The list of things to do in Andersonville includes visiting the Swedish American Museum to learn about the neighborhood’s roots, going to a speakeasy style magic lounge, dining and shopping on Clark Street, and admiring historic architecture.
Andersonville is known for its Swedish roots, friendliness towards the LGBTQ+ community, and for being home many local and independent businesses. Arguably one of Chicago’s most beautiful and charming neighborhoods, Andersonville has quiet residential streets with stunning historic architecture and lots of businesses and activities on Clark Street. The neighborhood has the balance of feeling both urban and suburban.
The first Swedish immigrants came to Andersonville in the 1850s. After the Chicago Fire of 1871, many more Swedish immigrants moved further north to Andersonville which was a part of the City of Lakeview at the time. Moving to Andersonville and out of Chicago was appealing since Chicago after the fire a new law forbid the construction of wooden homes. By choosing Andersonville, homes could be constructed with wood which was more affordable than stone or brick.
With the new wave of Andersonville settlers, Swedish businesses began to fill Clark Street, and in 1889 Andersonville officially became part of Chicago. The neighborhood is still home to Swedish restaurants and businesses, plus the Swedish American Museum which hosts cultural events.
Chicago’s 1993 map of community areas includes Andersonville as part of Edgewater, although most consider Andersonville to be a distinct neighborhood and Mayor Daley even rededicated Andersonville in 1964.
Last updated: April 2022
Read More About Andersonville:
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Where is Andersonville?
Table of Contents
Andersonville is in north Chicago. It is north of Uptown and south of Edgewater and is bordered by Ravenswood Avenue, Foster Avenue, Magnolia Avenue, and Victoria Street.
How to Get to Andersonville:
While the Berwyn Red Line Stop is the closest, it is closed until 2024 for renovations. The Argyle Red Line Stop is the next closest L stop. Or, it is about a 20 minute walk from the Ravenswood Metra station to Andersonville.
Landmarks:
The Swedish Water Tower
This water tower located atop the Swedish American Museum at 5211 N. Clark St. has the Swedish flag painted on it and is the most iconic symbol of the neighborhood. The original wooden water tower came down in 2014 after it was damaged by Chicago’s harsh winters. In 2017 a replica water tower was put in its place – an event celebrated by the neighborhood.
Museums:
Swedish American Museum
This museum tells to story of Swedish immigration, Swedish communities in North America, and Swedish culture. The main permanent exhibition, Dream of America: Swedish Immigration into Chicago tells the story of Swedish immigrants’ journey to the new world and their struggles and successes as they build new lives and communities. The museum is also home to the Brunk Children’s Museum which offers hands-on learning opportunities for children. (The children’s museum is currently closed).
Edgewater Historical Society and Museum
The Edgewater Historical Society and Museum presents exhibits that explore the neighborhood’s history. Exhibits take on topics like the rising water level of Lake Michigan, the Edgewater Beach Hotel, and Indigenous History.
Things to Do in Andersonville:
Admire the Architecture
Andersonville’s residential architecture deserves admiration. There are many stunning homes in the neighborhood and one of the most exceptional is the “The Castle on Berwyn” located at 1430 W Berwyn Avenue. This home was built in 1904 and was designed by George Pfeiffer who also worked on World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893.
Chicago Magic Lounge
A speakeasy style magic theater and bar that is disguised as a laundromat. The Magic Lounge has three performance spaces and hosts a variety of magic shows including close-up magic, card tricks, illusionists, magician comedians, and hypnotists. There are shows for both families and adults.
Andersonville Farmers Market
The Andersonville Farmers Market takes place on Catalpa Avenue between Clark Street and Ashland Avenue on Wednesdays from 3 pm until 7 pm. The 2022 season runs from May 11 through October 19. The vendors include local bakeries and cafes in addition to farms selling produce, meat, eggs, and flowers.
Replay
This bar and restaurant has 22 vintage arcade games and pinball machines. There are designated kid-friendly hours.
Simon’s Tavern
Simon’s opened as a cafe in 1922 and then became a speakeasy during the Prohibition when N.N. (No Name Club), opened in the basement. When Prohibition ended in 1933, a 60-foot long bar was installed on the first floor. Today Simon’s is a neighborhood bar and is one of the few remaining businesses that was opened by a Swedish immigrant.
