Chicago for an atypical tourist?
September 5, 2008 1:42 PM Subscribe
I'm going to Chicago, Sunday - Wednesday. What geeky/techie things should I not miss while I'm there?
I'm going to Chicago with a fellow geek friend for IMTS (machine tool/manufacturing trade show) next week. I'm looking for some fun things to do Monday and Tuesday afternoon/evening. I would like to know about any local electronics junk/surplus shops, machinery junk/surplus, museums that cater to adults and have interesting displays about technology (new or especially old), or anything else of the kind.
Examples of great finds that I've really enjoyed in other cities are Fair Radio (Lima OH), Exploratorium (San Francisco CA), HGR Industrial Surplus (Euclid OH), Boeing Surplus (Wichita KS), Early Television Museum (Hilliard OH), Pavek Museum (St. Louis Park, MN).
I'm going to Chicago with a fellow geek friend for IMTS (machine tool/manufacturing trade show) next week. I'm looking for some fun things to do Monday and Tuesday afternoon/evening. I would like to know about any local electronics junk/surplus shops, machinery junk/surplus, museums that cater to adults and have interesting displays about technology (new or especially old), or anything else of the kind.
Examples of great finds that I've really enjoyed in other cities are Fair Radio (Lima OH), Exploratorium (San Francisco CA), HGR Industrial Surplus (Euclid OH), Boeing Surplus (Wichita KS), Early Television Museum (Hilliard OH), Pavek Museum (St. Louis Park, MN).
The Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum is very cool.
posted by bubukaba at 2:00 PM on September 5, 2008
posted by bubukaba at 2:00 PM on September 5, 2008
While it is probably a bit of a haul from where you show is, American Science and Surplus is an absolute dork paradise.
Even if you barely have time to browse, make sure you pick up one of their catalogs! They are hilarious.
"Frenel lens...melts pavement in 8 seconds"...."Little rounds plastic box, not sure what it's for but we have ten case of them", plus all sorts of odd-ball military surplus stuff, just incase you need a french infantry coat
Far NW side of city, right at foster and milwaukee
posted by timsteil at 2:01 PM on September 5, 2008 [5 favorites]
Even if you barely have time to browse, make sure you pick up one of their catalogs! They are hilarious.
"Frenel lens...melts pavement in 8 seconds"...."Little rounds plastic box, not sure what it's for but we have ten case of them", plus all sorts of odd-ball military surplus stuff, just incase you need a french infantry coat
Far NW side of city, right at foster and milwaukee
posted by timsteil at 2:01 PM on September 5, 2008 [5 favorites]
Timsteil...you beat me! American Science and Surplus (in Niles, which is close), is the coolest place EVER. You will be the envy of nerds and geeks and geeklets everywhere! They are even having their annual warehouse sale, so it's like they threw you a party!
Last time, I bought tiny LEDs (fake "security system"), crazy mad-scientist pyrex bottles, and a p-38 (for all my can-opening emergencies).
posted by answergrape at 2:08 PM on September 5, 2008 [3 favorites]
Last time, I bought tiny LEDs (fake "security system"), crazy mad-scientist pyrex bottles, and a p-38 (for all my can-opening emergencies).
posted by answergrape at 2:08 PM on September 5, 2008 [3 favorites]
Last time, I bought tiny LEDs (fake "security system"), crazy mad-scientist pyrex bottles, and a p-38 (for all my can-opening emergencies).
when I was in the service we used to call P-38's "John Waynes".....don't know why, but I know I used to use the hell out of mine.
Great store, and great sale coming up. Shit, last time I was there I was getting my car fixed across the street, and spent a pleasant hour walking the aisles listening to what must have been the best of Beck, and wondering what the wife would say if I came home with half of a radar unit from a B-52, or a WWII era gas mask, or whatever.
I hope fritley goes. It's like a half mile from me. I can show him where they keep the crime scene tape.
posted by timsteil at 2:17 PM on September 5, 2008
when I was in the service we used to call P-38's "John Waynes".....don't know why, but I know I used to use the hell out of mine.
Great store, and great sale coming up. Shit, last time I was there I was getting my car fixed across the street, and spent a pleasant hour walking the aisles listening to what must have been the best of Beck, and wondering what the wife would say if I came home with half of a radar unit from a B-52, or a WWII era gas mask, or whatever.
I hope fritley goes. It's like a half mile from me. I can show him where they keep the crime scene tape.
posted by timsteil at 2:17 PM on September 5, 2008
Whoa, thanks for letting us know about the sale, answergrape! I've never been to the warehouse. Yeah, American Science and Surplus rules.
I loved the Museum of Science and Industry as a kid and would probably still have fun there.
posted by ignignokt at 2:25 PM on September 5, 2008
I loved the Museum of Science and Industry as a kid and would probably still have fun there.
posted by ignignokt at 2:25 PM on September 5, 2008
The Boring Store?
1331 North Milwaukee. Get off at the Division Blue Line stop. Kind of atypical and fun?
posted by Sreiny at 2:43 PM on September 5, 2008
1331 North Milwaukee. Get off at the Division Blue Line stop. Kind of atypical and fun?
posted by Sreiny at 2:43 PM on September 5, 2008
Museum of Holography. Small, but might be fun.
posted by damn dirty ape at 2:48 PM on September 5, 2008
Cernan Earth and Space center 20 or so miles outside Chicago.
posted by damn dirty ape at 2:52 PM on September 5, 2008
posted by damn dirty ape at 2:52 PM on September 5, 2008
I used to live next to the museum of holography that damn dirty ape linked to. lots of folks told me it was really great but the opening hours were lame and I never made it inside. they are quite close to oprah and the ogilvy train station. if you do happen to stop by there, please do let me know how it was?
also lame: they don't seem to allow photography.
posted by krautland at 3:10 PM on September 5, 2008
also lame: they don't seem to allow photography.
posted by krautland at 3:10 PM on September 5, 2008
American Science and Surplus has a warehouse sale this Saturday and Sunday in Niles.
posted by nitsuj at 3:23 PM on September 5, 2008
posted by nitsuj at 3:23 PM on September 5, 2008
The Boring Store?
1331 North Milwaukee. Get off at the Division Blue Line stop. Kind of atypical and fun?
posted by Sreiny at 2:43 PM on September 5 [+] [!]
Eh, I've been there and it actually was fairly boring...
posted by LSK at 3:33 PM on September 5, 2008 [1 favorite]
1331 North Milwaukee. Get off at the Division Blue Line stop. Kind of atypical and fun?
posted by Sreiny at 2:43 PM on September 5 [+] [!]
Eh, I've been there and it actually was fairly boring...
posted by LSK at 3:33 PM on September 5, 2008 [1 favorite]
The Fermilab is a bit of a haul, but they have a hosted tour on Wednesday.
posted by wfrgms at 9:49 AM on September 7, 2008
posted by wfrgms at 9:49 AM on September 7, 2008
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Oktober at 1:53 PM on September 5, 2008