What are some "non-tourist" thing around Chicago?

I'm going on a week-long vacation to Chicago, and I'm just wondering what are some places that are off the beaten path? I already planned on the Willis Tower, Mililenium Park, Gino's East, and the like. Are their any places to look out for in and around Chicago? Any places in Canada, Wisconsin, or Michigan that I can drive up to?What are some "non-tourist" thing around Chicago?
-The Early Warnings section gives you an idea of what live acts will be in town. Best places in the city to see a show include Empty Bottle, Hideout, Double Door, Metro, depending on who is playing. Larger Venues include the Vic and the Riviera. Lincoln Hall is new, have not been there yet.



-The restaurant reviews are among some of the best in the city.



-Hotels - I would try the Club Quarters on Wacker if you want to stay downtown, and are looking at that range. The Marathon is on OCtober 9th, so hotel rooms might be tough to come by.



Cool bars- depends on what you are into, odds are we have something. As for beers, Revolution Brewing and the Map Room have a nice selection. Combine burgers and good beers, Kuma's Corner is a nice trip, though there is usually a line to get in.What are some "non-tourist" thing around Chicago?
In Chicago area:



-Chicago Botanical Gardens- seriously absolutely gorgeous place with waterfalls, fountains, bridges, and amazing ice cream



-Bahai Temple- in Wilmette (a suburb). stunning piece of architecture.



-Volo Bog- definitely off the beaten path (Volo, IL), but it's a very nice state park with a boardwalk through a marsh and lots of wildlife viewing/bird-watching opportunities





In Michigan:

-Midland, MI- this is definitely a virtually unknown town, but it's wonderful and very unique. you can see a three-legged bridge, a hill covered in colorful dahlias, about 40 different troll statues on Main Street, and Dow Gardens which is just a gorgeous, very intimate place that is definitely underrated



-Warren Dunes State Park- about 2.5 hrs from Chicago, a state park where you can climb lots of sand dunes. plus, it has a huge beach.



-Frederick Meijer Sculpture Park- in grand rapids, MI; lots of odd sculptures. very interesting place.



-Holland, MI- this is an authentic dutch village with lots of tulips, mills, authentic Dutch food, and a very fun swing rideWhat are some "non-tourist" thing around Chicago?
= The Museum Campus, near Soldier Field, is home to The Field Museum and the Adler Planetarium, two excellent museums. See our museums section for more information. Also located at Museum Campus is the Shedd Aquarium, which is the world's largest indoor aquarium with more than 8,000 aquatic animals representing more than 700 species from all parts of the world. You can take a water taxi between Museum Campus and Navy Pier.
Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum and Navy Pier are cool places. Wisconsin Dells is really enjoyable for its theme and water parks.