Chicago is one of America’s largest and finest cities. There are several must-see historical landmarks in Chicago that you might not read about, from historical houses to monuments and plaques. This city is the site of a variety of icons, from historical structures to iconic galleries full of curiosity.

The historic city of Chicago has no limits. Over the last several years Chicago has brought in more than 55 million people, both domestically and internationally, partly through summer events such as huge concerts at Lollapalooza and Millennium Park and throughout the year attractions such as the Art Institute and Navy Pier.

The city also profited from the solid economy that accompanied the Grand Recession in 2008, boosting the tourism industry, with 153,700 employment connected to the tourist industry in Chicago in 2019.

Ultimate Guide to Historical Landmarks in Chicago

As travel bans in America softening, tourism brings to life. Afterwards, you should not miss the following historical landmarks in Chicago.

1. Chicago Riverwalk

Go for an incredible atmosphere, tasty eateries, tenting stores and view more beside the Chicago River from Lake Shore Drive to Franklin Street. The Chicago Riverwalk is famous as the “Second Lakefront” for the Chicago people and visitors together. The breathtaking sights of the river, the countryside and many attractions, especially boat ride, you can’t match. There are many activities at the Chicago Riverwalk, ranging from live music to local activities all year round.

Ensure that Chicago Riverwalk is on your choice of attractions when you visit Shiny City. Spare some time at this landmark in Chicago. The amazing displays you may not want to skip.

2. Millennium Park

This 24.5-hectare park is an artistic, musical, architectural and design centre. The homepage of the City of Chicago notes it was originally planned to develop a new parkland and change unattached trains and car parking at end of the ’90s, but it is now the city’s main centre. Tourists may explore engaging artwork, dine outside, skating or play live music.

Moreover, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, a full-scale symphonic exterior venue and Cloud Gate, a large reflecting bean structure, are part of the park’s key features.

3. Navy Pier

Navy Pier is the lakeside jewel. It is located in Chicago between Illinois Avenue and Grand Avenue.  It is something for everybody at the jetty with unlimited fun, amusement and activities.

In addition to a public place for entertainment and exhibition, the Navy Pier was opened in 1995. The pier is a product of Daniel Burnham’s concept that the lakeside may be transformed into an appealing, functional environment. Besides that, It accommodates restaurants, eateries, government events, exhibits, boats and sightseeing tours nowadays. A Ferris wheel about 200 metres above the Navy Pier, provides unique city vistas.

4. Historical Cultural Center Chicago

Between 1897 and 1991, Chicago’s first public library was a majestic edifice with a glimmer of information, as well as two gorgeous stained-glass domes, sophisticated patterns of Favrile glass, nutty and colourful marble, rich oaks and beautiful steps. Free amazing displays of art, music, dancing, theatre, panels, movies, seminars and family gatherings have substituted the bookshelves.

It still has nonetheless the biggest gothic style cathedral in Tiffany in the world, so that you will get a flavour of the past, the architecture and the structures of the 1893 World Columbian Exhibition have impacted the Beaux Art style.

Its interior was patterned on the Florence Palazzo Vecchio and Greece Acropolis and a late evening music event, an exhibition on Keith Haring or a talk on Philosophy and human behaviour.

5. Lincoln Park Zoo

The Lincoln Park Zoo was built in 1868 and is a long, narrow area housing about 200 species of animals. T this is one of America’s oldest public zoos.

The zoo provides a wide variety of events from wine and wildlife evenings to learning programmes. However, there is no exemption to the Lincoln Park Zoo.

It is completely free, which is the finest thing about this famous landmark. Yes, that’s right, you saw it. It will not cost a penny to explore the Lincoln Park Zoo. From snakes to sea lions, without paying a lot for tickets, you will meet many of the animal species.

6. Buckingham Fountain Chicago

A prominent Chicago icon in the centre of Grant Park is the Clarence F. Buckingham fountain, which gives its distinctive hourly computerised water display. Hence, having 1.5 million gallons of water shot at 150 feet throughout their daily performances, the fountain is among the largest in the world.

The Latona Basin in France was the inspiration for Buckingham Fountain. This fountain model of Chicago is double the size and have 3 times more water than its French equivalent. The fountain is in Baroque styling. It represents Lake Michigan in 7 various sizes.

7.  Graceland Cemetery

Graceland Cemetery is one of the Victorian fabled graveyards in Chicago. The remnants of certain prominent Chicago figures, like Marshall Field, George Pullman, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Potter and Bertha Palmer, are recognised for their works and architecture. 

For long, these deceased are happy that tourists go around the sites periodically to determine notable tombs, including public personalities, baseball and boxing majors, dealers and inventors. The site developed in 1861 to create a park-loving environment by eminent land designer H.W. S. Cleveland.

8. Wrigley Field

In the big leagues following Fenway Venue, Wrigley Field is the second-oldest ballpark and is a major attraction for Chicago fans to visit City. The stadium provides sixty minutes tours and souvenir stores where you may bring a new hat and shirt to you or a friend.

Wrigley Field is mostly recognised as the ball venue of the Cubs but its leafy borders and unusual marquee are also renowned. The stadium has always been far more than a gorgeous venue of design. But, in complement to the baseball stadium, Wrigley Field was the first live instrument park in which football, soccer, hockey and musicals were played.

9. Cermak Road Bridge

Previously called the 22nd street bridge, this exquisite architectural building was created in the early 1900s. Moreover, it is Chicago’s sole surviving moving elevator bascule bridge between Grove and Jefferson Streets.

10. Union Station

The Chicago Intercity Rail Terminals and the biggest Commuter Train Terminal remain opened since 1925 in the Union Station. Whereas, the building using an Indiana Bedford external limestone.  The Great Hall station gives an insight into the history of the Americas and the architectural grandeur of an earlier period with its barrel-veiled skylight illuminating the surrounding area with soothing lights, long hardwood seats, pillars and touches of bronze. During World War II, the roof darkened out less than a target, since 100,000 people went through every day.

Final Word

You don’t want to overlook these historical landmarks in Chicago when you visit the United States. Touring these locations is certainly up to your standards, from a great baseball field to a wildlife visit.