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Where to Catch Rare Pokémon in Chicago

You can find virtual pocket monsters all over the city, however some can only be found in certain places

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It's been nearly two weeks since the mobile app Pokémon Go has been released and it's already become a full-blown craze. It seems you can't walk anywhere without seeing a group of people glued to their phones catching wild Pokémon or battling it out in virtual gyms. The first major Pokémon Go meetup took place yesterday afternoon at Millennium Park where thousands attended. Unfortunately, due to the number of people playing the game (combined with the launch in Canada), servers were intermittent throughout much of the weekend. Not to fret, the team behind the game is constantly working to make the game more stable and easier on your phone's battery.

There are 151 total Pokémon in the game, but what you can catch depends on your trainer level, the type of Pokéball used, and your location. Looking for gyms and Pokéstops throughout the greater Chicago area? There's a map for that. However, a group of Windy Citizens have been tracking where rare Pokémon can be found. Light up an incense and head on over to these locations to find some more uncommon Pokémon.

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Sandshrew

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Hop on the Purple Line and head up to Evanston if you're looking for a Sandshrew. This classic Pokémon has been spotted on the Lakefill on the Northwestern campus.

Squirtle

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Squirtle is one of the oldest and most recognizable Pokémon. There have been sightings of this water Pokémon around the trails in Winnemac Park.

Water Pokémon are most commonly found near... well, water. Head over to Montrose Beach to find water Pokémon like Staryu.

Growlithe

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You'll want to stock up on Great Balls and use an incense if you want to catch a Growlithe. If you've got enough experience and the right items then head on over to Welles Park in Ravenswood.

Bulbasaur

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Like Squirtle and Charmander, Bulbasaur is one of the original starter Pokémon. This classic pocket monster has been spotted in Independence Park in the Irving Park area.

Tangela

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There are lots of Tangelas spawning at Chopin Park throughout the day. They're not so much rare as they're just really only found at this particular location.

Meowth isn't as rare as others, but it's certainly more interesting that Pidgeys and Rattatas. This Pokémon has been spotted in Lincoln Park's Wrightwood Park.

Looking for the rock creature Onix? You'll want to head over to Mozart Park on the border of Logan Square and Hermosa.

Pikachu

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Perhaps the most visible mascot of the game, Pikachu is an adorable creature that uses lightening to defeat its enemies. Head to Humboldt Park to find this Pokémon. There are plenty of Pikachus in the area surrounding the Jens Jensen-designed Formal Garden

Scyther

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Imagine having a Scyther watching over your local gym. It's certainly cooler than Pidgeots and Raticates. You'll want to have some Master Balls in your backpack when you head over to Washington Square Park to find one.

Clefairy

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Clefairy is not a tough guy Pokémon, but that doesn't mean it won't put up a fight. This fluffy Pokémon has been spotted in and around Connors Park.

Abras are certainly less common than others, but there has been at least one confirmed sighting around Smith Park off of Grand Avenue.

Voltorb

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Voltorb is not your typical cutesy Pokémon—it's basically like a Pokéball that has been possessed by a demon. If you want to catch one of these, walking around Navy Pier is a pretty solid bet.

Exeggcute

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Perhaps one of the more bizarre Pokémon, Exeggcute has been spotted around Millennium Park—specifically the area around Wrigley Square.

Diglett

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In the original Pokémon games, Diglett and its evolved form Dugtrio was a formidable opponent. If you can catch one and strengthen it up, you'll be the envy of your local gym. Word on the street is that these guys can be found around Cloud Gate (The Bean) in Millennium Park.

Hitmonlee

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There have been a few confirmations that Hitmonlees can be found in the Printer's Row area. Head over to Printer's Row Park or walk around Grace Episcopal Church to find this uncommon Pokémon.

Charmander

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Charmander and its evolved forms was the mascot of the original Pokémon Red game that was released back in 1996 for the Game Boy. If your collection isn't complete without a Charmander, head over to Sheridan Park with a few Pokéballs and an incense.

