20 Attractions to Explore Near Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio

Unity Temple is a historic structure built in 1905-1908 by Frank Lloyd Wright, Unity Temple is considered one of the most iconic places of worship in the United States and serves as an important part of architectural history for the state. Located just west of Chicago's downtown area, this extraordinary building incorporates a unique combination of styles including Japanese, Romanesque Revival and Arts & Crafts. Unity Temple is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

This is a beautiful place to spend time and explore the wonders of nature. Covering over 3.5 acres of land, this renowned greenhouse displays thousands of tropical and temperate plants in its 8 distinct showhouses. Visitors can admire unique species while exploring a rain forest, desert landscape, aquatic environment, or one of the other display areas. Furthermore, the conservatory houses several special plants such as cycads and palm trees that have been around for millions of years.

Brookfield Zoo, is an outdoor recreation destination for the whole family. From the towering lions to the adorable lemurs, Brookfield Zoo is a great way to spend a day. There are over 450 species of animals exhibited across 200 acres of wooded landscape giving visitors plenty to explore. Brookfield Zoo offers interactive experiences such as animal encounters, zookeeper talks, and educational presentations which make it unique among other zoos across the country.

The Chicago Zoological Society is a renowned wildlife conservation center that is home to over 2,300 animals and 450 different species. Since its formation in the 1920s, the zoo has been committed to caring for animals, educating visitors about wildlife conservation, providing research opportunities for scientists, and participating in species reintro-duction programs. Along with housing many unique species from around the world, the zoo also hosts a myriad of events throughout the year.

The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture, is a fantastic space dedicated to celebrating and preserving the culture and history of the Puerto Rican people. It offers interactive exhibits, engaging workshops, thought-provoking presentations, and other educational materials that bring visitors closer to the island’s vibrant history and its diverse arts. On any given day at the museum, one can find music performances showcasing beautiful folkloric instruments from around Puerto Rico.

Alexander von Humboldt Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the area. Not only does it boast much of its original prairie plants, but it also features wetlands with numerous species of birds and fish. Visitors to the park find plenty to do, with a chain of lakes running throughout that offers fishing as well as 6 miles of trails for cycling, bird-watching, mountain biking and exploring. The Park also provides campsites and enclosed picnicking areas for groups or individuals.

The National Museum of Mexican Art, is a magnificent and informative exhibition of traditional and contemporary artwork from Mexico. The museum opened its doors to the public in 1987 and has since become one of the leading centers for preserving and celebrating Mexican culture and art. Visitors can enjoy hundreds of pieces on display across several permanent collections, as well as traveling exhibitions presented throughout the year.

The Kahn Tailoring Company Building, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a historic structure that served as the headquarters for the Kahn Tailoring Company. Built in the early 20th century, this building stands as a significant example of industrial architecture in the city.

The Elmhurst Park District offers a stunning collection of parks and recreational opportunities. Spanning hundreds of acres, visitors enjoy 26 unique community parks, 4 playgrounds and 3 separate dog parks for their four-legged friends. In addition to these attractions, there are also several lakes, athletic fields, tennis courts and an aquatic center all within the park district's boundaries.

This Museum was established in 1889 by Jane Addams and Ellen Starr, It was a dream come true for reformers who sought to battle the rampant poverty and social injustice of their era. Originally run as Hull House Settlement, the establishment provided educational and recreational activities for neighborhood children. Through its various programs, it became a social incubator that allowed those less fortunate to fight against oppression while living a dignified life free from financial hardship.

Lincoln Park is a neighborhood known for its attractive green environment. It is home to many public parks and golf courses, thus offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Its streets are lined with historic residences and popular stores, giving it an inviting atmosphere. The iconic Lincoln Park Zoo provides education and entertainment to locals and visitors alike, while the city’s rich cultural offerings range from theater shows to art galleries and museums.

Oz Park is a unique combination of modern amenities and nature. The 17-acre park includes a playground, walking paths, multiple sports fields, an enclosed dog park, and a pond where visitors can fish. In addition to these amenities, the park also contains towering elm trees as well as historic statues and fixtures from the original theme park attraction that inspired it. Visitors of Oz Park will appreciate its wide variety of recreational activities to enjoy in both natural and built landscapes.

The Leaning Tower of Niles, has become a local landmark since its construction in 1934. Nearly 60 feet tall and made of limestone blocks, the tower was modeled after the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. While its height is impressive, the real draw for many visitors is the unique degree to which it has begun to tilt - about seven feet off-center! When it was built during the Great Depression, the tower was intended to attract tourists and business to the area.

Graceland Cemetery is one of the city’s most beautiful places to visit. Dating back to 1860 and located on the north side of Chicago, this historic place has been the final resting spot for some prominent figures in history including Marshall Field, George Pullman, Potter Palmer and many more. Visitors can take part in a guided tour or simply explore on their own while taking in breathtaking memorials, sculptures, trees and an array of wildlife that call this cemetery home.

Wrigley Field, is an iconic baseball stadium rich with history and a revered slice of Americana. Built in 1914, the stands have welcomed generations of fans as they have watched their beloved teams the Chicago Cubs or White Sox compete over the decades. The ivy coated walls provide a unique visual and help turn Wrigley into an unmistakable landmark which has been awarded listings on Historic Baseball Parks and United States Buildings Survey registers.

Fullersburg Woods, is a picturesque nature preserve full of lush forestry and wildlife. The preserve's 500 acres feature a variety of trees and shrubbery, including oak-hickory woods, black walnut-white ash woods, and dense woodbands. The sights and sounds of nature are around every corner as visitors can enjoy the songbirds, warblers, and more that thrive there. Hiking trails provide access to the diverse topography of Fullersburg Woods.

Graue Mill & Museum is a 19th century water-powered gristmill and National Historic Landmark. The historic mill stands as a reminder of days gone by, when families gained services like grinding wheat and other grains into flour to use in their homes daily. Visitors to the museum can explore the architecture of the mill, view an array of artifacts and displays that tell the story of area settlers and travelers, plus the history behind their wares.

The Merchandise Mart is a vast commercial building located on the Chicago River. Built originally in 1930 as a wholesale marketplace for luxury goods, it has since been transformed into a multi-story specialty center and media hub. The Mart houses high-end fashion boutiques, interactive technology retailers and lavish offices for both local and international businesses. Visitors can explore four full floors of shopping while enjoying their surroundings.

Skydeck Chicago, located on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower in downtown Chicago, is the perfect day trip for families and couples looking for spectacular views. From up high in this architectural masterpiece, you can see up to four states: Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan. The glass viewing box extends outward from the building to create an amazing experience that feels like you are floating above the city's skyline with no boundaries.

The Willis Tower is one of the tallest buildings in the United States. Historically known as the Sears Tower, it rises to 1,451 feet and 110 stories nearly touching the clouds. Upon completion in 1973 at 442 meters it was the world's tallest building for almost 25 years. It has 9,500 windows that provide incredible city views from its sky deck looking out over Chicago. The structure consists primarily of steel framing clad with a black aluminum and bronze hone granite facade.