Thanks to history, we're able to understand old customs, predict the outcome of societal conflicts, and see that our most recent web search was for "French maid yetis." Revel in the Midwest’s rich history with today's Groupon: for $10, you get an individual Insider membership to the Insider Club at the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, located in the southwest tower of the Michigan Avenue Bridge (a $20 value). Insider benefits are valid during the in-season periods (May 15 through October 31) within 12 months of the starting date of their membership.

The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum wrinkles brains with breath-snatching bridge-lift views and exhibits that examine the Chicago River’s crucial role in the development of Gustytown. Insider Club members enjoy free admission to the five-story museum, where they can learn about the river's early animal life, the development of the bridge system, and bridges as a metaphor for human-wildebeest reconciliation (up to a $4 value per visit; children 5 and under admitted free). A $3 discount on the bridge lift (normally $10) lets insiders ascend the bridge house to catch scenic glimpses of Chicago scenery or imagine life as a sentient cell-phone tower. Membership also treats history hoarders to a subscription to the Friends of the Chicago River newsletter, two complimentary guest admission passes, and a 10% discount on museum merchandise.