Any geek spots in Chicago?

[Quasqueton]

I'll be in Chicago this week on business, but I'll have some time to explore if there's something worthwhile to see. Any really cool game stores or comic shops in Chicago that would be worth the effort of figuring out my way around the city? Any other geek spots that might be interesting for me?

Quasqueton

 

[johnsemlak]

Games Plus, I believe run by EN World's own thalmin, is one of the best game shops I've visited.

 

[francisca]

Games Plus, I believe run by EN World's own thalmin, is one of the best game shops I've visited.

I second that.

 

[diaglo]

I second that.

thirded. and i've only visited it online.

 

[kenobi65]

Fourthed, and it's been my FLGS for 17 years now (and, yes, it is indeed run by thalmin).

Beyond that, we've got some great museums. Depending on the nature of your geek interests, you may enjoy:
- The Museum of Science and Industry
- The Adler Planetarium
- The Shedd Aquarium
- The Field Museum of Natural History

Adler, Shedd, and Field are all right next to each other; MSI is several miles south of them on Lake Shore Drive.

There's a traveling exhibit currently at the Field -- a bunch of artifacts from Tutanhkamun's tomb. It'll only be here through the end of the year, and it's not a cheap ticket, but it's very, very cool (took my lovely bride, the Egyptologist-wannabee, to it when it opened a few months ago).

 

[johnsemlak]

- The Field Museum of Natural History

Adler, Shedd, and Field are all right next to each other; MSI is several miles south of them on Lake Shore Drive.

There's a traveling exhibit currently at the Field -- a bunch of artifacts from Tutanhkamun's tomb. It'll only be here through the end of the year, and it's not a cheap ticket, but it's very, very cool (took my lovely bride, the Egyptologist-wannabee, to it when it opened a few months ago).

In addition to the Field museum, the Oriental Institute Museum is excellent for those interested in Near Easter history. It's in Hyde Park, near afore mentioned Museum of Science and Industry. Hyde Park also boasts excellent used book shops.

 

[BOZ]

i've never been to that one, John, but it does sound interesting.

 

[Zander]

I'll add my support for Games Plus. I've been to games stores all over the world from Bergen in Norway to Christchurch in New Zealand, and Games Plus is among the best.

If you're interested in architecture, take one of the river and lake architectural cruises.

And if you're into fine art, I highly recommend the Art Institute.

I've been to a couple of comic book stores in Chicago but they didn't impress me much.

 

[loki44]

In addition to the Field museum, the Oriental Institute Museum is excellent for those interested in Near Easter history.

It's part of the University of Chicago and is excellent. The hall of arms in the Art Institute is also one of the best collections of medieval weapons and armor that I've ever seen.

 

[BOZ]

yes, it kicks much ass! great stuff for the D&D fan, or history buff.