Where, Oh Where, is Old Chicago?
A Tale of Lost Cities and Pizza Chains
So, you wanna know where Old Chicago was, huh? Well, buckle up, because this is a story that's about as clear as mud on a rainy day.
Let's clear something up right away: When most people talk about "Old Chicago," they're probably not referring to some ancient metropolis buried under Lake Michigan. No, they're usually talking about two things:
- Old Chicago, the Restaurant Chain: This place is as real as deep-dish pizza and pitchers of beer. They've got locations scattered all over the place, serving up cheesy goodness and frosty beverages. So, if you're craving some grub, no need to dig for it.
- Old Chicago, the Amusement Park: Now, this is where things get interesting. It was a bizarre experiment in combining shopping and thrills, kind of like if your local mall had a rollercoaster. Unfortunately, it was a spectacular failure and is now just a footnote in history.
The Rise and Fall of a Shopping Mall/Amusement Park Hybrid
Okay, let's talk about the real Old Chicago. The one that was supposed to be the next big thing but ended up being more like the next big flop. It was a shopping mall. But not just any shopping mall. Oh no, this one had roller coasters, carousels, and other amusement park attractions. It was like a fever dream of a bored real estate developer.
Located in Bolingbrook, Illinois, it was supposed to be a year-round destination for families. But it turned out that people prefer to shop and play in separate locations. Who knew? Not the folks who built Old Chicago, apparently.
After a brief, shining moment, Old Chicago closed its doors for good. The rides were sold off, the stores packed up, and the building was eventually demolished. And that, my friends, is the sad story of a place that tried to be everything to everyone and ended up being nothing to anyone.
So, Where Can You Find Old Chicago Today?
Well, as I mentioned before, if you're craving those Chicago-style pizzas and brews, your local Old Chicago restaurant is the place to be. But if you're looking for remnants of the amusement park, you're out of luck. It's gone, baby, gone.
How to Find Old Chicago Today
- How to find the nearest Old Chicago restaurant: Use their website or a location finder app.
- How to find information about the old amusement park: Check out local historical societies or online archives.
- How to recreate the Old Chicago experience: Invite friends over for a pizza party and watch old amusement park videos.
- How to avoid disappointment: Lower your expectations.
- How to enjoy a good story: Keep reading!