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Chicago Water Tower, Chicago, IL

Photo: Bernt Rostad, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

SightseeingIconicHistory BuffFree

Chicago Water Tower

806 N Michigan Ave · Chicago, IL

Why you should go…

The Chicago Water Tower rises 182.5 feet over the Magnificent Mile, a castellated Gothic structure of yellowing Lemont limestone built in 1869 to a design by William W. Boyington. It was made to house a 138-foot standpipe, and it came through the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 while buildings around it burned. Today the tower holds the City Gallery, which shows work by local photographers and artists. It sits in a small park, Jane M. Byrne Plaza.

  • #historic landmark
  • #great chicago fire
  • #magnificent mile
  • #art gallery
  • #architecture

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Chicago Water Tower, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Tours
    Quirky Fun

    Chicago Crime Tours

    $25–$50

    Guided bus tours through Chicago's Prohibition-era mob history and notorious crime landmarks.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    Date Night

    360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

    $25–$50

    Lake-and-skyline views from 1,000 feet up, plus TILT, the glass ledge that leans you over Michigan Avenue.

    Steps awayMore like this

  • Shopping
    Iconic

    The Magnificent Mile

    Free

    Chicago's iconic stretch of Michigan Avenue: 400+ stores, landmark towers, and the historic Water Tower, river to Oak Street.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Museums
    Art lover

    Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

    Under $25

    One of the world's largest contemporary art museums, steps off the Mag Mile, bold exhibitions, free for under-18s.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Chicago

    Free

    Illinois' lakefront metropolis, home to world-class museums, architecture, and neighborhoods along Lake Michigan.

    0.6 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Chicago Riverwalk

    Free

    A 1.25-mile waterfront promenade of patios, wine bars, and skyline views along the Chicago River.

    0.7 mi awayMore like this