What is that, exactly?

A temple, a windmill, a marine mammal, a castle — west Chicagoland has its fair share of unique structures. Whether you are looking for a quirky architectural tour or you drive by these fascinating places and have wondered what they are and how they got there, here’s a guide to some cool spots.

Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple

Where: 1145 Sullivan Road, Aurora

History: Built and consecrated in June 1986, this is the abode for one of the most popular deities in India, Lord Venkateswara or Balaji.

“The temple was built with the donations received from thousands of devotees from all over the country in the hope of having a place of Hindu worship in their adopted homeland,” said Ramaraja Yalavarthi, a trustee of the temple. “The unique architecture of the temple includes several ornate towers housing multiple deities, as Hinduism is a polytheistic philosophy.”

The structure itself is designed and built according to Hindu scriptures and traditions.

“Being located just south of I-88 in Aurora, the temple attracts a lot of attention, striking an image of divine serenity, visual poignance and structural beauty,” Yalavarthi said. “New visitors find the sprawling grounds and two large ponds with fountains surrounding the temple awe-inspiring and peaceful. Everyone is welcome to visit the temple and receive the blessings of Lord Balaji.”

Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Museum

Where: 23 E. Downer Place, Aurora

History: Constructed in 1878 as a memorial to Union Civil War veterans, the hall operated as the first public library in Aurora. It’s now home to the City of Aurora’s G.A.R. Memorial Museum, which collects and preserves military and veteran artifacts dating from 1861.

“The Grand Army of the Republic was the largest Civil War veteran organization,” said Curator Eric Pry. “The G.A.R. also founded what is now known as Memorial Day.”

The organization set the stage for future veteran groups.

“The G.A.R. also actively lobbied for pensions for veterans, voting rights for black soldiers and was the first integrated (veteran’s) organization,” Pry said.

Fabyan Windmill

Where: 1500 Crissey Ave., Batavia

History: Originally constructed in 1875 in Lombard, the mill was used to grind grain and corn until the end of the 19th century. The 68-foot Dutch windmill was purchased by George Fabyan in 1914 and moved to his estate in Geneva, which later became Fabyan Forest Preserve.

“Fabyan Windmill is the tallest windmill in Illinois,” said Laurie Metanchuk, director of community affairs for the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. “In 1980 the Fabyan Windmill was selected as one of five featured on a 15-cent stamp in the ‘Windmills USA’ series by the U.S. Postal Service.”

Elgin National Watch Company Observatory

Where: 312 Watch St., Elgin

History: Constructed in 1910 in the Classical Revival style by architect George E. Hunter, the observatory was built to provide extremely accurate times for the Elgin National Watch Company to set its watches. It’s now owned by Elgin School District U-46 as a museum and occasionally open to the public for sky shows.

“The Elgin National Watch Company was founded in 1864 in Chicago and quickly moved their headquarters and operations to Elgin in 1865,” said Christen Sundquist, historic preservation planner for the City of Elgin. “At the time, it was the world’s largest watchmaking company. The company continued to make watches until 1964 when they were forced to close due to profit losses.”

Peck Farmhouse

Where: Peck Farm Park, 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva

History: Built in 1869, the farmhouse was home to the Peck Family until the 1980s. Now preserved by the Geneva Park District, the house and silo were converted and open to the public as a museum and observation tower in 1998 as part of a 385-acre preserve, with trails, wetland, butterfly house, sensory garden and nature playground.

“The section of Peck that is now the park is the original homestead,” said Trish Burns, the park’s manager. “The Peck family didn’t want to see it developed and become part of the building boom. They approached the park district in 1990 to purchase the land in order to protect the original homestead.”

Highlands Elementary School

Where: 525 S. Brainard St., Naperville

History: This “Whale of a School” adopted its catchy tagline during the 1982-83 school year. When its original 1997 outdoor wooden whale sculpture succumbed to the elements, funds were raised for a new 10-foot-tall concrete sculpture built in 2011 by artist Victoria Fuller.

“We’ve been wearing our whales and living up to our slogan ever since (1983),” said Principal Laura Noon.

Hotel Baker

Where: 100 W. Main St., St. Charles

History: Built in 1928 by Col. E.J. Baker, Hotel Baker is still in operation, with 53 guest rooms and suites, a restaurant and patio on the Fox River.

“Hotel Baker has always been known to have hosted a number of celebrities and dignitaries dating back since the early 1930s,” said Rowena Salas of Hotel Baker. “The feature most unique is the glass-lit floor in the Rainbow Room. With 2,700 light bulbs, the floor is able to emit four different colors: yellow, red, blue and green.”

Dunham Castle

Where: 5N648 Dunham Road, Wayne

History: This three-story limestone and brick castle with a turret was built in 1883 by Mark Dunham, a Percheron horse breeder.

Inspired by a Norman French chateaux, the stately structure over the decades has gone from an estate to four apartments and back again. It is privately owned and remains one of Wayne’s top landmarks.

Jen Banowetz is a freelancer for The Beacon-News.