14 famous landmarks in Chicago that you shouldn't miss

From the skyscrapers that form its skyline to stunning parks and a state-straddling lake, there are many famous Chicago landmarks to explore. The Windy City’s network of waterways provides an excellent way to tour these spectacular attractions, especially if you visit Chicago in the summer. Cruising along the Chicago River on an architecture tour is a must-do — this is where the world’s first skyscraper was built, after all.

There are plenty of famous sites to consider if you’re traveling with kids, too. Head to the historic Navy Pier for fireworks, stand on “the Ledge” in the Willis Tower, or head to the beach. And creativity isn’t confined to Chicago’s art museums — some of the city’s landmarks are public art installations, and what’s a cooler vacation souvenir than a snap of your reflection in “The Bean.”

Ready to explore all the landmarks and historical things to do in Chicago? Let’s get started.

Historic and architectural Chicago landmarks

1. Millennium Park and Cloud Gate

On the hunt for fun things to do in Chicago? Head to Millennium Park to admire the iconic public sculpture named “Cloud Gate,” known more commonly as The Bean.

Highlights:

Head out early at dawn to see The Bean and take a fun selfie in the sculpture’s reflection before the crowds arrive. Another fun way to explore the park is to play a Millennium Park exploration game. Book ahead and make sure you have space to download the app on your phone.

Address and opening hours:

Chicago Architecture, Chicago, IL 60603, USA. Open daily from 6 AM-11 PM.

2. Field Museum

If you’re interested in the best architectural landmarks of Chicago, you should spend a day visiting the Field Museum of Natural History. The place contains displays from Ancient Egypt. You will also find the remains of the largest dinosaur ever discovered.

Highlights:

Visit the museum before it opens with the Early Access VIP Tour option. You will have the museum to yourself and your group tour.

Address and opening hours:

1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, United States. Open Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.

3. Frank Lloyd Wright buildings

Chicago wouldn’t be Chicago without Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture. In fact, many of his buildings have been inscribed by UNESCO. This giant of American design gave the city some of its most iconic landmarks and atriums, such as The Rookery and Unity Temple.

Highlights:

Don’t miss Wright’s very own home and studio (guided tours are available).

Address and opening hours:

The Rookery, Monday - Friday 6 AM-6 PM; Saturday 8 AM-2 PM, closed on Sundays.
Unity Temple, Monday - Thursday 10 AM-5 PM; Friday 10 AM-4 PM; Saturday 9 AM-12 PM; closed on Sundays.
The Wright Home & Studio, open daily 10 AM-4 PM.

4. Navy Pier

The historic Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most visited landmarks, with 9 million people drawn by its shops, restaurants, and attractions every year.

Highlights:

Every Wednesday and Saturday between Memorial Day (late May) and Labor Day (early September), the fireworks display makes this lakeside landmark even more exciting. For the best experience, take the Navy Pier Fireworks Cruise. The cruise is ideal for couples, friends, and families.

Address and opening hours:

400-410 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. Open Wednesday and Saturday, with various start times.

5. Tribune Tower

Arguably the most spectacular of Chicago’s landmarks, this neo-Gothic style 1920s skyscraper on the Magnificent Mile was once home to the city’s paper, the Chicago Tribune. Swing by at night when the buttresses at the top of the building are lit up to dramatic effect, or go in the daytime to see all the architectural details and visit one of the most popular Chicago attractions inside the building: the Museum of Ice Cream.

Highlights:

The Museum of Ice Cream’s multi-sensory installations are as tasty as they are interesting. There’s a Putt-Putt course where you can test your golf skills. This is a perfect place to add to your itinerary if you’re traveling to Chicago with kids.

Address and opening hours:

435 N Michigan Ave Suite G, Chicago, IL 60611, United States. Open Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM.

6. Willis Tower

Among the most famous architectural Chicago landmarks is the second-tallest building in North America: the Willis Tower, previously known as the Sears Tower. Ride the 103 floors up to get to The Ledge, a glass balcony that offers vertical views straight down.

Highlights:

Learn about the history of the building and architecture of Chicago when booking a Skydeck and Ledge ticket.

Address and opening hours:

Willis Tower, Chicago, IL 60606, USA. Open Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM-10:00 PM.

7. Chicago Theater

The Chicago Theater is one of the first grand movie palaces in the USA. It is majestic and has an old charm that takes you back in time. The theater offers a wide variety of entertainment, including stand-up comedy, concerts, shows, and other special events. Keep updated on the Chicago Theater’s event list.

Highlights:

Make sure to take some time to appreciate the grand lobby with its gold leaf decor and the lavish staircase. A guided tour will provide insights into its architecture and history.

