Indulge in the continued Swedish cultural presence by visiting the Swedish American Museum, founded in 1976 by Kurt Mathiasson to “preserve and disseminate the history of the great contributions of early Swedish immigrants to Chicago” according to Neil Shipley’s Watching the Swedes. Afterwards, stop into Simon’s Tavern
for traditional Swedish Glögg, a Yuletide old-fashioned mulled wine traditionally made with red wine, orange peel, cloves, and cardamom, although you may also find some recipes include other additions such as brandy, vodka, port and cinnamon!
Love to shop? Andersonville is known as the “shop local capital of Chicago” according to Choose Chicago. The Andersonville Galleria
is three floors filled with more than 50 mostly local vendors, with everything from art to clothing! Milk Handmade
features handmade clothes and accessories from local designers. Find the perfect, unique gift, from custom mugs to pop fidgets, at ENJOY Chicago, a self-described “urban general store.” For the plant-lovers out there, you could spend days at Gethsemane Garden Center, the family-owned garden store on North Clark Street, famous for maintaining the stunning welcome garden at Andersonville’s North Edge!
Stepping out at night? For an extra unique adventure, check out the Chicago Magic Lounge
– an Art Deco-style theater built for the Chicago-style Magic experience, described as “part Speakeasy, part Magic Theater, 100% Amazing” on their website, serving up craft cocktails and small plates along with their table-side magic performances!
Enjoy the great outdoors and head to Foster Beach
for some fun in the sun or go for a bikeride on the Lake Michigan Lakefront Trail! Andersonville is also home to Midsommarfest, one of Chicago’s oldest and most beloved annual summer street festivals, usually held in early June. For a few days and nights, tens of thousands congregate in Andersonville’s Clark Street corridor to celebrate Andersonville’s Swedish culture and history with live music and entertainment, food, drinks, shopping, and plenty of family-friendly fun, including traditional Swedish activities like a dance around the Maypole. Check out all of the Fests & Markets below!
