Local Guides World
Top Historical landmarks in Chicago, United States
Top Rated Historical landmarks in Chicago
Top Reviewed Historical landmarks in Chicago
International Museum of Surgical Science
Marquette Monument
Grave Of John Peter Altgeld
Berlin Wall Monument
Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain
Ludington Building
Pullman Firehouse
Thomas Dunbar House
Marquette Building
The Chicago Theatre
The Horse
Grave of Mike Royko
Reviews
An amazing concert venue💗 if you are coming here for a show I HIGHLY recommend getting a guided tour of the theatre before your show. The tours run Fridays and Saturdays, and the tour guides are SO knowledgeable, kind, and funny! It really made our concert experience better and was our favourite part of our Chicago trip.
Such a beautiful place. We went for a concert, the venue emailed me about my VIP tickets which I didn't even know I had (annoying ticketmaster resale thing) so it was a nice surprise. We used spothero for parking, it was a minute walk and 18 bucks from 2pm to 2am. I read on their website about the Chase lounge, so made reservations in advance, that was awesome too. Free drinks (non-alcoholic) and some snacks. We had seats in the AAA pit section which I thought might be obstructed with the stage setup, but they were awesome seats. Overall it was such an amazing experience and I would definitely come see another show here.
Beautiful historic firehouse with its original watchtower intact. Let’s see if the city can step their game up on preserving these pieces of Chicago’s history instead of funneling billions into the pockets of their crony buddies!
I came here to see Ali Wong a few weeks ago on a whim. The show was sold out. It was packed but didn’t feel overwhelming. Photos were not allowed inside the show so there are no interior photos but the theater is beautiful. I sat in a booth which seated four and I shared with 3 strangers, as I was alone. It was really spacious and comfortable and it felt like one of the best seats in the house because there was no obstruction to viewing the stage. The show was great. The staff was friendly. It was an amazing experience.
One of the largest fountains in the world (Built-in 1927 as a donation from the family), the feature boasts 133 jets that shoot water as high as 150 feet into the air during 20-minute choreographed displays (take place every hour between 8 AM and 11 PM). The last display of the evening starts at 10:35 PM. After dusk, the water show is accompanied by lights, a must-see if you are in the neighborhood in the evening.
The fountain is the central focal point of Grant Park, Chicago's expansive public space with many attractions and smaller parks like Millennium Park, comparable to Central Park.
Extra point for - the view from this place... one side, Chicago skyline, another side, the path to Michigan River.... so location wise- its top place.
and From Skydeck Chicago- you can understand how strategically this fountain is placed.
The fountain is the central focal point of Grant Park, Chicago's expansive public space with many attractions and smaller parks like Millennium Park, comparable to Central Park.
Extra point for - the view from this place... one side, Chicago skyline, another side, the path to Michigan River.... so location wise- its top place.
and From Skydeck Chicago- you can understand how strategically this fountain is placed.
Lived in Chicago 10 years and for whatever reason I didn’t make it here til last week.
There’s a reason she’s an icon folks. I want to come back and do the tour of the building. The pics speak for themselves; it’s hard to take a bad photo of this place. There are also concessions downstairs so don’t wait in the lines right as you walk in cause there’s much shorter lines downstairs. Not sure if this is for all shows but Chase customers got a discount on concessions which was dope.
You should certainly take public transit or a Lyft/Uber to get here, but if you must drive, you should use the Spothero app and book in advance cause there’s tons of cheapish options nearby (and will def be cheaper than street parking or just finding a random garage).
There’s a reason she’s an icon folks. I want to come back and do the tour of the building. The pics speak for themselves; it’s hard to take a bad photo of this place. There are also concessions downstairs so don’t wait in the lines right as you walk in cause there’s much shorter lines downstairs. Not sure if this is for all shows but Chase customers got a discount on concessions which was dope.
You should certainly take public transit or a Lyft/Uber to get here, but if you must drive, you should use the Spothero app and book in advance cause there’s tons of cheapish options nearby (and will def be cheaper than street parking or just finding a random garage).
Perfect for your anatomy buffs & anyone interested in the surgical sciences. My wife & I had the time of our lives here. What a remarkable & fascinating museum. 3 floors to explore - from statues to paintings to ancient instruments, lots to see & read about. Highly recommend & would go here again!
Firehouse Pullman
Very cool museum. Both historical and modern showcases of medical tools and methods. If not educational, then very fascinating.
Finally foundy.way there .
