Chicago’s most unlikely tourist attraction, the Chicago Rat Hole location was on an unassuming street in Roscoe Village. The phenomenon had existed on West Roscoe Street for decades and was affectionately named the Rat Hole by local residents. But, after a comedian tweeted images of the Rat Hole on the social media platform, X, in January 2024, Chicago residents and tourists began flocking to the area to see it for themselves.
What Is the Chicago Rat Hole?
The Chicago Rat Hole is a rodent-shaped impression on a sidewalk slab, complete with claws and a tail. Many people treated the Rat Hole as a shrine and would turn up to take selfies and leave offerings such as cheese, coins, flowers, children’s toys, alcohol, and more.
With its sudden growth in popularity, the Lakeview Roscoe Village’s Chamber of Commerce began accepting suggestions for names for the unfortunate rodent. Residents were invited to vote for one of the five finalists, which were Roscoe Road-dent, Splat, Lil’ Stucky, Splatatouille, and Dibs. Splatatouille was the winning name.
After the initial excitement over the newfound fame of the Rat Hole, residents began to complain about the influx of sightseers at all hours of the day and night. They were also concerned that the well-meaning food offerings might attract real rats. Sadly, in April 2024, the sidewalk slab with the rat impression was removed by the Chicago Department of Transportation after an inspection determined it was damaged.
How Did the Chicago Rat Hole Happen?
There’s some debate over the Rat Hole’s origins with some residents believing it’s actually an impression of a squirrel. One expert agrees and thinks it is most likely that a squirrel fell from a tree onto the wet concrete.
If you didn’t get a chance to see the Rat Hole in situ, don’t despair. The sidewalk slab has been kept intact and is in storage while city officials decide what to do with it. There are suggestions it could be installed in a local park for all to see.
Other Unique Things To Do In Chicago
Of course, there are plenty of other unique things to do in Chicago in the absence of the Rat Hole.
Millennium Park
Millennium Park is a Chicago attraction not to be missed. In addition to plenty of green spaces, the park features peaceful gardens, public art, interactive fountains, rock climbing, skating rinks, exhibition spaces, and restaurants.
The Cloud Gate, popularly known as The Bean because of its shape, is a huge mirrored sculpture. Its curved surfaces allow visitors to see themselves and views of the city’s skyline.
The park’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion features a towering bandshell and an outdoor stage with a state-of-the-art sound system. Visitors can picnic on the Great Lawn while enjoying free music and film events.
Entrance to Millennium Park is free.
Chicago Water Tower
Located at 806 North Michigan Ave., the striking Chicago Water Tower was built in 1869 as part of the city’s waterworks system. Despite its ornate castellated Gothic design, the tower was only built to disguise a 138-foot standpipe that equalized water pressure from the pumping station on the other side of the street.
Myth has it that the water tower was the only building that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. That’s not true, but it was certainly the most iconic building left standing. It became a symbol of the Chicagoans’ determination to rebuild the city and their “I will” spirit. The tower now houses an art gallery run by the city of Chicago.
The Chicago Water Tower is only open during exhibitions and admission is free.
Buckingham Fountain
Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park is a spectacular lakeside attraction that enthralls all who see it. Its inspiration was taken from one of the elaborate fountains at the Palace of Versailles in France, but Buckingham Fountain is twice the size. As one of the world’s biggest fountains, it uses up to 15,000 gallons of water every minute.
The fountain with its surrounding sculptures was opened in 1927. Every hour during the day, a 20-minute water display includes the fountain’s centerpiece shooting a 150-foot jet of water into the air. After dark, you can enjoy a dazzling music and light show every hour on the hour.
Buckingham Fountain is free to visit. Water shows can be seen from May to mid-October.
Chicago Museum Campus
Museum Campus is a 57-acre lakeshore park housing three of Chicago’s most popular attractions. You can visit the Shedd Aquarium, which is home to over 32,000 aquatic animals, including beluga whales, sharks, and dolphins. The Field Museum is a treasure trove of natural history with exhibits from tiny bugs to enormous dinosaurs, including the most complete dinosaur skeleton ever found.
Explore outer space at the Adler Planetarium and its state-of-the-art theater. The campus is also home to the Soldier Field football stadium. In Museum Campus South, you’ll find the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, the country’s largest science museum, the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures, and more. Of course, you could just enjoy the park with its beautiful lake views.
Entry to the park is free, The institutions have varying entrance fees.
Pilsen Street Art
Pilsen in Chicago is renowned for its street art and vibrant murals representing Mexican culture and celebrating self-expression and creativity. The artworks were started in the late 1960s by three Mexican artists, initially in opposition to the Vietnam War, but also as inspiration for Mexican-Americans to celebrate their rich heritage.
In recent years, the street art has become more mainstream with some artists gaining international fame. Young people are also being inspired to create murals. You can explore the district on your own or hire a guide to ensure you don’t miss any of the amazing Pilsen street art.
Enjoy the Art of Deep-Dish Pizza
So, there you have it, some of Chicago’s finest unique things to do. After all that exploring and sightseeing you’ll have built up an appetite, so head over to Pequod’s Pizza in Chicago at 2207 N. Clybourn Ave. for Chicago’s best deep-dish pizza.
Photo of high-rise building by Sawyer Bengtson licensed with Unsplash License