The Old Water Tower, located at a central spot, right off of Michigan Avenue, is the only public building that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. This castle-like structure is now a Chicago Tourism Center & Art Gallery and one of the most photographed Chicago landmarks.
Chicago is where Frank Lloyd Wright, the legendary architect, spent the first 20 years of his career. His unique Prairie style was perfected at his home and studio in Oak Park where visitors can tour the property and learn about "the greatest American architect of all time". His architecture and design can be seen in many areas of Chicago, some of which are available for tours. Enjoy the prairie inspired forms which become a part of the surrounding nature and the gorgeous stained glass in the decor where the Wright genius is in all shapes and forms from the building construction to the furniture detail and the play of light.
Baha'i House of Worship in Chicago is the oldest and one of the largest Baha'i temples in the world. It is also the only one in North America. The temple's unique architecture and incredibly detailed, lace-style features create an inviting and awe-inspiring atmosphere while the beautiful gardens and fountains add to the tranquility and piece around it.
Standing proudly in the heart of the financial district is the Chicago Board of Trade Building, a gorgeous, classic, art deco skyscraper. Its appeal is even further enhanced by the carefully designed surroundings where statues are strategically placed to symbolize the activities taking place inside - trading of industries, agriculture, etc. The most important of all statues is the one that stands at the top, The Goddess Ceres. Since this building was once the tallest in Chicago and no one could even imagine a building taller than that, they assumed no one would be able to see the statue of Ceres from a closer distance so they didn't bother shaping her face. To this day, Ceres at the top of the Chicago Board of Trade is faceless.
The Carbide & Carbon Building, built in 1929, is not your typical Art Deco building. Look carefully and you'll notice its resemblance to a champagne bottle. Urban legend has it, that the building was inspired by the bubbly and it certainly appears so. The tall, curvy facade in tinted terra cotta and black granite remind of a green champagne bottle and the gold leaf around the edges along with the entirely golden top make the resemblance even stronger.
Marina City is architecturally unique complex of two buildings, both with exactly the same design and layout. The cylindrical cement towers stand right by the Chicago River and are most commonly known as the "corn cobs" due to the striking resemblance.
In the 1920s, the newspaper publisher Colonel Robert R. McCormick held an international contest for the design of the most beautiful office building. Many entries were submitted and the one that made the cut is now the striking Tribune Tower. Inspired by the Button Tower of the cathedral at Rouen, France, with its spires, grotesques and flying buttresses, it is definitely one of the Chicago skyline's highlights. An interesting feature of the iconic building is also at its ground level where 120 stones from important world locations have been built into the outside wall. Represented are the pyramids of Giza, the Alamo, the Great Wall among many others.
Wrigley Building is one of the most iconic landmarks of Chicago. Built by the chewing gum magnate, William Wrigley Jr., in the beginning of the 1920s, it put the start to the development of what is now the Magnificent Mile. The Wrigley Building was also the very first office building in Chicago to feature air-conditioning. One of the most memorable and striking elements is, no doubt, the giant clock at the top of the south tower which is about two stories high and the four dials are over 19 feet in diameter.
John Hancock Building is a Chicago icon and a favorite tourist destination. Located right off of the Magnificent Mile, this 100 stories building has a lot to offer. The 360 view from the Observatory at the top is absolutely breathtaking and spans over the lake shore, the whole city and reaches four states. The best feature of Hancock Building is the Signature Room, a bar and restaurant on the 96th floor where you can marvel at the incredible view while sipping a cocktail or wining & dining in style.
Willis Tower, 108 stories building and one of the tallest buildings in the world is a signature of Chicago. It is still commonly referred to as Sears Tower, the name it had for about 40 years, until in 2009 it underwent change in ownership leading to the name change. The Sky Deck of the building offers the most spectacular views of the city in the most adventurous way. Once you get to the top, step out on the glass deck and you'll find yourself floating in the air. Go ahead - take the dare! You won't regret it!
Chicago, "The Windy City", is one of the iconic cities of the US and the jewel of the Midwest. Marvel at its incredible skyline beautifully displayed over Lake Michigan. Admire the architectural genius of incredible artists who shaped the city as it is today. Learn about its rich history through legends and facts from the World's Fair through the Gangster Era and its "windy" politics.
Chicago, "The Windy City", is one of the iconic cities of the US and the jewel of the Midwest. Marvel at its incredible skyline beautifully displayed over Lake Michigan. Admire the architectural genius of incredible artists who shaped the city as it is today. Learn about its rich history through legends and facts from the World's Fair through the Gangster Era and its "windy" politics.
Let's be honest, The Midwest is not precisely the first destination that comes to mind when thinking "where to go next?"... We will however prove the opposite! There is so much to see and do in the US Midwest, that will blow your mind - from incredible architecture to mesmerizing nature, history, shopping and wonderful warm people who will make your travel escape a wonderful experience. Here are the top 10 places to visit while there.
Let's be honest, The Midwest is not precisely the first destination that comes to mind when thinking "where to go next?"... We will however prove the opposite! There is so much to see and do in the US Midwest, that will blow your mind - from incredible architecture to mesmerizing nature, history, shopping and wonderful warm people who will make your travel escape a wonderful experience. Here are the top 10 places to visit while there.