Loved the vibe , the people . Tons to do around but MAKE you PAY for PARKING .
There very quick to ticket you . .
Don't think you're going to sneak out of your car for 2 minutes and go run up the street and take a picture like I did. You'll be blessed with a ticket when you get back for sure . It happened to me and I don't want it to happen to you.
I thought it would be the perfect chance to run up the street and take a few shots of the sign but being from Ontario I didn't know how strict they were with their parking. They don't care if you're running in to get some change or what your story is trust me you'll get a ticket and quick
Loved the vibe , the people . Tons to do around but MAKE you PAY for PARKING .
There very quick to ticket you . .
Don't think you're going to sneak out of your car for 2 minutes and go run up the street and take a picture like I did. You'll be blessed with a ticket when you get back for sure . It happened to me and I don't want it to happen to you.
I thought it would be the perfect chance to run up the street and take a few shots of the sign but being from Ontario I didn't know how strict they were with their parking. They don't care if you're running in to get some change or what your story is trust me you'll get a ticket and quick
Love and Marriage, Love and Marriage, go together like a horse and carriage, this I tell ya brother, you can’t have one without the other…” If you have ever watched the classic show Married with Children, then you have seen Buckingham Fountain. Stunning sight to behold, especially during its choreographed water shows.
I've been to this venue about 3xs in 7 months- this past time, I had Sec MNFL2L, Row LL, Seat 215, good seat, but I wouldn't get them again. The venue is outstanding, the venue workers are always nice, helpful, and very friendly. Bathrooms are clean, if you can withstand heels for a longer amount of time, you may want to opt for sneakers or boots. Security is quick, they have a coat check, but it's not always avail for every show so call ahead if you need that. If you don't go to dinner beforehand, they have sections in the theater for alcohol, water, popcorn and candy but it's cashless. You can tap your phone or traditional card (it's a bit pricy, but drinks are good). Enjoy your show!
Overall great experience and visit. Normally when we go we have to lock up our phones for the show. This one was great and got to get some photos. The staff is super friendly. The experience is always smooth. There are additional bars in the building so don't feel like you need to always jump in like at the first one you see.
Absolutely beautiful and historic theater of Chicago. If you can't watch a show here, there is a tour that takes you to see all the places of this theater. I won't spoil the surprise here by telling you all the stories. But you should go and listen to the guide and find out for yourself.
This was an interesting museum. The admission is $25 and the place is kind of small. However, you can look at some antiquated surgical tools and artwork. Healthcare workers will probably find this much more intriguing than the general public, general public will most likely spend an hour or less here. Very informative on the history.
I visited shortly after becoming a surgical technologist, so learning more about the history of surgery was specially fascinating. It was a nice museum overall, 10/10 I would go again :-)
This is one of the oldest still standing buildings in Chicago Loop. The entrance in the lobby is free and it's really worth it. Inside there is also a brief history of the Loop's lost iconic buildings.
Interesting museum. Not particularly large in size but there's plenty to see if you check out the smaller exhibits. I would guess the average person would spend about an hour here.
One of the best fountains in America. Seeing this fountain and the Chicago skyline in the background is pretty interesting.
We attended the Halloween Suaree and had so much fun. Buy the gold pass, it's worth it. You get to have 6 free drinks and chocolate. There are clues in each room and a fun quiz if you want to try. Get an uber or someone to drop you off. No parking. The ghouls n spirits are amazing. The crowd was fun too. A must try.
Worth popping in just to see the beautiful glass mosaics depicting the early encounters between French-Canadian settlers and the Native Americans.
I've been here three previous visits when was very happy with bringing someone who had been there before. Their website is very clear that there have been closing for setup for a party for Halloween. What it doesn't disclose is that several rooms are typically were available with displays now we're closed because of the party other rooms that were open add less exhibits. One room had a cough and haphazardly shoved in so you basically couldn't walk into the room another room that look like it was an old drugstore I think that stuff placed in the front of it so you couldn't walk in at all. I did call up the museum after the fact and expressed my opinion that I paid a hundred percent admission fee and received about 50 to 75% and what typically is available that wasn't correct. The person I spoke to agree with pass it up the chain. That really helps me a lot I said and ended. So I would make a phone call before you go make sure that you're going to get 100% of what you're paying for and not less.
Interesting museum but do call ahead to find out if the exhibits will be fully open as they had covered up many artifacts because of a special Halloween event that evening which they were hosting but was not listed on their website.
