Chicago Architecture Center - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The Chicago River is an iconic part of Illinois. Starting out as a small stream near Lake Michigan before passing through both downtown Chicago and several urban and rural neighborhoods, the river has been a vital part of the county's history. From providing transportation routes for settlers to being looked upon as a source of recreation in its most recent iteration, the body of water has experienced immense change over the years.

The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum is an exciting destination for those interested in local history and science. Located on the Chicago River, this museum showcases five levels of the iconic movable bridge, which can be seen operating from a unique Glass Gallery located on the fifth level. The first and second levels contain exhibits about Chicago River history and engineering, with interactive displays guiding visitors through the city’s changing landscape.

Riverwalk, is an oasis of vibrant activity situated alongside the banks of the Chicago River. Visitors can explore beautiful waterfront trails that stretch for over 25 miles and feature picnic areas, benches, bike-friendly paths and spectacular views of the skyline. Along their journey they can find restored wetlands, striking sculptures, historical sites and an abundance of wildlife which all contribute to making this a truly unique experience. Special events are also held throughout the year.

The DuSable Bridge is a monument of rich history. First constructed as a toll bridge in 1859, it served to bridge a physical gap between the northern and southern sides of the Chicago River. In 2010, after 150 years of service and over 3 million cars crossed, the beloved old swing-style bridge was replaced with a modern-style bascule lift bridge. Despite its age, not all aspects of the old bridge have been lost — its moveable arms are still in operation today!

The Wrigley Building, is an iconic building that is a must-see for architecture and history lovers. The building began construction in 1920 and was completed only two years later in 1922. Designed with inspiration from Spanish baroque style, the Wrigley Building features an ornately decorated exterior including white terracotta walls and marble accents. Inside its lobby you can find an intricately painted ceiling made of Guastavino tiles where famous artists have held concerts in the past.

Tribune Tower, is an iconic building with a rich history. It is the headquarters for the Chicago Tribune newspaper and was designed by Howells & Hood. The design of its neo-Gothic style was based on models from 14th-century French churches. In addition to its distinctive look, Tribune Tower contains pieces from more than 150 of the world’s most famous structures like the Taj Mahal and The Great Pyramid of Giza.