Curious about Chicago’s storied past? Multimedia displays at this museum cover it all, from the Great Fire to the 1968 Democratic Convention. President Lincoln's deathbed is here; the bell from Mrs O'Leary's cow is here. So is the chance to 'become' a Chicago hot dog covered in condiments (in the kids' area, but adults are welcome for the photo op).
The Diorama Hall is nifty, especially the model that shows the 1893 World's Fair set up. When you pay your entrance fee, ask for the free audio tour to enhance your visit. The on-site bookstore stocks hard-to-find local history tomes.
