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The 17 best architecture tours of Chicago

Discover Art Deco skyscrapers, modern marvels and Frank Lloyd Wright–designed homes on these architecture tours of Chicago

Even if you're a longtime local, there's something special about taking in the city's architecture on foot or from the water with the help of an expert. From glass and steel castles to ornate Art Deco buildings to street art and cultural landmarks in our neighborhoods, there's a reason these tours are among the best attractions in Chicago . Nerd out over the design, engineering and construction behind the most beautiful buildings in Chicago on guided walks, bus rides and boat tours . First-time visitors will be happy to know that these architecture tours double as sightseeing walks of the best Chicago attractions —you might even be able to snap a few Instagrams along the way. Here's a few of our favorite tours that are equally engaging for tourists and Chicago lifers. 

RECOMMENDED: Check out the full guide to the best Chicago tours

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Architecture tours of Chicago

Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise

For a comprehensive overview of Chicago’s skyline, there’s no better vantage point than aboard Chicago's First Lady. You’ll spy more than 50 architecturally significant buildings, from the Wrigley Building to newcomers like the St. Regis. An expert guide will give you the lowdown on Chicago’s rise from the Great Fire of 1871, the advent of balloon-frame construction and other crucial moments in the city’s history. Choose to cruise by day or watch the city light up with an evening option.  $52

Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour

You're certainly not short on great options to see Chicago's stunning architecture from the river. On Shoreline Sightseeing's signature 75-minute tour, you'll observe more than 40 landmarks, including Tribune Tower and Marina City. A knowledgeable guide shares the stories behind the architects, engineers, movers and shakers that gave us the nickname "City of the Big Shoulders." $43-47

Chicago's Original Architecture River Tour

Travel the Chicago River in style with a bartender, an entertaining tour guide and killer views as you explore the city's architecture on all three main branches of the Chicago river. A 45-minute version is also available. $42

Must-See Chicago

Want to check out Chicago's architecture but short on time? Try this 90-minute "Greatest Hits" walking tour from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, which offers an informative, fast-paced introduction to key landmarks. The tour includes stops at more than a dozen buildings, including the Chicago Theatre, Aqua Tower, Willis (Sears) Tower, the Wrigley Building and the Art Institute of Chicago. Make sure to bring something to take notes! $30

One of the coolest aspects of Chicago architecture is that it's always evolving, with new landmarks continuing to shape our skyline. This 90-minute tour from the Chicago Architecture Foundation is all about what's new in Chicago, taking guests to buildings like 462 N. Park and the St. Regis and discussing their impact on the city's changing built environment and economy. $30

Frank Lloyd Wright Trust Bus Tours

These tours, led by experts dedicated to preserving and educating about the work of Chicagoland's most famous architect, are definitely not cheap, but a must for Frank Lloyd Wright superfans. (Frankenstans?) The "Wright Around Chicago" includes stops at the gorgeous Rookery Building and Wright's home and studio in Oak Park, while the "Wright Along the Lake" tour includes a visit to the exquisite 1915 Emil Bach House. Oh, and lunch and a prosecco toast are included. $195

Free Tours By Foot's Architecture Tour

If you're traveling on a budget, you can still get an excellent overview of Chicago's architecture thanks to Free Tours By Foot's pay-what-you-can two-hour walking tours. These volunteer-led tours take you to key landmarks like Cloud Gate, Marina City, the Leo Burnett Building and works by Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan and Mies van der Rohe. 

Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrapers

Take a trip back to the Roaring Twenties with this tour, which takes you through the history of many iconic Chicago buildings. Choose from the Loop route, which includes One North LaSalle and the towering Board of Trade, or the Riverfront route for the gold-topped Carbide and Carbon building and the Holabird and Root-designed 333 N. Wacker Drive. Admire the geometric shapes, vibrant colors and sophisticated elegance that Art Deco construction is so well known for on these two-hour walking tours. $30

Chicago Mahogany Tours

Although these tours (which are created and by civic historian and TikTok star Shermann "Dilla" Thomas) aren't exclusively architecture-focused, the built environment plays a huge role in their explorations of the history, contributions and legacies of South Side neighborhoods like Roseland and Back of the Yards. And from Bronzeville's beautiful boulevards to Pullman's historic workers' homes, there's plenty for architecture buffs to explore on these important tours. 

Chicago For Chicagoans

Live in Chicago and feel like you've done all the downtown-centric architecture tours? Maybe it's time to give Chicago for Chicagoans a go. The tours, developed for locals by locals, are designed to build community and give Chicago natives a stronger appreciation for their neighborhoods and neighbors. Enjoy walking tours and fun scavenger hunts of Albany Park, Chinatown, Pilsen, Beverly and more—and the tours frequently end at local restaurants if all that walking works up an appetite.

Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture

If you prefer sleek metal and glass designs to ornate Gothic architecture, you’ll want to book a spot on this two-hour walking tour of the city’s most famous modern buildings. Peep minimalist designs from Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, admire the Beaux-Arts beauty of the Harold Washington Library and ogle the chic contemporary look of One South Dearborn, among others. $30

White City Revisited

The announcement that the World’s Columbian Exhibition of 1893 would be held in Chicago spurred an explosion of new construction. Beaux-Arts buildings sprung up all over Jackson Park and the South Side—so many sparkly new buildings, in fact, that the area earned the nickname “White City.” More than 125 years later, visitors can still see the architectural impact of the fair on the city. This tour includes a visit to Jackson Park's Garden of the Phoenix and the Skylanding sculpture by Yoko Ono. $30

Private Chicago Architecture Tour

Don’t want to share your tour guide with a group? Reserve a private tour to spend an entire afternoon exploring the city’s most impressive buildings. You’ll stop at everything from Willis Tower to Gothic facades on the Magnificent Mile to Frank Lloyd Wright homes in Oak Park. Did we mention you’ll be chauffeured from stop to stop in a luxury town car or SUV, too? $930.60

Women in Chicago Architecture

As in so many industries, women’s contributions to the world of architecture have only recently begun to get their moment in the sun. Discover some of the female architects leaving their mark on Chicago’s skyline on this 45-minute virtual tour led by an expert from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, featuring sites like the Aqua Tower and Equitable Building. Who built the world? Girls! $8 for the public, free for members

Brick of Chicago

What's so exciting about brick? Common brick built much of Chicago, and this tour, created by local teacher Will Quam, takes you around neighborhoods like Logan Square, Hyde Park and Bronzeville to show how the built environment created our interesting and beautiful city. After marveling at churches and greystones and Gilded Age mansions, you'll find yourself taking a second, more appreciative look at the world around you. $12–19

Historic Austin

This 2-hour neighborhood-centric Chicago Architecture Foundation tour takes you through historic Midway Park, shows you works by prominent local architects including Frederick Schock, William Drummond and Dwight Perkins and gives you an opportunity to marvel at the neighborhood's grand Queen Anne and Prairie homes. During the tour, you'll also hear from Austin residents about their efforts to revitalize the neighborhood following decades of disinvestment and racist housing practices.

Walk Pilsen

Explore the cultural influence and impact of the many immigrant groups who have called Pilsen home and the intersection of art and architecture on this tour from the Chicago Architecture Foundation. On this two-hour tour, you'll visit residential, commercial, residential and cultural sites, from the 18th Street Pink Line station's murals to the Sokols, century-old Czech athletic clubs. $30

Looking for more Chicago tours?

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Thanks for coming to Open House Chicago 2023

Thank you all for joining us and a huge thank you to all the sites, community partners, sponsors, and volunteers for your hard work and dedication to this event.  We couldn’t do it without you!

Let us know about your OHC 2023 experience, take our survey here . If you're interested in being a volunteer for OHC 2024, let us know here . 

See you next year for OHC 2024 on October 19-20! Make your experience even better,  members with the Chicago Architecture Center receive a priority access pass and skip the lines at sites during OHC weekend. Join now and enjoy the CAC's full slate of programs and tours all year.

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Welcome to Glessner House

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history, art, and architecture of Glessner House. A National Historic Landmark, this cultural center and museum is a beacon of innovation, showcasing revolutionary design and celebrating the cultural arts from the late 1800s to the present day. Filled with original artifacts and unique family history, Glessner House is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Join us for immersive tours, engaging events, and educational programs that bring the past to life and connect you to the power of design and the cultural arts. With rental opportunities available, Glessner House is also the perfect venue for corporate events and memorable gatherings.

For a truly enriching experience just steps from Chicago’s Museum Campus on historic Prairie Avenue, visit Glessner House and discover the deep cultural heritage that makes this city so special.

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Designed by the legendary American architect Henry Hobson Richardson, this architectural marvel was completed in 1887 and continues to be a renowned treasure in the city of Chicago. A radical departure from traditional Victorian architecture, this revolutionary structure served as a source of inspiration for some of the greatest architects of all time, including Louis Sullivan, Mies van der Rohe, and a young Frank Lloyd Wright. Experience the beauty of this architectural masterpiece and be inspired by how it redefined domestic architecture.

John Jacob Glessner, Frances Macbeth Glessner, and their two children, George and Frances (Fanny) called Glessner House home from 1887 until Mr. Glessner’s death in 1936. While the Glessner name is not as well known as their neighbors at the time – Pullman, Field, Armour, Kimball – their philanthropy and support of various causes and institutions, including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the University of Chicago was considerable and has had a lasting impact.

Daughter Frances Glessner Lee is perhaps the most famous of the Glessner family. She was a pioneer in the field of legal medicine and is widely regarded as the "mother of forensic science." She is best known for creating the "Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death," a series of intricately detailed dioramas that were used to train investigators in the art of crime scene investigation. Today, they are still used as a teaching tool in forensic science and criminology. 

The Neighborhood

Following the Great Chicago Fire, a six-block section of Prairie Avenue served as the residence of many of Chicago's elite families, including nearly 90 mansions that earned it the name "the sunny street that held the sifted few." At the time of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, Prairie Avenue was publicized as a must-see attraction for visitors to the city.

Today, Prairie Avenue is once again a must-see attraction. While many of the original mansions no longer stand, there are a few significant homes from the period that can still be viewed during a short stroll down the quiet, treelined avenue. Just blocks from Chicago’s Museum Campus, Grant Park, McCormick Place and historic Motor Row, the modern-day Prairie District is accessible, walkable, and close to a variety of dining options and tourist attractions.