This iconic fountain is such a much visit while in Chicago. The location is prime, right in Grant Park and very close to the Millennium Park and west of the shores of the Lake Michigan.
The fountain itself is majestic, one of the largest fountains in the World. It has four sets of Seahorses representing each of the four states of Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana that border Lake Michigan. Just a 360 walk around the fountain can be entertaining as you can catch various angles of the fountain against the different backdrop of the city and the skyline and the Lake, just magnificent!
The water shoots up the fountains so high that on a windy day you could have a nice light shower standing even a good 50 feet away or farther from the edge, depending on the direction of the wind.
There are Some food carts around the fountain and nearby and there are facilities by it. You can spend a good hour if not longer at this location just admiring the fountain and the surroundings.
The fountain itself is majestic, one of the largest fountains in the World. It has four sets of Seahorses representing each of the four states of Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana that border Lake Michigan. Just a 360 walk around the fountain can be entertaining as you can catch various angles of the fountain against the different backdrop of the city and the skyline and the Lake, just magnificent!
The water shoots up the fountains so high that on a windy day you could have a nice light shower standing even a good 50 feet away or farther from the edge, depending on the direction of the wind.
There are Some food carts around the fountain and nearby and there are facilities by it. You can spend a good hour if not longer at this location just admiring the fountain and the surroundings.
What can I say? Besides its beautiful, classic, & an icon for the City of Chicago ⛲️🌃 I've driven past here a hundred times on Lake Shore Drive, & have always marveled at the beauty of the fountain, but none of that prepared me for the upclose experience. The Buckingham Fountain ⛲️ is something you want to experience in your lifetime. I felt as if I was transported to a past time.. the sheer beauty of it in the daytime is only magnified 10x by the view of it at night. With the iconic Chicago skyline as its backdrop, this truly is a sight that NEEDS to be seen in person. It was absolutely breathtaking.✨️ It's located in Grant Park, which also has a beautiful rose garden🌹 and other photo worthy attractions. It's a must-see, in person, for both visitors and locals like myself. When you live so close to a big city, you tend to take the magnitude of it for granted. You really do have to stop, smell the roses 🌹, & appreciate what an absolute treasure you have 30 minutes away from home ⛲️🌃🤍
A TOP tourist attraction in the city.
I highly recommend going at night to see the light & music show plus all the little carts that are lit up with fun colors, driving around the fountain.
With the city lights in the background, over all it’s a great place to walk around or just sit and watch.
Lots of great sitting options. There also is several snack carts set up as well as food trucks.
Bathrooms available too.
As my 1st experience, it was wonderful.
I highly recommend going at night to see the light & music show plus all the little carts that are lit up with fun colors, driving around the fountain.
With the city lights in the background, over all it’s a great place to walk around or just sit and watch.
Lots of great sitting options. There also is several snack carts set up as well as food trucks.
Bathrooms available too.
As my 1st experience, it was wonderful.
Buckingham Fountain, an iconic landmark nestled in Grant Park, is a mesmerizing testament to Chicago's grandeur and beauty. Standing as one of the largest fountains in the world, it exudes a timeless elegance and captivates visitors with its grandeur.
The fountain's exquisite design features intricately carved seahorses, mythical sea creatures, and cascading tiers that create a symphony of water and light. Its central jet shoots water up to 150 feet in the air, while the surrounding basins showcase graceful water patterns that dance in harmony with the surrounding landscape.
Buckingham Fountain serves as a focal point for gatherings and celebrations in the city. Its dynamic water displays, set to the backdrop of Chicago's iconic skyline, create a spectacle that delights visitors of all ages. The fountain's water shows, accompanied by music and vibrant lights, are particularly enchanting during the summer evenings.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Buckingham Fountain holds historical significance for Chicago. Dedicated in 1927, it was a gift to the city from philanthropist Kate Sturges Buckingham as a tribute to her late brother. Today, it stands as a symbol of civic pride and a beloved attraction for both locals and tourists.
Visitors to Buckingham Fountain can enjoy leisurely strolls along its surrounding promenade, take in the panoramic views of Lake Michigan, and capture memorable photos against its grand backdrop. Whether in daylight or illuminated at night, Buckingham Fountain is a true Chicago icon, evoking a sense of wonder and delight that embodies the city's spirit.
The fountain's exquisite design features intricately carved seahorses, mythical sea creatures, and cascading tiers that create a symphony of water and light. Its central jet shoots water up to 150 feet in the air, while the surrounding basins showcase graceful water patterns that dance in harmony with the surrounding landscape.
