On the Map

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Bob Prosser, owner of Ishnala Supper Club, which is celebrating 73 years! Located on Mirror Lake, Ishnala offers you the chance to unplug and take in the beautiful scenery while sipping on an Old Fashioned and eating prime rib or roast duck. For more information, visit Ishnala.com.

Dane Neal, filling in for Dave Plier, speaks with Richard Young of Young & Strange, the dynamic British illusion duo starring in the hit touring production Champions of Magic, now playing a limited summer engagement at the Studebaker Theater in Chicago. The pair discuss the global success of the show, what audiences can expect from its mix of jaw-dropping stage illusions, mind-reading, daring escapes, and high-energy comedy, and how their longtime partnership evolved from childhood rivals to headlining partners. Catch them live in Chicago through late summer, and on America’s Got Talent on June 16 on NBC. For tickets and more information, visit championsofmagictour.com.

Dane Neal, filling in for Dave Plier, speaks with Dr. Voula Saridakis, Head Curator at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry about two of its limited exhibitions open to the public that you will not want to miss. First, Dr. Saridakis talks about Crafting Character: the Costumes of Paul Tazewell, the first exhibition dedicated to the work of the Oscar-winning and Tony Award-winning costume designer of Wicked and Hamilton. Then, Dane finds out about Marvel’s Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing, celebrating the history and legacy of Peter Parker through real-world applications of STE(A)M to inspire guests of all ages. To learn more or book tickets head on over to https://www.griffinmsi.org/

Jon Hansen, filling in for Dave Plier, speaks with Kristin Armstrong, Executive Director of the Saugatuck Center for the Arts and board member of the Saugatuck Douglas Convention & Visitors Bureau, about why this destination is a favorite just 2.5 hours from Chicago. Kristin highlights CommUNITY Pride Week festivities, Broadway-caliber theater and live entertainment, and the beaches, dining, and summer events that make Saugatuck/Douglas an ideal weekend getaway for WGN listeners. This November, make sure not to miss the Art Coast Food & Wine Festival on November 5-7 headlined by Top Chef host Kristen Kish! To learn more about your visit, head over to www.saugatuck.com.

Jon Hansen, filling in for Dave Plier, speaks with Sophia Serrano, Associate Curator at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and curator of the new Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon exhibition opening on May 31. The exhibit is not only the largest exhibition ever of Marilyn Monroe’s screen-worn costumes, but features hundreds of original objects, including posters, portraits, photographs, production documents, letters, and rarely seen personal materials. Sophia also talks how Marilyn made herself relatable to fans and was a curator of her own image. The Academy Museum takes great care in telling Marilyn’s story 100 years since she was born. To learn more about the museum and book your tickets today go to: www.academymuseum.org

Jon Hansen, filling in for Dave Plier, speaks with Pien Koopman, PR Manager for the Museum of Illusions, a one-of-a-kind attraction located in Downtown Chicago. With a blend of education and entertainment, this museum is where art, science, and psychology come together to spark curiosity. Pien talks about the museum inviting guests to “play outside the ordinary” this summer, make new memories, and engage in a hands-on experience that feels fresh and exciting right here in the city! Visit http://www.moichicago.com to learn more about the museum. WGN listeners can receive 10% off up to 8 tickets by clicking this link: WGN discount.

Dane Neal, filling in for Dave Plier, travels east to Indianapolis, Indiana and is joined by Clare Clark of Visit Indy, who highlights everything visitors can experience as they travel in for the Indy 500. For more information on things to do and how to plan your trip, go to visitindy.com.

Jon Hansen, filling in for Dave Plier, travels north to Anchorage, Alaska and is joined by Jack Bonney of Visit Anchorage, who highlights the city’s unique blend of urban comfort and untamed wilderness. Visitors can enjoy easy access via major flights or perhaps an Alaskan cruise and partake in unforgettable experiences like spotting moose within city limits, exploring glaciers, and visiting the vast Chugach State Park just minutes away. Jack also shares the magic of Alaska’s long summer days with nearly 22 hours of daylight and the chance to catch the beautiful Northern Lights in late summer. Anchorage continues to be a remarkable and accessible destination for nature lovers. For more information on things to do and how to plan your trip, go to visitanchorage.net

Jon Hansen, filling in for Dave Plier, visits the legendary Galloping Ghost Arcade in Brookfield and talks with owner and founder Doc Mack who highlights how the arcade has grown into not just big, but the largest in the world with more than 1,000 games available to play. Galloping Ghost has a unique free-play model where one admission gets you unlimited gaming all day. Mack talks about how his business has become a destination for visitors around the globe who are drawn to its original hardware, rare machines, and ever-expanding collection. Located just 15-20 minutes outside of Chicago, Galloping Ghost offers visitors a nostalgic, all-ages experience where classic gaming lives on! For more information, visit gallopingghostarcade.com/

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks with Shirley Walczak about Jurassic Journey, the Midwest’s largest animatronic dinosaur collection at the Waukesha County Expo Center May 8–25. With more than 60 life-sized dinos, including a 40-foot T-Rex, this prehistoric experience includes family-friendly favorites like dino rides, the Jeep off-road driving course for kids, the dino maze and hatchery, fossil and gem digs, live “baby dinosaur” encounters, and a special Dinos After Dark evening on May 15 with lit-up dinosaurs and live music courtesy of a Neil Diamond impersonator and Claire Sardina, the inspiration behind the film Song Sung Blue. Shirley highlights the fact that every activity, ride, and display is included with admission! With free parking and kids getting in free on Wednesdays with a paid adult, Jurassic Journey is an easy and memorable day trip from Chicago or Milwaukee. For more information, visit JurassicJourney.org