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Your guide to Chicago’s iconic architecture

Chicago’s stunning cityscape has been shaped by some of the biggest names in architecture — Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe, Jeanne Gang, Daniel Burnham, and beyond. No matter where you look, the city is full of architectural wonders, from soaring skyscrapers in the heart of downtown to historic landmarks in our vibrant neighborhoods.

If you’re looking to dive into Chicago architecture, explore our must-see sites and packed list of architecture events, tours, and cruises where you can learn the fascinating stories behind the buildings.

In this article

Chicago architecture styles, chicago architecture events, chicago architecture boat tours, chicago architecture walking tours.

Art Deco: Maybe one of the most famous styles of architecture, Art Deco shines in Chicago’s downtown. Created in the exuberant optimism of the Roaring Twenties, Art Deco has come to represent opulence and glamour. One striking example is Chicago’s Carbide and Carbon Building, designed to look like a Champagne bottle and finished with real gold.

Notable examples: Carbide and Carbon Building, The Merchandise Mart, Chicago Board of Trade Building 

Chicago School : After the Great Chicago Fire, the city began to rebuild at an extraordinary pace, leveraging the latest techniques and technology to take the city’s architecture to new heights that were previously unimaginable. Legendary architects like Burnham and Root, William Le Baron Jenney, and Louis Sullivan finished these structures with decorative elements and delicate details, making Chicago School instantly recognizable. 

Notable examples: Reliance Building, Monadnock Building, Sullivan Center

International Style : The International Style is a type of modern architecture born after World War II, known for its steel-and-glass exteriors, minimal (if any) ornamentation, and open interiors. Perhaps no one did it better than Mies van der Rohe, who crafted many important Chicago buildings (the city has more of his designs than any other).

Notable examples: One Illinois Center, 330 N. Wabash

Mid-Century Modernism : This distinctive style comprises many of the Chicago skyline’s most instantly recognizable buildings. Mid-Century Modern takes the technical precision of the International Style and experiments with new materials like concrete and more sculptural, organic forms (like the iconic Marina City corn cobs).

Notable examples: 875 N. Michigan Ave., Willis Tower, Marina City

Postmodernism : Some of the city’s most eye-catching buildings are those that follow the Postmodern style. While the International style adheres to clean lines and minimal decoration, Postmodernism is all about being creative, eclectic, and sometimes a little quirky. Think curved forms, asymmetry, bright colors, and generally breaking with tradition. 

Notable examples: James R. Thompson Center, Harold Washington Library, 333 West Wacker Drive

Other architectural styles represented in Chicago include Deconstructivism (Pritzker Pavilion), Gothic Revival (Tribune Tower, Chicago Water Tower), Spanish Colonial Revival (Wrigley Building), and more.

The city’s neighborhoods are also filled with the city’s distinctive styles of residential architecture: bungalows, worker’s cottages, greystones, and more. See for yourself in our neighborhood historic districts . You’ll also find plenty of examples of Frank Lloyd Wright ‘s Prairie style throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. 

Open House Chicago : Have you ever walked by an interesting Chicago building and wished you could take a peek inside? You’ll get your chance during Chicago’s annual Open House Chicago, a free festival hosted by the Chicago Architecture Center each October. 

More than 100 significant buildings open their doors for the public to explore. Sites range from soaring skyscrapers to opulent mansions and exclusive private clubs, many of which are rarely open to the public. 

Chicago Architecture Biennial : Explore the past, present, and future of architecture at the Chicago Architecture Biennial. The free event, which happens every other year, takes over the Chicago Cultural Center and other sites around the city with events and exhibits. Each exhibition is developed by a new group of curators from a variety of art and design disciplines and features new themes and collaborators from around the world.

Check out more art and architecture events in Chicago throughout the year.

City Cruises : City Cruises offers a variety of architecture tours, including elegant brunch cruises on a glass-enclosed river boat.

Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline : Admire epic skyline views from the river and lakefront, while enjoying narration about the city’s history.

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise : Expert docents share the fascinating stories behind more than 50 buildings along the Chicago River from aboard Chicago’s First Lady. 

Wendella Tours & Cruises : Billed as Chicago’s original architecture tour, Wendella offers tours of the city’s waterfront buildings on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. 

Shoreline Sightseeing : Gaze skywards as you sail past dozens of Chicago landmarks along the Chicago River on this engaging architecture tour. 

Ready to set sail? Check out more Chicago architecture boat tours on the lake and river.

Chicago Architecture Center tours : Explore the city on foot, on the train, or on a bus — all with a highly trained docent as your guide. Choose from tours that explore must-see sites and Chicago icons or head into the neighborhoods to uncover hidden gems.

Inside Chicago Walking Tours : This locally owned tour company specializes in architectural interiors, so you can step inside some of the city’s most famous buildings. Tours explore the downtown Loop, Art Deco masterpieces, and even allegedly haunted spots. 

Tours With Mike : You can take Mike’s Architecture’s Greatest Hits tour. Or you can take his irreverent Ugly Buildings tour, a unique experience that shares the untold stories of some of the city’s lesser known, but no less interesting, structures. 

L Stop Tours : A family-owned company, L Stop Tours offers walking tours incorporating the city’s ‘L’ trains for a unique local perspective. Their tour of the Loop focuses on the area’s one–of–a–kind architecture, from the spectacular lobby of The Rookery to soaring skyscrapers. 