Buckingham Fountain serves as a focal point for gatherings and celebrations in the city. Its dynamic water displays, set to the backdrop of Chicago's iconic skyline, create a spectacle that delights visitors of all ages. The fountain's water shows, accompanied by music and vibrant lights, are particularly enchanting during the summer evenings.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Buckingham Fountain holds historical significance for Chicago. Dedicated in 1927, it was a gift to the city from philanthropist Kate Sturges Buckingham as a tribute to her late brother. Today, it stands as a symbol of civic pride and a beloved attraction for both locals and tourists.
Visitors to Buckingham Fountain can enjoy leisurely strolls along its surrounding promenade, take in the panoramic views of Lake Michigan, and capture memorable photos against its grand backdrop. Whether in daylight or illuminated at night, Buckingham Fountain is a true Chicago icon, evoking a sense of wonder and delight that embodies the city's spirit.
Gateway to Chicago if you come here you must stop here first day long enough to see all the fountain shoot. They shoot even higher every so often. So stay long enough. Make sure you walk around inside to see every aspect of not just the fountain but the background. The skyline the harbor all the above and just enjoy your time
The Marquette Building was built in 1895 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and the National Historic Landmark list in 1976. This is a beautiful building with a lot of rich history. This is a must see when you are in Chicago. I would love to get a inside tour of this building.
Wow, Berlin Wall!
The horse statue is made of brass. It symbolizes "room to run" with regard to stocks going up given the building has trading firms. I've seen drunk women come out of the bar across the street climb the statue and grab it's private part. Lol.. I've seen teenagers toss laundry suds into the fountain and foam bubbles went everywhere. I also once saw a homeless guy taking a bath in the fountain. Lol.. Fun times..
The Marquette Building is a gem, hidden in plain sight! The Tiffany mosaic and the bronzes of early European explorers and native Chiefs, is not to be missed. It is open 24/7 and is home to Revival Food Hall.
Love architecture? If so please don't miss the opportunity to see the Marquette building. Go inside view the lobby and the museum. Quite the stunning blast from the past. Exquisite mosaics surround the lobby and the attention to detail. Wow!
Definitely a super cool part of the city that I never knew about, not the easiest to find because it's actually located inside the train station but once you find it you'll definitely always remember where it is.
Beautiful and powerful sculpture with a delightful staircase waterfall beneath. It was at night so I couldn't read the post on it. I think this sculpture should have some story behind it.
Nice fountain. We recently moved states and I will miss seeing it leaving the La Salle Street station.
Beautiful
The location being on a train station is strange but it's a good opportunity to learn some facts and "feel" the history by touching the wall. Impressive.
Interesting piece I didn't know was here.
It’s a really historic building.
On my first day in Chicago, I decided to take myself on a walking tour of the historical buildings near my hotel, the Parker House Hilton. The Marquette was my first stop. From an architectural and historic standpoint, the Marquette is an important stop and worth taking the time to enjoy. Especially the mosaics by Tiffany, they'll take your breath away.
Nice spot
Not actually a real horse, just a statue. Disappointing.
It is just a piece of the wall, but something everyone should see to understand the wall was a real thing, not a line on a map.
This building is a testament to the early skyscrapers. A beautiful lobby, mosaics, and a tribute to the buildings of Chicago that aim high resides within. A must for all those who appreciate architecture, art, or are looking for something truly unique. Plan to visit around meal time and you can enjoy the Revival located on the west side past the tribute...a truly wonderful selection of food from around the city, sample from all or enjoy your favorites without paying an arm and a leg. A true gem in the rough.
You can see an actual piece of the Berlin wall that separated the German people for 28 years. It was donated to Chicago by the city of Berlin.
There are some brief descriptions explaining the history and the donation.
It's a pity to have such an important piece of history hidden in a CTA station.
Hard to imagine when looking at this piece that hundreds of people lost there life trying to get over this border wall.
There are some brief descriptions explaining the history and the donation.
It's a pity to have such an important piece of history hidden in a CTA station.
Hard to imagine when looking at this piece that hundreds of people lost there life trying to get over this border wall.
Located inside the Western Avenue train station, this is a tall chunk of famous concrete surrounded by interpretive plaques and photos. The wall symbolized the ideological struggle between East and West during the Cold War. It's an interesting monument for this traditionally German-American neighborhood.
Iconic horse outside of the Chicago Options Exchange