville's got you covered with some amazing eateries right on your doorstep.

m.henry offers a wide variety of New American cuisine options for both breakfast and brunch, with some international fusions to keep you guessing. Grab a fried egg sandwich and a continental pastry, and wash it all down with some freshly-squeezed juice. The perfect way to start your day!

Or, if you're looking for something a little spicier, or some amazing ingredients to cook up your own masterpiece, head over to the Middle East Bakery and Grocery. Pick up a falafel wrap, a pie, or some homemade soup along with a delightful selection of spices, fruit, and veg.

Drink, don't think!

And let's end this list on a night out. If you're looking to knock back a few brews before bed, check out our favorite Andersonville watering holes.

Hopleaf has over sixty beers on tap, from local craft brews to international greats. Go see which one is your favorite, and maybe pair it with a little seafood or a meat board if you're feeling peckish?

Or, check out a Prohibition-era speakeasy turned Nordic bar at Simon's. Come for the delicious drinks, traditional mulled wine, and other seasonal treats. Stay for the welcoming atmosphere and fascinating decor!

And that was our list for the best things to do in Andersonville, Chicago! Looking for more to do in the city? Why not make the most of your trip and see all of Chicago's landmarks in one fell swoop?

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Ravenswood Chicago

From ‘90s up-and-coming neighborhood to today’s laid-back residential district, Ravenswood sits in Chicago’s North Side about 500 meters from Lake Michigan’s Montrose Beach. Often spoken about together with its Lincoln Square enclave, Ravenswood is well-connected by metro to the delights of downtown. You won’t find too many places to stay, but head in this direction and you will find a fantastic riverside area and a fine selection of places to eat and drink among cleverly repurposed historic structures dating from around the time of the Great Fire in 1871. Looking for things to do in Ravenswood Chicago? Here’s our guide to the area’s top attractions. Parks and gardens in Ravenswood Chicago With a name such as Ravenswood it’s fantastic to see that green spaces still play a significant part in life in the neighborhood. They comprise a mosaic of public gardens situated at each cardinal compass point. The smallest, on the eastern edge of Ravenswood, is Chase Park, a fun place to get a little physical activity since it contains an outdoor pool, tennis courts (which can be enjoyed from M Bakery) and a running track. Although it also contains an outdoor pool and tennis courts, River Park has a more natural appearance. Taking in North Shore Channel Trail and popular with dog owners, it occupies a beautiful part of the banks of the Chicago River. Welles Park has a historic bandstand-style gazebo, and an indoor pool. Just outside the official boundaries of Lincoln Square and Ravenswood, Rosehill Cemetery is a charming spot from which to take in some of Chicago’s history from a personal perspective. Dating from 1859, its 350 acres contains the graves of North Side residents spanning over 150 years, including soldiers who fought on both sides during the American Civil War. Down time in Ravenswood Whilst its parks and gardens are an awesome addition to the neighborhood, Ravenswood is really known for its post-work and weekend hangouts. Of a long list of places to shop, Ravenswood’s resident bookworms highly recommend The Book Cellar, whose welcoming vibes extend as far as an onsite café where you’ll find a range of sandwiches, soups and freshly-ground coffees. ENJOY, An Urban General Store is one of those treasure trove stores you can’t believe your luck in discovering, with shelves loaded with quirky gifts, cards and stationery. Meanwhile, the thrift store Village Discount Outlet’s humble exterior belies a constantly changing stock of one-of-a-kind second-hand items as kind on the budget as on the planet. When hunger makes its presence felt look no further than River Valley Farmer’s Table, whose mid-morning locally-sourced breakfasts are rapidly gaining legendary status. If you can’t find a spot at this farm-to-table restaurant and grocery store head instead to Pastores Brunch, one of a clutch of favorites on North Lincoln Avenue. For drinks, the Sixth makes for a classy cocktail bar with a cool urban feel. Decked out in black with yellow highlights, this LGBTQ+ friendly location has a bar menu encompassing not only the classics but some homegrown inventions too. Or there’s O’Shaughnessy’s Public House, taking the stereotypical Irish bar to new places and Wolcott Tap, whose atmosphere is second to none and beer list one of the best in town. Things to do in Ravenswood Saved from demolition by community pressure, the Davis Theater has been entertaining Ravenswood with first-run movie screenings for over 100 years. The longest continuously operated movie theater in Chicago, its matinee screenings are particularly good value. Elsewhere, the stage at Chicago Magic Lounge always seems set for slight of hand par excellence, whilst its speakeasy style harks back to the dark days of gangland feuds between Al Capone and Bugs Moran – culminating in the St Valentine’s Day Massacre. It may not be the Field Museum, but the Swedish American Museum does a good job of detailing the influence of Swedish immigrants to the Ravenswood area. Alongside its royal seal of approval – King Carl XVI Gustaf attended its opening ceremony – its collection includes personal objects, paintings and stories. Similarly, the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center aims to preserve the unique cultural contribution of German immigrants through a series of rotating displays and temporary exhibitions from German artists. Not to be missed in Ravenswood The heart of Ravenswood and Lincoln Square is Giddings Plaza, a pedestrianized road of just 20 meters or so. What it lacks in size it makes up for in community spirit, being the place to head to meet up with friends before delving into one of the small boutique stores that surround it. During the festive season it’s the location of a large Christmas tree and the sound of live music often drifts away from it in the warmer months thanks to a summer concert season. Lillstreet Gallery is more gift store than art center these days, though it’s still one of the best places in northern Chicago to check out the work of the next generation of makers – and help them on their way to success with a small purchase. With your help, their work could one day make it into the hallowed halls of the Museum of Contemporary Art, alongside Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol. To peruse another form of art – the skill involved in the production of whiskies and other spirits – look no further than Koval Distillery’s regular tours. Heading behind the scenes of the first distillery to set up shop in Chicago since before the prohibition era, you’ll get insight into the grain-to-bottle ethos and the chance to sample some of the resulting award-winning concoctions. Make your money go further Just a small part of the North Side, there are still plenty of things to do in Ravenswood Chicago. Alongside Lincoln Square, this neighborhood provides a contrast to the bustle of the Magnificent Mile downtown. Whether you arrive by metro, Uber or rental bike, be sure to travel with Go City. Our passes are a simple way to save on trips to Chicago and cities worldwide, giving incredible savings on admission to many of the top attractions around.
Ian Packham
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Best walks in Chicago