Explore more Chicago architecture tours by foot, bus, train, and boat.

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You’re in the Wright Place!

Frank Lloyd Wright Site Tours

Immerse yourself in the visionary genius of Frank Lloyd Wright by exploring his iconic structures. From sprawling estates like the Dana-Thomas House to cozy cottages, Wright’s designs continue to inspire! Many of his creations offer public tours, creating a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience Wright’s architectural philosophy firsthand.

Whether you’re a lifelong architecture enthusiast or simply curious about this American design master, a Frank Lloyd Wright house tour is an unforgettable experience. With locations across the country, there’s a Wright design waiting to be discovered.

Featured Tours

Bachman-Wilson House (1956)

Bernard Schwartz House (1939)

Bradley House (1900)

Cedar Rock – Lowell Walter House (1945)

Charnley-Persky House (1892)

City National Bank & Hotel (1909)

Dana-Thomas House (1902)

Fabyan Villa

Fallingwater

Florida Southern College (1938-1954)

Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio (1889)

George Stockman House (1908)

(This page may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure about affiliate links here .)

Additional Resources, Links & Products

Wright Sites: A Guide to Frank Lloyd Wright Public Places (Amazon book)

• Frank Lloyd Wright’s Public Buildings by Thomas A. Heinz (Amazon book)

Auldbrass Plantation

O’Connor House (1916)

McCartney House (1949)

Don Erickson Estate

For your home.

Yvonne Carpenter-Ross

Flw enthusiast & webmaster.

Architecture and home design have always fascinated me. As a young girl I enjoyed drawing floor plans, rearranging my parent’s furniture and playing with Lincoln Logs and Legos.  My passion has always been the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. Since I have been old enough to drive a car, I have visited Frank Lloyd Wright homes in the Chicagoland area and attended the Wright Plus house walks. Now, as co-owners of Northern Sky Designs , my husband & I are able to combine our website design skills and FLW travels to bring you this website! Enjoy!

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At Home in Chicago

A group of historic house museums have banded together to tell Chicago’s stories in a new way.

We formed At Home in Chicago , a diverse family of more than twenty former residences spanning nearly 180 years of the region’s history. Each house museum, with its distinctive architecture and collections, is a living artifact of the fascinating lives of people who shaped, or were shaped by, the city. Large or small, famous or idiosyncratic, each has a unique and essential story to tell.

Bringing them together for the first time, At Home in Chicago makes planning your visit easy. But this is also a journey of discovery, and a chance to explore the unexpected common threads—cultural, historical, architectural—that knit us together.

Discover what we share in common , search for us on a regional map , browse the museums , and more!

50th Annual Historic Pullman House Tour: what you need to know

Historic Pullman House Tour is celebrating a milestone 50 years October 7th and 8th, 2023 from 11:00am – 5:00pm. This is one of Chicago’s oldest house tours! Visitors will tour an exclusive group of Pullman’s iconic privately owned historic row homes.

Step back in time visiting one of the nation’s earliest planned industrial worker communities right here in Chicago. The Pullman neighborhood features architecture unlike anywhere else in the midwest. Employees of the Pullman Palace Car Company lived a modern lifestyle: the 1880s town was built with the most advanced comforts of the era that included indoor plumbing, electricity, and gas. Most of the homes have been continuously occupied since they were built. Some remain close to their original design, while others have been modernized.

Take a self-guided tour through a variety of Pullman homes: executive mansions to workers cottages. In addition to the glimpses into residential life in Pullman, Pullman National Historical Park’s Visitors Center will be open (free admission), which houses the former Administration Clock Tower building. Hotel Florence will also be open to visitors, as well as Greenstone Church.

Visit Historic Pullman Foundation’s 50th anniversary exhibit From Wrecking Ball to National Park inside Pullman Exhibit Hall, following Pullman’s journey through the generations of people who have dedicated their time to the common goal of preserving the community they love.

Saturday enjoy the live music of Qombo from 11:00am – 1:30pm, and Sunday, the Mudcats Dixieland Band from 12:30pm – 3:30pm. Classic car show in Arcade Park Sunday from 10:00am – 3:00pm.

Historic Pullman House Tour is sponsored by Historic Pullman Foundation and Pullman Civic Organization.

FIND THE FULL PRESS RELEASE

Historic Pullman Foundation is the official philanthropic partner of Pullman National Historical Park. Since 1973, we have created opportunities for all people to experience and understand the continuing American story that is Pullman. Visit us at www.pullmanil.org . 

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PEOPLE'S 24 Hour Food Tour: Chicago

It may be known as the Second City, but Chicago is second to none when it comes to a memorable and diverse food scene. We pick the best places to eat in one delicious day

Writer Ari Bendersky has covered Chicago’s dining scene for nearly 20 years. From serving as founding editor of Eater Chicago to writing for many local and national publications (including WSJ magazine, New York Times, and Food & Wine) to launching his own Substack newsletter, Something Glorious , he continues to deliver the goods on where to eat, what wine and spirits to drink, and what’s happening in the lives of some of the world’s top chefs. 

