152 Iconic Buildings to Explore in Illinois

Cattle Bank, is the oldest embodied banking institution in Illinois and continues to be a leader in providing quality banking services. Founded in 1849, Cattle Bank offers customers an extensive range of services including personal checking accounts, savings accounts, loans for agricultural needs as well as investment opportunities. With seven community based locations throughout Central Illinois and convenient online access.

The Champaign City Building has long been a source of pride and inspiration for the people of the community. At the center of the city is a beautiful building that covers over one million square feet and stands an impressive ten stories tall. Inside, local residents can find governmental offices from mayor to police and fire departments as well as cultural institutions like the Orpheum Children’s Science Museum. The building also houses some of Champaign's finest restaurants.

This vibrant public library provides an array of services to its patrons including borrowing of books, magazines, CDs and DVDs, computers and printing access, as well as activities like storytimes, book discussion groups, events and lectures. The library prides itself on fostering life-long learning within the community by providing educational materials like resources for job seekers and places of worship. Additionally, library staff are highly knowledgeable and eager to help.

The Charnley-Persky House is a perfect example of the evolution of American architecture in the 19th century. Built between 1892 and 1894 by world-renowned architects Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright, the house has stood at its current location since 1927. It features intricate design elements from bordered terraces to rich brick patterning. Inside, oak panelings line the walls providing warmth and richness that exemplifies Sullivan's Prairie School style.

The Chicago Architecture Center is a vibrant hub for discovering amazing architecture and design in Cook County, Illinois. It offers highly interactive exhibits from renowned local architects, tours led by expert docents, engaging programs for all ages that explore the cultural significance of various buildings and sites around the city, and even an impressive shop full of unique souvenirs to commemorate your visit.

The iconic Chicago Board of Trade Building stands as a symbol of finance and commerce. Built in 1930, it was the world’s first-ever permanent commodity exchange. Its art deco exterior is constructed with Indiana Limestone, granite, and bronze. It features a two story lobby filled with beautiful murals depicting commodities that were traded such as grain and livestock. With its 20 stories, it was considered one of the tallest office buildings at the time of its completion.

The Christian County Historical Society & Museum is a wonderful place to explore the rich history of the county. Visitors are able to access artifacts, archives, and photographs related to Christian County's past. In addition, knowledgeable volunteers and staff can provide visitors with exciting stories about the county’s unique heritage. The museum also hosts regular events such as lectures and workshops which allow guests to delve deeper into their research.

Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse is a one-of-a-kind facility that provides a unique entertainment experience. The theater hosts Broadway musicals and plays, as well as comedy acts and concerts throughout the year. In addition to the stage performances, guests can enjoy delicious meals served in the elegant dining room before the show begins. The doors open at 5 p.m., giving guests plenty of time to peruse their menus and make selections before curtain call.

This Tower, is a magnificent venue for art lovers and history buffs alike. Located in Chicago's iconic 1869 limestone water tower building, the gallery features permanent and rotating exhibitions of photography and design works that capture local culture, as well as national artwork from renowned photographers and contemporary visual artists. The building itself offers a unique look into the past but with modern amenities like an ADA-compliant elevator and restrooms.

Cloud Gate, is an iconic sculpture by Indian-born British artist Anish Kapoor. The stainless steel bean-like structure was created to be a modernist revelry to Chicago's skyline and has become beloved among locals and tourists alike. Its 110 ton form rises 12 metres from the ground and is 33 metres wide making it the largest public sculpture in the world. Visitors can walk around, touch and take pictures with the sculpture as it captures reflections of the cityscape surrounding it.

The Col. Gustavus A. Palmer House, is a valuable piece of American history and architecture. Built in 1854, the two-story Greek Revival design was at one point considered to be "one of the most magnificent homes" in the entire area, due to its location and high level of craftsmanship. Today, it serves as an important reminder of our nation's past and remains open for tours, allowing visitors to explore the beautiful home and learn more about both local and national history.

Dana Thomas House, is an excellent example of American Prairie-style architecture. Built in 1902 by master-architect Frank Lloyd Wright, this stunning house stands today as a showcase of his unique and innovative design concepts. The Dana Thomas House contains 38 rooms and over 100 sculptures, along with a collection of furniture custom built by Wright. Although the house is now primarily a museum showcasing the work of one of the world’s most influential architects.

The Dana Thomas House, is a stunning example of the Prairie style of architecture that was popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright. It was commissioned in 1902 by local industrialist and philanthropist Susan Lawrence Dana, who wanted a building that would be both useful and beautiful. The house is built from varied materials including Indiana limestone, stained glass windows, cypress paneling, and Sioux quartzite tile edging.

The David Davis Mansion is an elegant brick house built in the Federal style. Constructed between 1872 and 1876 by the Supreme Court Justice of the same name, the home of Justice Davis and his wife Sarah was occupied by them until he passed in 1886. It operated as a private residence until 1957 when it was opened to the public as a museum. Today, visitors can explore the restored grounds and interior spaces of this historic estate complete with formal gardens, stables and other outbuildings.

De Immigrant is a unique structure that is steeped in history. It was constructed in 1928 by Dutch immigrants Jacob and Hillegonda Maasland who were living on their family farm. The windmill features traditional Dutch-style architecture; its 60ft tall frame and rotating blades are made of galvanized steel and are still functional today. As an iconic landmark in Whiteside County, the windmill stands as a reminder of the area's Dutch roots.

The Decatur Transfer House built in 1873. It served as a “transfer station” for passengers and freight arriving via the Decatur & Eastern Illinois and the Danville & Western Railroads. The old station was turned into a museum which now displays exhibits of Macon County's history while also honoring those railroad employees who worked at the original station. It includes artifacts that depict everyday life on the railroads such as clothing, tools, photographs, and newspaper clippings.

The Dillon Home Museum is a testament to the area's history. Located on historic Lafayette Street and within sight of the Mighty Mississippi, the museum is nestled in a nineteenth century home. The museum offers guided tours and events throughout the year where visitors can experience not only the original furniture and artifacts from Whiteside County but they can also soak up the unique local flavor of early-day living.

The Dowling House, was built in the 1840s. At the time it was constructed, the Greek Revival-style residence was used as a home for various members of the prominent Dowling family until 1892. The structure is notable for its two-story porches that run around all four sides of the house and is recognized today as a "landmark of Galena's golden age." To celebrate its cultural and architectural significance, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

The Edith Farnsworth House, stands today as a testament to the bold and innovative architecture of Mies van der Rohe. The three-part structure of the house gives way to generous and comfortable living spaces with carefully planned furnishings and paintings. Built between 1945 and 1951 with connecting sitting rooms and one central core, the house is great example of integration of natural elements in modern design.

The Effingham County Cultural Center and Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Effingham County. It features permanent exhibits showcasing artifacts from the area's Civil War soldiers, Native American history, and early settlers. There are also several rotating exhibits throughout the year that educate visitors about different topics related to Effingham County. Guests can explore these collections further in the museum's research library or on one of its guided tours.