EXPLORATION SITES IN ILLINOIS

< HOME | SEE VIDEOS

Damen Silos
Also known as The Sante Fe Grain Elevator (or the set of the fourth Transformers movie), this site of the south branch of the Chicago River is probably the most well-known urbex site in the city. And rightfully so... it's also my favorite. Click the link to read its history... as told through explosions.

Chicago Underground Pedway
Okay, I admit, this sounds cooler than it really is. On the bright side, if you're not too daring, this one is 100% legal and nobody knows about it. Apparently, you can walk at least five miles of Chicago underground to avoid the frigid winter or massive crowds. Who knew? Me. I knew. 

Roof of Swift Hall​
If you're a student at or near Northwestern, it's one of the few climbable roofs on campus. Find out how to get up - and check out the view from above. 

Garfield Park Conservatory​
Explore 2.5 miles of indoor greenhouses to hide from the windy city drafts year-round. You'll learn about all kinds of different climates, waltz through limitless Instagram picture opportunities, and the best part? It's absolutely free. No joke. Get your butt over here.

Abandoned Warehouse
This crumbling warehouse located on the same property as the infamous Damen Silos is just as exciting to explore. If you were a fan of Milwaukee Wisconsin's Urbex sweetheart "Solvay," you'll absolutely love this place.

Northwestern University Steam Tunnels
Yet another item on our Northwestern Adventure bucket list, the steam tunnels have been a classic NU exploration (before and after The Daily decided to send reporters down there). Check out my map of access points and rules for passage before heading down there to avoid getting lost... or burnt.

Edgewater Hospital
Ever wondered where Hillary Clinton was born? Ever wanted to get arrested? Kill all of these birds with one stone and come to Edgewater Hospital, the most difficult place to successfully break into after this notoriously-watched abandoned school in Greenfield, Wisconsin.