Chicago is inarguably one of the top culinary destinations in the U.S. From its legendary humbler fare (Chicago-style pizza and the requisite Chicago hot dog "dragged through the garden") to on-the-rise young chefs cooking the food of their cultures to some of the most lauded high-end cuisine in the country (there’s a reason the annual James Beard Foundation Awards are held here each year), there's something for everyone within the city limits.

That, of course, makes it almost impossible to put together an itinerary for a visitor looking to try the best of the city's eats in just one day. In fact, narrowing down your options might be some of the toughest decisions you ever make, up there with "Do I go to a top college to study engineering or go straight to work in a hot tech company?" and "Is a ticket to see Taylor Swift more important than covering my rent this month?"

Like we said, these aren't easy decisions, but you have to make the choice and just go with it. From breakfast to dinner to a late-night indulgence, Chicago has more options than you have time, so choose wisely — ideally with some guidance from those of us who take this "research" seriously. Here are our picks for where to dine during one day in one of the country’s best food cities. 

Breakfast: Tiztal Cafe

Tiztal Cafe

No matter where you’re staying, grab a rideshare or hop on the “L” train and head to Uptown to this super cute Latin women-owned gem. Yes, you can get pancakes, scrambled eggs or an omelet, but Tiztal’s Mexican breakfast, especially the chilaquiles, is why you come here. Made with fresh crisp tortillas and green salsa, the dish gets topped with warm baked chihuahua cheese and cilantro (go extra and top it with steak and eggs, their specialty). Or opt for the huevos rancheros or chorizo scramble. But if you want simple eggs, be sure to ask for some pico de gallo and tortillas on the side. Pro tip: if it’s warm out, ask to sit on their recently renovated hidden backyard patio filled with Mexican art.

Lunch: Lula Cafe

Kyle Kissel

A mainstay in Chicago’s culinary world, Lula Cafe has been serving some of the best lunch (and let’s not forget dinner) for 25 years. The restaurant is led by chef/owner Jason Hammel, a multiple James Beard Award nominee and champion of the farm to table movement. Lula elevates brunch — you can order off the full brunch and lunch menu between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. — while remaining utterly cozy.

Keep it simple with buttermilk pancakes, or opt for a perfectly cooked French omelet filled with butternut squash, ricotta, and pear mostarda that’s served with a petit salad of local greens. Or go for baked French feta with marinated olives and a punchy jalapeño basil oil; the classic Lula ‘99 turkey sandwich layered with avocado, lettuce, and chili oil; or this writer’s favorite warming chickpea and fennel tagine with spiced green harissa and sweet golden raisins. Your table might be about to buckle after ordering everything that sounds delicious, but you should also treat yourself to one of their brunch cocktails — you’re on vacation, right?   

Sweet Treat: Mindy’s Bakery 

Aliza J Sokolow

After winning a James Beard Award for outstanding pastry chef, running a successful restaurant, and launching a massively successful edible cannabis brand, what’s left for Mindy Segal to do? Open her namesake bakery. Set in Wicker Park, Mindy’s Bakery sees people lining up early for an array of baked goods pulling from European and Middle Eastern traditions. Her housemade bagels and bialys are a huge draw, but if you're indulging an afternoon sweet tooth, you can’t pass up a twice-baked almond croissant, hot fudge glazed donuts, marbled sour cream coffee cake with cocoa nib streusel, and the smattering of hot-out-the-oven cookies, bars, brioche tarts, and cakes.

(Bonus pick: If you're here on a hot day and need to chill out, check out Pretty Cool Ice Cream , with locations in Logan Square and Lincoln Park, for inventive ice cream pops from award-winning pastry chef Dana Cree.)

Dinner: Shaw’s Crab House

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

There are any number of newer hotspots we could send you to (some recent favorites include Maxwells Trading , Obelix , Brasero , or Daisies — and frankly, if you have more time, definitely go to any one of these). But for a true "classic Chicago" dinner out, the city's 40-year mainstay Shaw’s Crab House is a fun stop with something for everyone.

It's two restaurants in one – the more formal dining room that throws back to the Rat Pack era and a casual and boisterous oyster bar. You can get steak or chicken, but it is a "crab house," after all, so definitely indulge in some of its popular seafood. Start with a dozen oysters flown in fresh from around North America. Move on to jumbo lump crab cakes or a cup of creamy New England clam chowder. Then settle in for seared Alaskan halibut, a lobster roll, or chilled stone crab claws (when in season).

Late Night Snack: The Wiener's Circle

Gabriella Zammuto

When you want a side of sass with your Chicago dog, head to the infamous Wiener's Circle . With a counter team known for dishing out fiery insults to an often drunk late-night (and even daytime) crowd, Wiener’s Circle has all the classic Chicago hot dog stand staples: Chicago dogs, char cheddar burgers, char Polish, cheddar fries, and more.

You might also get a side of a celeb sighting with your ketchup-free dog: Ed Sheeran has served food from behind the counter; Eagles center Jason Kelce arrived to find the restaurant’s sign reading “Welcome Taylor's Boyfriends Brother” (and gave back as good as he got), and global DJ Marshmello recently performed from the rooftop. This spot is definitely a vibe.

Spot a Celeb At: RPM Steak

Lindsay Eberly / Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants 

This Chicago steakhouse, located in the heart of busy River North, has long been a beacon for the rich and famous. That should come as no surprise, since RPM Steak is owned in part by Bill and Giuliana Rancic.

