I’m a Chicago local with insights into the best Chicago landmarks — many of which visitors and even locals pass without a second thought.
Of course, this article also covers famous Windy City landmarks like Cloud Gate (“The Bean”) and Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower). But America’s third largest city holds several hidden gems with interesting history and stunning architecture. Discover some of Chicago’s top attractions in this comprehensive guide!
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24 Famous Landmarks in Chicago
Wrigley Field
This historic baseball stadium is the second-oldest in America and home to the Chicago Cubs.
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No Chicago landmarks list would be complete without Wrigley Field. This iconic baseball stadium is one of Chicago’s most famous landmarks. It’s located on Chicago’s North Side in Wrigleyville.
Wrigley Field is the United States’ second-oldest ballpark and home to the famed Chicago Cubs. The first Major League Baseball game was played here on April 23, 1914, the same year it was built. Tons of historic moments in baseball history have taken place here including 5 World Series and Babe Ruth’s “Called Shot.”
Wrigley Field’s rich history is evident throughout the stadium. It has an old-school, hand-turned scoreboard, an iconic sign, and an outfield wall covered in ivy.
👉 Don’t Miss: Our 5-Day Chicago Itinerary includes a stop at Wrigley Field! You can also get a free, printable version of our Chicago itinerary here.
Millennium Park
Chicago’s most famous public park is home to Cloud Gate, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and other iconic landmarks.
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Millennium Park is one of the best public parks in Chicago. It’s in the heart of downtown Chicago’s Loop and contains some of the city’s most famous landmarks. You’ll find Cloud Gate (“The Bean”), Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Crown Fountain, Lurie Garden, and other cultural exhibits.
No first-time trip to the Windy City is complete without a visit to Millennium Park. Snap a photo in front of The Bean, enjoy festivals and events at Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and explore the nooks and crannies that make up this beautiful park.
Cloud Gate (“The Bean”)
This art installation in Millennium Park is Chicago’s most iconic landmark.
Cloud Gate (better known as “The Bean”) is arguably the most iconic Chicago landmark today. The Bean was designed by sculptor Anish Kapoor and is located in Millennium Park. It has been one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chicago since it was unveiled in 2004.
Liquid mercury was the inspiration behind The Bean, which is why its surface is so mirror-like. It’s meant to reflect the Chicago skyline. Snap a picture and be sure to take a walk underneath it.
The Chicago Theatre
This ornate, historic theater in downtown Chicago hosts famed musicians and comedians.
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It’s hard to miss The Chicago Theatre’s dazzling red and gold marquee when walking down N State Street in downtown Chicago. The theater is an iconic landmark with a rich history to match. The Chicago Theatre first opened in 1921 and was built as a model for other luxurious movie houses in America.
The building itself is a French Baroque style of architecture and the interior is ornate. Expect to be impressed by the grandeur and attention to detail throughout the theater. It’s been well preserved.
Today, The Chicago Theatre no longer plays movies. Instead, it’s regarded as one of the city’s best music venues and also hosts comedians and other performers. Visiting makes for a perfect night out in Chicago.
Willis Tower (Formerly Sears Tower)
Marvel at one of the world’s most famous skyscrapers and the tallest building in Chicago.
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The Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) is famous because in 1974, it held the title of the tallest building in the world. Today, it’s the tallest building in the Chicago skyline with 110 floors.
Visitors can check out the Willis Tower from Skydeck Chicago on the building’s 103rd floor. Step out onto The Ledge observation deck and peer down at the city of Chicago. You’ll catch panoramic views and learn about the history of Willis Tower.
875 North Michigan Avenue (Formerly the John Hancock Center)
Experience the 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck within one of Chicago’s highest buildings.
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875 North Michigan Avenue is another famous Chicago skyscraper. It’s one of the tallest buildings in Chicago at 1,500 feet and located along the Magnificent Mile. It was formerly known as the John Hancock Center but the naming rights expired in 2018, and so the name changed (although, locals still call it the “John Hancock Building”).
The skyscraper was completed in 1969 and its structural engineering was remarkable for the time. Today, it’s a mixed-use building. You’ll find the 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck on the 94th floor, offering views of the city and Lake Michigan.
The Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago’s most famous art museum contains nearly 300,000 works of art.
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The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the biggest landmarks in Chicago. This famous art museum in Grant Park is one of the oldest art museums in the world.
The Art Institute of Chicago first opened its doors in 1879. It was a pivotal moment in Chicago’s history and growth, following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The Art Institute first opened as a school and museum for fine arts.