Address and opening hours:

175 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601, United States. Open daily, hours vary based on show tickets, guided tours, etc.

8. Tiffany Dome at the Chicago Cultural Center

The Tiffany Dome is one of the most spectacular displays of glass craftsmanship in the world. It was designed in the 1800s using about 30,000 pieces of glass. The building has undergone many major renovations over the years but still maintains the elegance of the Art Deco architecture style.

Highlights:

This is the largest Tiffany Dome in the world. Make sure to look up at the intricate details that adorn the dome. If you want to learn more about the place, a guided tour is recommended.

Address and opening hours:

Chicago Loop, Chicago, IL 60605, USA. Open daily from 10 AM-5 PM.

Scenic and natural Chicago landmarks

9. Chicago River

A cruise on the Chicago River offers great views of one of the treasured natural landmarks of this city. As you glide along the river, you will get the chance to see everything from different angles and perspectives. It’s quite spectacular at sunset.

Highlights:

You can choose to cruise on the Chicago River in the open-air decks, but if it’s raining, the climate-controlled interiors would be a better option.

Address and opening hours:

400-410 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. Open Monday-Sunday, with various start times.

10. Lake Michigan

Explore Lake Michigan along Chicago’s Lakefront and visit the city’s major attractions along the way. Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes on the North American continent but the only Great Lake entirely located in the United States.

Highlights:

Take a walk around sunset when everything is basking in a golden glow. Spring, summer, and fall are the best times to visit as it gets really cold in the winter.

Address and opening hours:

300 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60601, United States. Open daily 24/7.

11. Morton Arboretum

The Morton Arboretum is the best Chicago landmark for people who love outdoor activities. You can immerse yourself in nature by taking the 16-mile hike on the pedestrian-only trail. The arboretum has over 3400 tree species and offers fantastic scenery.

Highlights:

The period between spring and summer is ideal for hiking this trail, as you’ll be able to explore the arboretum’s diverse wildlife.

Address and opening hours:

4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532, United States. Open Monday-Sunday, 7:00 AM-7:00 PM.

12. Chicago beaches

Interested in lakes and beaches on a hot summer day? Start your day cycling around lakeside neighborhoods, Chicago’s Old Town historic district, and North Avenue Beach, where you can rent wakeboards and paddleboards. For an extra thrill, you can hire a jet ski. The beach offers all sorts of water sports. For safety, open-toe shoes are not allowed.

Highlights:

Cycle past attractions like the Gold Coast mansions and Hugh Hefner’s original Playboy pad and enjoy fabulous views.

Address and opening hours:

North Avenue Beach, 1550 North Lakeshore Drive, Illinois, 60610, USA. Open daily 24/7.

13. Campground Road Woods

Campground Road Woods is a great nature trail for bikers and hikers. The unpaved trail is a natural oasis that features a bike path and greenway. If you want to escape from the noise of the city, you can easily spend a quiet, peaceful day on this nature trail.

Highlights:

You can kayak or canoe through the Des Plaines River Water Trail. Note that despite its name, the Campground Roads Woods doesn’t have any camping facilities.

Address and opening hours:

2001 Berry Ln, Des Plaines, IL 60018, United States. Open Monday-Sunday, 6:30 AM-sunset.

14. Illinois Beach State Park

Illinois Beach State Park stretches 6.5 miles and offers a full range of recreational activities. You can hike, fish, swim, boat, or simply picnic on the site. It hosts more than 600 plant species, so you can get immersed in nature as you enjoy your day.

Highlights:

You can register before visiting the campground to help with planning. This is especially important for groups of more than 25 people.

Address and opening hours:

1 Lake Front Dr, Zion, IL 60099, United States. Open Monday-Sunday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.

FAQs

What is the oldest historic landmark in Chicago?

The Clarke-Ford House is the oldest building in Chicago. It was built in 1836, just a year before Chicago was incorporated.

What are some free landmarks to visit in Chicago?

Lots of Chicago landmarks are open to the public for free. These include the Chicago Cultural Center, Lakefront Trail, and the Chicago Riverwalk.

Are there any guided tours that focus on the architecture of Chicago’s landmarks?

Yes, lots of tours cover the architecture of this city. If you love the water, you can explore these landmarks on a lake or river cruise. Segway and walking tours are also available.

How can I get the best views of scenic landmarks in Chicago?

You can get great views on a walking tour or cruise. The Willis Tower also offers great views of the city’s landmarks.

What are some natural landmarks near Chicago worth visiting?

Some of the best Chicago natural landmarks are the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, and Morton Arboretum.