Recent visitors include Chris Rock, Sophia Bush, Mariah Carey, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and they’re not just coming for its welcoming hospitality. It’s all about the food and drinks here.

The draw is the nearly 20 steak options like the 28-day dry-aged, 16-ounce New York Strip and four cuts of Japanese wagyu (priced per ounce) you can pair with decadent sauces and butters like black truffle bearnaise or king crab Oscar. But the giant seafood towers, warm Parker House rolls, spicy miso lobster, and whole roasted Dover sole add to the appeal. The extensive and impressive wine list? The cherry on top of it all. 

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Wright Plus

Saturday, may 18, 2024 oak park, il.

Join us for the spectacular Wright Plus Architectural Housewalk on Saturday, May 18, 2024 . Tour the interiors of eight private residences designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his contemporaries. For one day only, homeowners invite guests into their private living spaces, which retain the original exterior features with interiors designed to suit their individual tastes. Guides will be on hand to enhance the tours with details about the history and the beautiful architectural elements that give each home its unique character.

For guests seeking the ultimate all-access invitation, we offer deluxe weekend packages that include the Wright Plus Housewalk. See information and rates for the  Ultimate Plus Weekend Package and Ultimate Saturday .

The annual Wright Plus Housewalk celebrates architecture, design, Frank Lloyd Wright’s innovative vision and the talents of his fellow architects. It is an enjoyable day featuring rare interior tours of private homes and public buildings designed by Wright and his contemporaries.

Our sincere thanks to all who helped make Wright Plus 2023 a success. Proceeds from the housewalk support the Trust's education, restoration and preservation programs.

Check back soon for photos from Wright Plus…

Enjoy a look back at Wright Plus 2023.

Wright Plus Housewalk Tickets

$125 | $90 Trust Member Tickets are sold out. Join the waiting list to be notified if tickets become available.  

A limited number of Fast Passes allows priority entry to each tour home without waiting in long lines. Includes the price of your Housewalk ticket.  $600 | $565 Trust Member

Ultimate Plus

All-access ticket to exclusive, one-of-a kind architecture and design experiences over an extraordinary Wright-centered weekend.  More > $2,675 | $2,525 Trust Member

Tickets are sold out. Contact [email protected] to join a waiting list.

Ultimate Saturday

Spectacular one-day immersion featuring select highlights of the all-weekend Ultimate Plus package. More > $1,375 | $1,225 Trust Member

Become a member and enjoy immediate savings on your Wright Plus Housewalk tickets and merchandise purchases all year. Members at the Prairie level and higher also receive discounts at more than 25 other Wright sites across the country. Not a member? Call 312.994.4000 x1 Monday through Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm Central Time.

What is the Wright Plus Housewalk?

The renowned annual Wright Plus Housewalk features rare interior tours of private residences and landmark public structures designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his fellow architects. The all-day architectural experience is held in the historic Chicago suburb of Oak Park, home to more Wright buildings than anywhere in the world.

For one day only, homeowners invite guests into their private living spaces, which retain the original exterior features while the interiors have been transformed to suit their individual tastes and lifestyles. Guides will be on hand to enhance the interior tours with details about the history and the beautiful architectural elements that give each home its unique character.

Tour the homes and enjoy an informative, fun and idea-filled day, described as "the pinnacle of housewalks."

Wright Plus proceeds support the restoration, preservation and education programs of the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust.

What Wright Plus Benefits do Trust Members Receive?

• Members of the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust receive a $35 discount on each Wright Plus ticket. Discount is valid up to 4 tickets.
• Advance pick-up of the program guide and wristband on Friday, May 17 allows Members to skip the check-in line on the day of Wright Plus and start their day at the featured house of their choice. Pickup times and location details are announced prior to the Housewalk.
• Bonus 20% discount at our museum shops all weekend.

Wright Plus is held in the historic Chicago suburb of Oak Park, Illinois. Frank Lloyd Wright spent the first twenty – and most prolific – years of his career in Oak Park, where the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio stands. Oak Park has the highest number of Wright-designed residences in the world.

Complimentary shuttle service will be available to take guests between the Welcome Center at Wright’s Home and Studio to Downtown Oak Park, nearby parking garages, and public transportation (CTA and PACE bus stops/METRA train station).

All-access ticket to exclusive, one-of-a kind architecture and design experiences over an extraordinary Wright-centered weekend. 

Spectacular one-day immersion featuring select highlights of the all-weekend Ultimate Plus package.

Groups of 10+ are welcome to join us for Wright Plus.

Plan Your Day

Find information to help you plan for an enjoyable experience at Wright Plus.

Questions? Our  Frequently Asked Questions  page will answer most questions, including ticket information, housewalk logistics, directions and transportation, lodging, dining and shopping.

Program and health protocols subject to change due to unavoidable circumstances.

Photographs: James Caulfield

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University Library

Library open house and tours, research week 2024.

April 18, 2024

Explore the University Library’s spaces: the Digital Scholarship Hub, the Single Step Foundation Digital Imaging Studio and our amazing Special Collections! Faculty and staff from the University Library will be available to show you these spaces which facilitate new and ongoing research!

