Exploring the Stories Behind Chicago Landmarks

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One of the few buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire, the Chicago Water Tower is more than just a beautiful piece of Gothic Revival architecture — it’s a symbol of the city’s rebirth. Built in 1869 from yellow Joliet limestone, it’s now surrounded by modern skyscrapers, creating a stunning contrast between old and new.

📸 Don’t miss: The City Gallery inside, featuring rotating art exhibits by local photographers.

Location: 806 N. Michigan Ave.

Designed by Burnham & Root in 1888 and remodeled by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Rookery Building is an architectural masterpiece blending classic and modern design. Its intricate ironwork and sunlit central atrium make it a must-see for anyone interested in Chicago’s role in architectural history.

💡 Fun Fact: The Rookery housed early offices for architects Daniel Burnham and John Root, who helped design the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.

Location: 209 S. LaSalle St.

With its famous red CHICAGO marquee, the Chicago Theatre is one of the city’s most photographed landmarks — and for good reason. Opened in 1921, it was the first large, lavish movie palace in the U.S. and set the standard for theaters nationwide.

Today: It hosts concerts, comedy shows, and film festivals, continuing its legacy as a cultural icon.

Location: 175 N. State St.

Home of the Chicago Cubs since 1916, Wrigley Field is a shrine for baseball fans and a beloved part of the city’s identity. The ivy-covered outfield walls, manual scoreboard, and vintage charm make it a true time capsule of America’s pastime.

🥇 Insider Tip: Even if it’s not game day, you can book a Wrigley Field Tour to explore the dugout, press box, and legendary bleachers.

Location: 1060 W. Addison St.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Robie House in Hyde Park is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous designs — and a defining example of the Prairie School architectural style. Its low horizontal lines and open layout were revolutionary for early 20th-century design.

🎨 Don’t Miss: A guided tour of the interior for a deeper look into Wright’s vision of modern living.

Location: 5757 S. Woodlawn Ave.

Named after Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, Chicago’s first non-Indigenous settler, the DuSable Bridge connects the city’s north and south sides and marks the birthplace of Chicago. Completed in 1920, it’s not only a key piece of infrastructure but also an open-air museum of the city’s history.

💡 Fun Stop: Visit the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum inside one of the bridge’s towers.

Location: Michigan Ave. over the Chicago River

Named after Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, Chicago’s first non-Indigenous settler, the DuSable Bridge connects the city’s north and south sides and marks the birthplace of Chicago. Completed in 1920, it’s not only a key piece of infrastructure but also an open-air museum of the city’s history.

💡 Fun Stop: Visit the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum inside one of the bridge’s towers.

Location: Michigan Ave. over the Chicago River

Named after Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, Chicago’s first non-Indigenous settler, the DuSable Bridge connects the city’s north and south sides and marks the birthplace of Chicago. Completed in 1920, it’s not only a key piece of infrastructure but also an open-air museum of the city’s history.

💡 Fun Stop: Visit the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum inside one of the bridge’s towers.

Location: Michigan Ave. over the Chicago River

Named after Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, Chicago’s first non-Indigenous settler, the DuSable Bridge connects the city’s north and south sides and marks the birthplace of Chicago. Completed in 1920, it’s not only a key piece of infrastructure but also an open-air museum of the city’s history.

💡 Fun Stop: Visit the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum inside one of the bridge’s towers.

Location: Michigan Ave. over the Chicago River