Urban Brew Labs
This craft brewery’s tap room offers over a dozen beers and ciders on draft plus a selection of canned beers. Food isn’t served but you can order in from local restaurants.
Theater:
The Neo-Futurists
The Neo-Futurists are a group of writers, directors, and performers who describe their work as a combination of sport, poetry, and a living newspaper. Current shows include The Infinite Wrench in which thirty original plays are performed in sixty minutes and 60 Songs in 60 Minutes a show where musicians race against a clock to perform all 60 songs.
Shopping in Andersonville:
Clark Street is lined with locally owned shops including several great antiques shops. The area from 4800 North Clark Street to 5800 North Clark makes up the Andersonville Commercial Historic District.
Galleria Andersonville
A market that features art, clothing, crafts, gifts, and gourmet foods from over 100 vendors and artisans.
Rattleback Records
A record shop selling new and used vinyl, cds, cassettes, and movies. The knowledgeable staff is happy to help customers build their music collection and to introduce them to new music.
Women & Children First
An independent bookshop that focuses on feminist books and books for children. The shop hosts events like book launches and conversations with authors.
Cowboys & Astronauts
A store for men carrying clothing, accessories, self care products, and home goods for the modern man.
Raygun
A shop selling clever and quirky Chicago themed tees and products like tees saying “Tom Skilling Told Me It’s T-Shirt Weather”.
Winifred Grace
A women’s boutique offering permanent jewelry and a wide selection of clothing, home goods, and vintage finds.
Foursided
Foursided sells bath and body products, books, games, puzzles, candles, housewares, gifts, posters, and prints with a colorful, playful, whimsical vibe.
Dearborn Denim
This shop specializes in affordable, classic, comfortable, ethically men’s and women’s denim jeans that are made in the USA. In addition to denim, they offer other clothing and accessories.
Vintage and Antique Stores
Woolly Mammoth
A unique shop selling curiosities, oddities, and unusual antiques like taxidermy, medical items, skulls, books, and toys. Browsing at this shop is a must.
The Brown Elephant
A resale shop offering secondhand and vintage clothing and home goods.
Andersonville Antiques
Browse a mix of fine antiques, art, jewelry, collectables, and other home items at this store.
Brownstone Antiques
A shop selling estate finds, antiques, and collectables.
Scout
Scout sells high-end home furnishings and one-of-a-kind antiques and art.
Annual Events in Andersonville:
Waldo’s Forever Fest
Taking place on April 23, 2022, this festival brings together cannabis, culture, and community and promises to be the highest celebration in Chicago. The event takes place at Clark and Argyle Streets and features live music, drag performances, local food, and immersive experiences.
Midsommarfest
This summertime street festival celebrating the neighborhood’s Swedish ancestry and LGBTQ+ culture is one of the most popular things to do in Andersonville. The 2022 event will have five stages and over 50 entertainment acts plus food, drinks, and vendors selling art, crafts, and other goods. Midsommerfest takes place during Pride Month in June.
Andersonville Restaurant Week
Andersonville’s Restaurant Week is a weeklong event during February when area restaurants offer special prix fixe menus.
Andersonville Vintage Market
During the Andersonville Vintage Market the neighborhood’s vintage and antique stores take over a stretch of Catalpa Street between Ashland and Clark. The 2022 dates are July 17, August 21, and September 21 and the market will be open from 10 am until 3pm.
Taste of Andersonville
Information on the 2022 event haven’t been announced yet, but in 2021 the event was a ticketed event that took place in August. Local restaurants were divided into two routes and guests got to wander the neighborhood trying bites from a variety of restaurants.
Andersonville Inside Walk Sale
A March event where 30+ local business and stores have sales or offer special discounts.
Andersonville Wine Walk
During this event, businesses throughout Andersonville offer wine tastings. In 2022, the event will be taking place on May 15. Tickets are currently on sale.
St. Lucia Festival of Lights
A event based on the Swedish tradition of St. Lucia, during this event St. Lucia girls dressed in white robes with crowns and candles make a procession starting at the Swedish American Museum and continuing down Clark Street. After the procession, there is a celebration at the Swedish American Museum with entertainment and Swedish treats. The event takes place in late November.