Digital Scholarship Hub - Richard J. Daley Library, Room 1-460

The Digital Scholarship Hub is open to faculty, students, and staff.  We provide support for developing and fabricating 3D objects, in addition to support with text analysis and visualization.

Stop by the Digital Fabrication Hub (1-460) to see the CNC machine, laser cutter, embroidery machine, 3D printers and other equipment in action!

No registration required.

More information

Single Step Foundation Digital Imaging Studio, Richard J. Daley Library, Floor 4

The Single Step Foundation Digital Imaging Studio works to make our unique collections available to the world. This exciting digitization space includes photographic and processing scanners, OCR and text recognition software and more. Learn how we digitize and prepare books, documents, images, negatives and more from our collections.  Can’t join us Thursday? Explore our digital collections .

Register to attend tour 

Special Collections and University Archives Open House, Richard J. Daley Library, Floor 3, 12 p.m.-3 p.m.

If you have an interest in Chicago 20th century history, please visit us!  Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes in Special Collections and University Archives?  Would you like to learn more about how to explore primary sources on the history of Chicagoland?

Join us for an open house to learn more about the UIC Richard J. Daley Library Special Collections and University Archives and our mission to collect, preserve and provide access to the history of Chicago, Chicagoland, politics and advocacy, design history and UIC from Navy Pier to present.

Highlights:

Exhibits related to the Asian American Resource and Cultural Center and Rudy Lozano, UIC alum and Mexican American activist View unique historical documents and photos from a variety of collections

Special Collections and University Archives Open House, Library Health Sciences-Chicago, Floor 3, 12 p.m.-3 p.m.

If you’re interested in Chicago health science history, visit the Special Collections and University Archives department at the Library of the Health Sciences on the West Campus.

Are you interested in historical public health data, occupational health, medical illustrations, early pharmacopeias, or what it was like to be a nurse in the 1930s? We have answers to all that and more.

Join our open house to learn more about the UIC Library of Health Sciences-Chicago Special Collections and University Archives and our mission to collect, preserve and provide access to our collections documenting the medical and health history of the Chicago area, as well as the history of UIC’s medical campus.

Highlights: View unique selections from our rare book collections Learn about our holdings and how to explore our primary sources on the history of medicine, nursing, dentistry or pharmacy

Date posted

Apr 16, 2024

Date updated

Beverly (South): A Castle, Mansions and More

Tour one of Chicago’s most fascinating neighborhoods, Beverly. Explore two houses built just after the Great Fire of 1871, a Frank Lloyd Wright home and a true Chicago castle. This tour showcases part of Chicago’s Longwood Drive Landmark District located in one of the nation’s largest National Register Districts.

Premier tour*

Unlike most of Chicago, the lots in Beverly are large—some as big as 1.5 acres. The houses also are large—most were constructed between 1890 and 1930 and each is unique. There are no tract houses on this tour. See the work of famous and not-so-famous architects who designed homes in a variety of styles. This tour begins at 1:15 pm, a time that is convenient for those wishing to take the Rock Island Metra Line from downtown Chicago to the tour's starting and ending point at the 103rd St. Metra station. There is free parking on Walden Pkwy. north of 103rd St.

• Many tours sell out. To guarantee your space advance reservations are strongly recommended.
• Your safety is our priority. The itinerary of this tour may be altered in accordance with health and safety policies and considerations.
• Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your tour. View the CAC's hours .

*Premier tours are free for Deco members and above. Learn about our membership levels .

Upcoming Beverly (South): A Castle, Mansions and More Tours

Sunday may 12.

• 1:15pm Buy Tickets

Sunday Jun 9

Sunday jul 7, sunday aug 11, sunday sep 1, sunday oct 13.

Watch CBS News

Scottie Scheffler wins 2024 Masters Tournament for 2nd win in 3 years

By Emily Mae Czachor

Updated on: April 14, 2024 / 10:00 PM EDT / CBS News

Scottie Scheffler secured his second Masters Tournament  victory in three years on Sunday, finishing 11 under and four strokes up on his closest competitors.

The 27-year-old American was tied with Ludvig Aberg, Max Homa and Collin Morikawa coming into the eighth hole before the world no. 1 hit three straight birdies to take the lead for good. Aberg ended up placing second in his debut at the Masters. 

Scheffler has been ranked No. 1 in the world for more than two years now and also won the 2022 Masters tournament, which was his first major championship win.  

The tournament was marked by unruly weather and at least one history-making moment. Golf icon and returning Masters champion Tiger Woods opened the tournament's last leg with his 100th round at the major.

The Masters Tournament is an invitational event held yearly at the Augusta National Golf Club, a private golf course in Augusta, Georgia. Since its establishment in 1934, the tournament has grown to become one of the four most important championships in men's professional golf. The tournament typically takes place during the first week of April, so they are the first major event of every season, followed by the PGA Championships, the U.S. Open and the Open Championship, which are usually held in May, June and July, respectively. 

Scheffler and Morikawa held first and second on the 2024 Masters leaderboard , in that order, heading into the fourth round, on Sunday. They teed off in the afternoon as the last pairing of the day. Xander Schauffele and Bryson DeChambeau also began their play in a featured afternoon slot, with DeChambeau in fifth place on the leaderboard and Schauffele in sixth at the start of the round. 

