Gay sauna in chicago
Anna Erickson likes to walk around her Chicago neighborhood of Pilsen. A social studies lecturer and history enthusiast, she says she can’t help but notice this odd brick building she often passes; it sits right in the middle of a residential block, and it has large Roman-style stone columns. Above the door, an inscription reads “Chicago General Bath,” yet there’s no bathhouse running in there these days. (In proof, it’s zoned to become residential someday.)
Anna’s passed that building so many times that she eventually asked Curious City to figure out something that regularly gnaws at her: “There’s a public bathhouse in my neighborhood. What happened to the other bathhouses?”
You may have had a similiar interrogate if you’ve ever passed one of these old facades or even the occasional operating bathhouse in the urban area. But defining Chicago’s experience with “bathhouses” is complicated. The word’s applied to different kinds of places, ranging from a place for the poor to scrub down; a place to possess sex but then catch a show; and a place to pamper yourself with extreme heat and cold you would never tolerate anywhere else, enable alone pay for the privilege
This New Year’s Eve at Man’s Country, a Chicago bathhouse reveal since 1973, hundreds of men, women, transgender and nonbinary people showed out for a boogie party celebrating the last hours of a queer American landmark.
Appropriately titled “Loose Ends,” the closing event was part funeral, part rebirth and all hedonistic rager. Patrons danced, cruised, drank, caressed, hallucinated, sauna’d and paid their respects from before midnight to well past 11 AM. It was both a throwback to the venue’s heyday, before the internet made many bathhouses feel obsolete, and a glimpse at what could have been had they thrown more events like this, which balanced sleaze with sociability and made the place appealing to those beyond the aging gay generation for which it was once a mecca.
Man’s Country wore its history on its walls, with portraits of famous patrons, nude men, and other artwork throughout reminding visitors that this wasn’t some staid, humorless bathhouse. In the basement (dubbed “The Pit,”) a huge sauna—once billed as the largest in the Midwest—sat other side a shower and wet area modeled after Parisian sewers. In its past,
Welcome To Chicago Bath House
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Chicago Bath House is a traditional bathhouse at 1914 W. Division Street in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, which has operated since 1906.
The recent change in ownership in 2011 and complete renovation of the facility now provides for all original services and more. Careful modernization of the facility was taken with understanding of all traditional values and current spa amenities. We also added a full bar, restaurant, tanning, scrub and other salon services.
Chicago Bath House is the oldest and only traditional bathhouse remaining in Chicago, and one of only a handful in the United States. Come and link us!!
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“I've been here twice. Very unusual, but relaxing and decadent experience. I have been to Russia once and this place is filled with reminders from my trip. Please take a moment to observe at the ph
Located in Chicago, Steamworks Baths is a grand, multi-level gay bathhouse, widespread for its vast array of facilities. Spread over three floors, it boasts an expansive wet area with a unique steam room, a sprawling warm tub, and a sizeable weight room. The venue offers private room rentals, a gym (where shoes and bottoms are required), and lockers with secure lockboxes for valuables. Patrons have appreciated the kind staff and the availability of free condoms. Remark that the venue upholds a strict bag policy for safety reasons, an aspect that has sparked mixed reviews. The crowd and vibe fluctuate, with weekends traditionally busier, contributing to a dynamic atmosphere where all fun is clothed in implied permission.
LGBTQ+ AFFILIATION
Exclusive
2
Friendly
1
Owner
1
Popular
1
TARGET AUDIENCE
Men
2
VENUE TYPE
Sauna
2
Reviews summary
Steamworks Baths Chicago receives mixed reviews, with a significant number of patrons praising its extensive facilities, friendly staff, and the vibrant atmosphere during events. Visitors appreciate the large steam rooms, warm tubs, and the clea