If you're seeking a Vulpix, Pilsen is the place to be. They've been spotted around Harrison Park.

Dratini

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You'll be the envy of your local gym if you can catch a Dratini. They've been spotted in and around Cicero Community Park in Cicero.

Electabuzz

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This electric Pokémon has been spotted around Hyde Park, specifically Elm Park. As always, keep a few master balls and an incense handy.

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Sandshrew

Hop on the Purple Line and head up to Evanston if you're looking for a Sandshrew. This classic Pokémon has been spotted on the Lakefill on the Northwestern campus.

Squirtle

Squirtle is one of the oldest and most recognizable Pokémon. There have been sightings of this water Pokémon around the trails in Winnemac Park.

Staryu

Water Pokémon are most commonly found near... well, water. Head over to Montrose Beach to find water Pokémon like Staryu.

Growlithe

You'll want to stock up on Great Balls and use an incense if you want to catch a Growlithe. If you've got enough experience and the right items then head on over to Welles Park in Ravenswood.

Bulbasaur

Like Squirtle and Charmander, Bulbasaur is one of the original starter Pokémon. This classic pocket monster has been spotted in Independence Park in the Irving Park area.

Tangela

There are lots of Tangelas spawning at Chopin Park throughout the day. They're not so much rare as they're just really only found at this particular location.

Meowth

Meowth isn't as rare as others, but it's certainly more interesting that Pidgeys and Rattatas. This Pokémon has been spotted in Lincoln Park's Wrightwood Park.

Onix

Looking for the rock creature Onix? You'll want to head over to Mozart Park on the border of Logan Square and Hermosa.

Pikachu

Perhaps the most visible mascot of the game, Pikachu is an adorable creature that uses lightening to defeat its enemies. Head to Humboldt Park to find this Pokémon. There are plenty of Pikachus in the area surrounding the Jens Jensen-designed Formal Garden

Scyther

Imagine having a Scyther watching over your local gym. It's certainly cooler than Pidgeots and Raticates. You'll want to have some Master Balls in your backpack when you head over to Washington Square Park to find one.

Clefairy

Clefairy is not a tough guy Pokémon, but that doesn't mean it won't put up a fight. This fluffy Pokémon has been spotted in and around Connors Park.

Abra

Abras are certainly less common than others, but there has been at least one confirmed sighting around Smith Park off of Grand Avenue.

Voltorb

Voltorb is not your typical cutesy Pokémon—it's basically like a Pokéball that has been possessed by a demon. If you want to catch one of these, walking around Navy Pier is a pretty solid bet.

Exeggcute

Perhaps one of the more bizarre Pokémon, Exeggcute has been spotted around Millennium Park—specifically the area around Wrigley Square.

Diglett

In the original Pokémon games, Diglett and its evolved form Dugtrio was a formidable opponent. If you can catch one and strengthen it up, you'll be the envy of your local gym. Word on the street is that these guys can be found around Cloud Gate (The Bean) in Millennium Park.

Hitmonlee

There have been a few confirmations that Hitmonlees can be found in the Printer's Row area. Head over to Printer's Row Park or walk around Grace Episcopal Church to find this uncommon Pokémon.

Charmander

Charmander and its evolved forms was the mascot of the original Pokémon Red game that was released back in 1996 for the Game Boy. If your collection isn't complete without a Charmander, head over to Sheridan Park with a few Pokéballs and an incense.

Vulpix

If you're seeking a Vulpix, Pilsen is the place to be. They've been spotted around Harrison Park.

Dratini

You'll be the envy of your local gym if you can catch a Dratini. They've been spotted in and around Cicero Community Park in Cicero.

Electabuzz

This electric Pokémon has been spotted around Hyde Park, specifically Elm Park. As always, keep a few master balls and an incense handy.