Wicker Park

Sure, Chicago invented the zipper and a handful of other bric-a-brac. The city’s true legacy, though, will be in a strange softball game invented here. Aptly named, 16-Inch Softball uses the same rules as normal softball, but with shorter games, a bigger, squishier ball and a complete lack of gloves or mitts on the fielders. They’ve been playing it in Chicago for over 75 years, and Wicker Park is a prime place to see the unique local sport played by die-hard fanatics. And for travelers suffering withdrawal from the pooch left at home, Wicker Park’s dog park is a great way to get in some quality canine time.