Think of Chicago and your thoughts either go to the racier parts of the musical and movie that share the city’s name, or major downtown landmarks. After all, there’s the views from the Skydeck of Willis Tower to look forward to, alongside the photographic opportunities around the Cloud Gate sculpture in Millennium Park. However, Chicago also has a wilder side. And it’s one that’s easily enjoyed on foot. From strolls of just a couple of hours to full-day hikes, we’ve brought together the very best walks in Chicago just for you! North Shore Channel Trail A multi-use trail – meaning you’ll more than likely encounter cyclists, joggers and skaters too – the North Shore Channel Trail picks up in the Lincoln Square area of Chicago’s North Side and follows a canal-like channel dug in the early 1900s towards its outlet at Wilmette. Passing through Stokie, its easy 13 mile total length takes in the 60 artworks of Stokie Northshore Sculpture Park and Evaston Ecology Center within the Ladd Arboretum as well as the beauty of the city’s north. The 606 Providing new opportunities for hiking around Chicago, the 606 was created out of an unused rail line cutting west-east through the Humboldt Park and West Loop neighborhoods for a little under three miles. Its former life as a railroad track means the gradient is almost undetectable, making it a great pick for families with young children in pushchairs and strollers. It’s also very readily accessible thanks to several entry and exit points. Also known as the Bloomingdale Trail after the name of the former rail line, this elevated greenway and linear park may remind some of New York’s Highline, though the 606 is almost twice as long. It takes its new name from the area’s zip code numbers. Lakeshore Trail With walking boots in hand – or on foot – you won’t want to miss perhaps the most scenic walking trail in Chicago, the 18 mile Lakeshore Trail. Taking in a mix of urban splendor, parkland, beaches and lagoons, it’s a highly-rated way of exploring the shores of Lake Michigan however much you decide to walk of it. And let’s face it, with the wealth of attractions on the trail’s doorstep, from North Avenue Beach to Centennial Wheel and the Shedd Aquarium, it could easily take you two or three days to tackle its entire length, recently split between designated walking and cycling trails. Deer Grove Situated on Chicago’s northern outskirts, Deer Grove’s two adjoining segments, Deer Grove East and Forest Preserve, form a winding system of footpaths. Those closest to the main entrances are paved, and total around four miles, whilst unsurfaced trails lead about the trees, prairies and ponds for a further ten miles across 2000 acres. The birdlife here is some of the best in the region, with other species of wildlife to look out for including the white-tailed deer after which the preserve is named. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve A thirty minute drive outside of the city, which may not sit comfortably with everyone’s idea of walking trips, Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve has around 11 miles of mapped trails to choose between once you’ve arrived. Although it contains a small (artificial) cascade tumbling over some low rocks, it actually takes its name from a district board of commissioners’ president. One for nature lovers, its woodlands contain three quarters of all the plant species found in the region, alongside a long list of birds, fish, amphibians and mammals. Deep within its 2500 acres you’ll also find St Patrick Cemetery, which few others visit even on the busiest of days. The Magnificent Mile For urban exploration in its truest sense right at the heart of downtown Chicago there’s the Magnificent Mile. The honorary title given to the upper section of North Michigan Avenue, it runs from the Chicago River to Oak Street. Lined with mid-range and luxury stores, hotels and restaurants, it has some of the highest real estate figures in the US. It also boasts some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the John Hancock Center – home to the 360 CHICAGO viewing platform. On the face of it, walking its length shouldn’t take you more than 30 minutes, but with so many store windows to check out and buildings to take in, it can take much longer than that. Save your stroll along the Magnificent Mile for later in the day, and if your feet are feeling tired, you can always make use of the Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing buses which ply the route instead. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Follow Route 55 southwest with the help of a motor engine and in around an hour you’ll reach Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Covering 19,000 acres of federally protected land, the prairie has over 20 miles of mixed use trails in addition to 12 miles of paths saved for hikers alone. Created out of an old army ammunition store with the aim of maintaining the region’s traditional prairie lands, since 2015 it has also been the home of one of the only wild-roaming bison herds in the country, totaling around 50 animals. They are allowed to move across roughly 10% of the prairie’s total area and are docile unless threatened. Morton Arboretum Walks If you’re a little nervous about heading into the wilds, Morton Arboretum makes for a great alternative. Forty-five minutes from the downtown neighborhoods, it has its own restored tallgrass prairie (minus the bison) as well as 16 miles of surfaced paths through burr reed marsh, woodland and landscapes of marginal lakes. Summer and fall see the arboretum host Theater-Hikes, where visitors walk between outdoor performances, whilst the Christmas period is given over to annual illuminations. Don’t miss anything with Go City The best walks in Chicago combine aspects of all the city has to offer to tourists young and old. Varying in length, difficulty and setting, they provide a different and often unique way of exploring the windy city. Travel with Go City and there’s also the chance to save when you stroll and stride. Many of the best walking trails in Chicago pass by the city’s bucket list attractions, so why not take a breather, skip the lines and save big on admission all at the same time?
Ian Packham

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