In a city known for its iconic landmarks such as deep-dish pizza, the Bean, and the Willis Tower, Chicago has added a peculiar yet fascinating attraction to its repertoire – the "Rat Hole" in Roscoe Village. This viral sensation has become a hotspot for both locals and tourists alike, who are making "pilgrimages" to witness the rodent-shaped splat mark on a sidewalk.
The Rat Hole, formed by the individual imprints of toes, claws, legs, and a tail attached to a body, has captured the imagination of social media users and visitors to Roscoe Village. Winslow Dumaine, a local resident, humorously thanked visitors to the Rat Hole in response to his original post, signifying the growing popularity of this peculiar landmark.
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The Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce has embraced the phenomenon, launching a contest to name the Rat Hole. Drawing inspiration from popular culture rodents like Remy and Mickey Mouse, the community is encouraged to submit their suggestions until January 18. The top five names will be selected, and the final decision will be made through a community vote.
The Rat Hole has become more than just a visual curiosity; it's now a site for offerings. Tourists and locals alike are bringing coins, flowers, money, cheese, and even shots of alcohol to pay homage to the rodent-shaped impression on the sidewalk.
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Social media is abuzz with posts depicting various offerings, with one user even mistaking it for a potential Banksy piece.
TikTok user @Marshian_Rover shared a video of someone pouring what appears to be Malört, a famous Chicago liquor, into the hole as an offering. Despite the harsh winter weather with temperatures reaching -4 degrees, people continue to visit the Rat Hole, creating a constant stream of curious onlookers.
However, the mystery of the Rat Hole's origin deepens. Contrary to popular belief, a long-time Roscoe Village resident, Cindy Nelson, told the Washington Post that she believes the imprint is from a squirrel, not a rat. According to Nelson, the imprint has been there since 1997, and a neighbor remembers it from the early 1990s. The presence of a once-majestic oak tree above the splat mark, which was later cut down due to illness, leads Nelson to believe it was caused by a squirrel falling from the tree onto fresh cement.
For those curious enough to witness the Rat Hole in person, it can be found at 1918 W. Roscoe St. 4047, according to Block Club Chicago.