Today, it showcases famous artworks ranging from Post Impressionist art to Modern and Contemporary art and more.
The Magnificent Mile
Shop along this buzzing, one-mile avenue in downtown Chicago.
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The Magnificent Mile is Chicago’s most famous shopping district. Here, visitors can enjoy a one-mile-long avenue filled with name-brand shops on N. Michigan Ave just north of the Loop. The Magnificent Mile isn’t an official Chicago landmark, but it’s a must-do for most first-time visitors.
The Magnificent Mile is also home to other important landmarks. These include the Chicago Water Tower,875 N Michigan Ave (formerly John Hancock Building), Tribune Tower, and Wrigley Building.
The Rookery Building
This National Historic Landmark is known for its stunning architectural design.
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The Rookery Building is one of the most important landmarks in Chicago in the realm of architecture and design. It was built in 1888 during Chicago’s architectural boom following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
The Rookery Building was designed by famous architects Daniel Burnham and John Root. The lobby was redesigned by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1905.
The Rookery Building is considered by many to be an architectural masterpiece. Highlights of the building include the Oriel Staircase, the Light Court, and the iron frame.
Wrigley Building
This historic 20th-century building was formerly the headquarters of the Wrigley Company.
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The Wrigley Building is an ornate terracotta building that sits at the end of the Magnificent Mile by the Chicago River. The building has a Beaux-Arts and French Renaissance architectural style and was inspired by architecture in Seville, Spain.
The building was completed in 1924 and commissioned to be the headquarters for the Wrigley Company. Ever heard of Wrigley’s chewing gum? It’s the same company! Today, the Wrigley Building is an office building, public plaza, and overall beautiful and historic building.
👉 Don’t Miss: See our guide to Chicago river tours — they’re one of the best ways to admire the city’s architecture!
Tribune Tower
This Neo-Gothic skyscraper was once the headquarters of the Chicago Tribune.
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The Tribune Tower is another iconic architectural landmark on Michigan Avenue. It was the winning design of an international competition for the Chicago Tribune newspaper.
The Neo-Gothic style skyscraper was built in 1925. It served as the Chicago Tribune’s headquarters until 2018. Today, Tribune Tower is home to luxury apartments.
Marina City
These two corncob-like towers along the Chicago River were built to be a city within a city.
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The Marina City towers are some of my favorite buildings downtown. These two round, concrete buildings were completed in 1967 and are locally known as “the corncobs.”
It was designed to be a city within a city. The two towers contain residences, shops and restaurants, a parking garage, a theater, a gym, and more. Today, it’s still home to apartments and local businesses.
Enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment at this historic hub right on Lake Michigan.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions, especially for families. It was originally built in 1916 and designed to be a vibrant civic center.
Navy Pier has played many roles throughout its history. It was a training center during World War II. Navy Pier has also been a freight terminal and home to the University of Illinois.
Today, this waterfront hub on Lake Michigan features shops, restaurants, museums, rides, public events, and historic sites. The Centennial Wheel and a historic carousel are some of Navy Pier’s best-known landmarks.
Chicago Cultural Center
This beautifully designed cultural center is known for its stunning stained glass domes.
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The Chicago Cultural Center was originally built for two purposes: to be a public library and to showcase Chicago as a “sophisticated metropolis” [ source]. Today, it’s a National Historic Landmark and home to the biggest stained glass Tiffany dome in the world. It’s also a center for art and public events in the heart of Chicago.
THE MART
This Chicago design center was once the largest building in the world.
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THE MART has long been an important building. It first opened in 1930 and at the time, it was the largest building in the world. Today, it’s still huge. THE MART is the size of 2.5 city blocks and stands tall and wide over the Chicago River.
THE MART primarily operates as a market and showroom for the design industry in Chicago. However, visitors can enjoy ART on THE MART, the largest digital art projection in the world.
Frederick C. Robie House
This Chicago landmark is an iconic example of “Prairie Style” architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright.
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No Chicago landmarks list is complete without mentioning Frederick C. Robie House in Hyde Park. This house-turned-museum was designed by renowned Chicago architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
The “Robie House,” as it’s commonly called, is one of the most famous examples of Wright’s Midwestern “Prairie Style.” This style was influential in modern architecture. Today, visitors can tour the Robie House and learn about its history and design.
Museum Campus
This site is home to three Chicago museums: Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, and Shedd Aquarium.
Museum Campus is an extension of Grant Park and the site of three top Chicago museums. This includes the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, and Shedd Aquarium, which are all within walking distance of one another.
