Outer space - and DJs - on the shores of Lake Michigan

America's first ever planetarium is a striking place. Housed on a man-made parkland peninsula jutting out into Lake Michigan, its beautiful mosque-like 1930 building is worth looking at alone for its retro-futurist elegance.

The tone of the Adler planetarium's exhibitions is slanted more towards younger visitors, but there's still much to see among the collection of permanent and temporary exhibitions and three projector-equipped theaters, especially for those without too much knowledge of astronomy.

It's most interesting to visit is during the Adler's regular 'After Dark' nights (every third Thursday from 6.30pm to 10.30pm), which complement the exhibits with cocktails, snacks, music from DJs and general socialising. With the planetarium’s position in Grant Park offering stunning nighttime views of the Chicago skyline, these occasions make for an interesting, unusual evening's entertainment.