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Things to do in Chicago, Illinois (IL): The Best Historic Sites
The windy city is a cornucopia of modern art, fine dining, cutting edge comedy, and die-hard sports fans. Snap a photo of your reflection in the silver Cloud Gate sculpture at Millennium Park before heading to Grant Park to get hit with the refreshing spray of Buckingham Fountain. There are dozens of museums and theater companies in Chicago, so a cultural experience is never hard to find. You’re sure to laugh your head off at the Second City Theater, the professional launch pad of many famous comedians.
Restaurants in Chicago
1. Game Of Imagination
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
World class mentalist Jonathan Pritchard performs his live cutting-edge online streaming show “Game of Imagination.” He combines improv with skillful mental manipulations and you’ll witness demonstrations of mind power that you simply won’t believe. Pritchard has performed on 3 continents for Fortune 500 companies like BP, State Farm, United Airlines, and beyond.
Reviewed By serhiychukhan
Extremely entertaining and engaging, very astonishing with a jaw-dropping finale! Jonathan is a true master in his field.
2. The Rookery Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 392 reviews
The Rookery tours are not available at this time. (Updated 6/2/20) Set in the heart of Chicago’s financial district, Daniel Burnham and John Root’s 1888 Rookery Building is a Chicago landmark, containing one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most dramatic interior compositions – a luminous and brilliantly articulated central light court. In 1905, Wright was commissioned to remodel the Rookery light court and lobbies. He realized a stunning balance between Burnham & Root’s ornamental ironwork and his own vision to create a spectacular environment. Morning and afternoon guided tours are offered by the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust Monday through Friday. Learn about the building’s fascinating history and the unique contribution of one of America’s greatest architects.
Reviewed By 73eileeng - Marlboro, United States
A must stop if you are a Frank Lloyd Wright fan as this is the only spot in the Loop that his Wright's stamp on it. He re-designed the lobby and it's quite an interesting effect. You can visit the lobby for free and sign up for tours that take you further into the building.
3. Glessner House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
A National Historic Landmark, Glessner House was designed by noted American architect Henry Hobson Richardson and completed in 1887. It remains an internationally-known architectural treasure in Chicago. A radical departure from traditional Victorian architecture, the structure served as an inspiration to architects such as Louis Sullivan, Mies van der Rohe, and the young Frank Lloyd Wright and helped redefine domestic architecture.
Reviewed By MidwestKathM - Detroit, United States
Ever on the hunt for something interesting to see in Chicago, having visited there at least a dozen times through the years, I came across this architectural gem by Richardson that gives visitors a peek at the Gilded Age life in Chicago. The Glessner House tells the history of one family in a time of industrial growth and personal prosperity. With original furnishings and personal belongings, it is unique in sharing the family's legacy. Our tour guide was outstanding in telling the story and answering questions for nearly 90 minutes. To become more immersed, walk up and down Prairie Avenue to see some of the other remaining original houses and the in-fill houses built in the style of the times. Truly a must-see gem!!
4. Marquette Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
MacArthur's offices are located in the historic and beautiful Marquette Building, a Chicago landmark and one of the city's first skyscrapers. The building is a classic example of Chicago-style architecture. Designed and built by Holabird & Roche in 1895, it was named for the French Jesuit missionary and explorer Jacques Marquette. In 1975, Banker's Life and Casualty Company, owned by John D. MacArthur, acquired the Marquette Building, and in 1976 it was named a National Historic Landmark. After his death in 1978, the building became the headquarters for the Foundation which bears his name. In 2001, MacArthur undertook an extensive restoration of the building, working closely with preservation specialists to return the interior and exterior to its original splendor. There is a free exhibit in the building's arcade, just west of the lobby, at 140 South Dearborn Street. Interactive kiosks detail the building's design, history, and renovation. The exhibit is free and open to the public from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. The Chicago Architecture Foundation provides scheduled tours of the building.
Reviewed By klhchicago - Chicago, United States
The Marquette building is a great snap shot of Chicago's history with architecture. Walk into the lobby and get a brochure from the attendant or simply read the descriptions of Native Americans, French explorer Father Marquette, and much more. There are bronze reliefs and mosaics which are beautiful as well as much of the decoration of the lobby by famous architects William Holabird and Martin Roche. Walk into the back and there is architecture exhibits which explain more about the architecture of some past and present buildings in the city. If you don't want to take an architecture tour but want to learn a little bit without too much time and no money invested this is a great little pit stop
5. Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven Foundation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
6. Palmer House Hilton Historic Lobby
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By Cobcop - Copley, United States
The Palmer House Hilton Hotel is a historical landmark in downtown Chicago that is in a great location for getting around the city. It's first-floor lobby area is quite interesting with many shops, and the mezzanine guests registration area includes a welcoming social area. The rooms are large and the bedding is very comfortable. The housekeeping staff were very cordial and accommodating to our needs.
7. Keith House
8. Chess Records
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By MichaelE9 - Orland Park, United States
This is an hour long tour led by a gent named Manchester....he is very knowledgeable and passionate about the history of Chess and the music created there. The space is historical and vibrant. You can close your eyes and imagine Etta James, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy or The Stones and a host of studio musicians walking around and recording there. Hopefully it will reopen as a working studio soon.. A Chicago gem!
9. Macy's on State Street
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,302 reviews
Reviewed By vickir258 - Buffalo Grove, United States
Macy correctly left the Marshall Field's plaques on the building, The Walnut room is a great place for lunch and still hosts the famous Christmas Tree, although it is now a big ad for Macy's. You can also eat at one of many chef owned casual/fast dining spots on the 7th floor and take pics of the tree from the observation area on the floor.
10. Manhattan Building
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
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