The Field Museum is all about natural history with millions of artifacts and specimens on display. The Adler Planetarium puts on educational programs and events about astronomy and the solar system. The Shedd Aquarium is Chicago’s premier aquarium with a mix of sea life and animals native to Lake Michigan.
Altogether, these three landmarks are a must-do for families with kids. I recommend purchasing a Chicago CityPASS to get discounted tickets to these museums and more!
Lincoln Park Zoo
Explore one of America’s oldest zoos located in Lincoln Park — and enjoy free admission!
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The Lincoln Park Zoo first opened its doors in 1868, which makes it one of the oldest zoos in America. It all started when a pair of swans were gifted to Lincoln Park from New York City’s Central Park. Soon, exhibit buildings were built and more animals were donated.
Today, the Lincoln Park Zoo covers 35 acres of land in Lincoln Park and nearly 200 species call the zoo home. You’ll find animals ranging from polar bears to lions, monkeys, reptiles, and more.
📚 Related Reading: Chicago on a Budget
Museum of Science and Industry
This Beaux-Arts style museum was built for the 1933 World’s Fair and is now one of the world’s largest science museums.
📍 Google Maps | Website
The Museum of Science and Industry is one of Chicago’s most historic museums. It’s located on Chicago’s South Side and is enormous.
The building was built in 1893 for the World’s Columbian Exposition. It was opened as the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) in 1933 and was home to the first interactive museum exhibits in North America.
Tons of iconic exhibits have been featured at MSI. This includes an Apollo 8 capsule, a Titanic exhibit, and an interactive coal mine that’s been exhibited since 1933.
Lakefront Trail
This scenic pedestrian trail along the Lake Michigan shoreline passes many landmarks in Chicago.
The Lakefront Trail might not seem like it should be on a list of landmarks, but it’s long been part of Chicago’s history.
The Lakefront Trail is a walking and biking trail that hugs the shore of Chicago’s beautiful Lake Michigan coastline. It’s 18 miles long and passes by many other landmarks like Navy Pier,Museum Campus, and Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. The Lakefront Trail is perfect for catching beautiful views of the city’s skyline.
📚 Related Reading: 14 Best Chicago Beaches
Chicago Riverwalk
This 1.25-mile pathway winds through the heart of Chicago along the Chicago River.
The Chicago Riverwalk is another scenic pedestrian pathway. It’s 1.25 miles long and follows the Chicago River downtown. From here, you can look up and spot other landmarks like THE MART,Marina City,Wrigley Building, and Tribune Tower.
The Chicago Riverwalk is scenic (especially if you visit in the summer), free, and perfect for people-watching. There’s also restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops to enjoy along the way.
Garfield Park Conservatory
This enormous botanical conservatory lies just outside of Chicago.
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Garfield Park Conservatory is located about 30 minutes west of downtown Chicago. This greenhouse and garden is a popular landmark because it’s one of the largest conservatories in America.
Thousands of plants can be found at Garfield Park Conservatory. The indoor conservatory covers two acres and there are 12 acres of outdoor gardens. The conservatory is stunning to visit and perfect for escaping the bustle of Chicago.
🚆 How to Get There: The Green Line is the best way to reach Garfield Park Conservatory. See our guide on how to get around Chicago for more insights!
Chicago Water Tower
This is one of the few surviving buildings from the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
The Chicago Water Tower is an important Chicago landmark. It’s one of a few buildings that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. And so, it’s become a symbol of Chicago’s history and resilience.
The Chicago Water Tower has a Gothic-Revival architectural style and is located on N Michigan Ave along the Magnificent Mile.
Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain
This popular Chicago landmark is best known for its light shows.
The Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain, commonly known as “Buckingham Fountain,” is one of the largest fountains in the world. It first opened in 1927 and is a key feature of Chicago’s Grant Park. Today, Buckingham Fountain is best known for its light shows, which happen every day between about 9 am and 10 pm.
FAQs about Chicago Landmarks
What are the most important landmarks in Chicago?
The most important landmarks in Chicago include Wrigley Field,Millennium Park,Navy Pier, and Willis Tower. Each holds significance in the city’s history and are key tourist attractions.
What are some historical landmarks in Chicago?
Some historical landmarks in Chicago include Wrigley Field,Navy Pier, the Chicago Water Tower, and the Rookery Building.
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Did you learn anything new about Chicago’s landmarks? I hope this guide was insightful and left you with some fun facts about Chicago.