Spanish golfer Jon Rahm , the 29-year-old who won the Masters tournament last year, returned to the course Sunday to defend his title, although his performances during the preceding rounds this weekend meant he was no longer competing to win. Woods had fallen out of contention, too, by the tournament's last day. After making his 24th consecutive cut on Friday, which was a new record at the championship, the star golfer went on to shoot a personal worst during the next and third round. At 48, Woods is a decorated golfing champion with five previous wins at the Masters. He teed off Sunday morning with the 23-year-old amateur Neal Shipley, commencing his 100th Masters round.

Scheffler will receive a huge cash prize in addition to the traditional green jacket, which is given to the Masters winner each year. The overall purse for the 2024 Masters is $20 million, setting a new record-high and jumping $2 million from last year's prize fund. 

The champion this year will receive $3.6 million from the purse, which is also a new record and up from the $3.2 million payout that Rahm received for his Masters win in 2023. What remained of the total $18 million purse in that case was divided among 50 golfers who participated in the tournament, with their individual scores determining how much prize money they were eventually awarded.

• The Masters
• Tiger Woods

Emily Mae Czachor is a reporter and news editor at CBSNews.com. She covers breaking news, often focusing on crime and extreme weather. Emily Mae has previously written for outlets including the Los Angeles Times, BuzzFeed and Newsweek.

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Gov. Landry tours storm damage in West Feliciana Parish

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - Governor Jeff Landry spent part of Monday morning, April 15, touring storm damage in West Feliciana Parish after a tornado touched down last week.

RELATED: NWS confirms at least 4 tornadoes in south Louisiana

“We’re just happy we’re able to come out here and make sure the parish gets what they need in order to get people back on their feet and back to their normal way of life,” the governor said.

The governor said he could see the patches where the tornado touched down, affecting 20 miles of the parish. Although Landry is thankful no one was seriously injured, his focus is now on streamlining resources to communities who need them the most.

Craig Fillingim watched the tornado touch down from his store window off Highway 61.

“It was actually scary because it was kind of bright out and it got dark pretty quick, rain was blowing, signs were going back and forth, stuff was going everywhere and we saw some big limbs flying down the highway,” explained Fillingim.

Luckily, Fillingim got the store generator up and running right after the storm. They were one of the only places in town that had power throughout the weekend.

“At some points, we’d have 30, 40 people in the store in line getting water, stuff they could eat, stuff like that. It’s been really, really busy,” said Fillingim.

After DEMCO replaced over 100 poles across East and West Feliciana Parishes, Sheriff Brian Spillman believes the remaining people still without power should be back online soon.

RELATED: DEMCO: Nearly all power restored following severe weather

“For the most part, we will have full power restored by the end of today,” said Sheriff Spillman. “That’s a big blessing to us because that’s been the biggest impediment.”

Governor Landry toured the remaining damage throughout the parish this morning. He said he’s working on a new process to get recovery resources out faster.

“National Weather Service and GOHSEP to accurately see where the weather was the worst and then that gives us, the State, an opportunity to concentrate on those parishes that need it the most,” said Landry.

Some of those resources the governor plans to send are extra crews to expedite the tree and debris removal process. Even though they’ve gotten a good start on it, Parish President Kenny Harvard said it’ll be a big help.

“That’s the good thing about living in the country, they all have chainsaws, so they helped us cut our way in and out,” said Harvard. “We never lost our water system, so water’s been good. We’ve had backup generators going on and now we’re kind of up and running”.

Fillingim is happy to help his community get back to normal.

“It was kind of great that we were open, and we were able to help them, and they really appreciated we were open and had things to help them get by with,” said Fillingim.

Landry said he hopes to have extra resources to help with that debris as soon as possible.

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The Rookery

The Rookery Building in the heart of Chicago’s financial district stands testimony to the resilience and creative spirit of late-nineteenth century Chicago. The rebirth of the city in the wake of the Great Fire of 1871 gave rise to the multi-storied office building that would transform the landscape of America’s cities.

Date & Time

Monday - Friday 10 am - 1 pm

209 S. LaSalle Street Chicago , IL 60604 United States

Guided Tour - Rookery Light Court

Set in the heart of Chicago’s financial district, Daniel Burnham and John Root’s 1888 Rookery Building is a Chicago landmark, containing one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most dramatic interior compositions – a luminous and brilliantly articulated central light court. In 1905, Wright was commissioned to remodel the Rookery light court and lobbies. He realized a stunning balance between Burnham & Root’s ornamental ironwork and his own vision to create a spectacular environment.

$12 General, $10 Trust member

Guided Tour - Rookery Light Court + Burnham Library

This tour includes the Wright-designed Rookery lobby as well as the Burnham Library, where architects met to discuss the preliminary building plans for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.

Tours on Mondays and Wednesdays

$17 General, $15 Trust members

Tour and Ticket Information

Advance tickets are highly recommended. Purchase tickets online or call our box office at 312.994.4000.

All guests, regardless of age, must have a ticket.

Children under 8 are not permitted on tours.

Tickets are not refundable or exchangeable.

eTickets and phone sales ticket orders must be presented and validated in the Museum Shop before the tour or event.

​Day-of tickets may be purchased online or over the phone up to 30 minutes prior to the tour start time.

Visit our  Group Tours  page to book a tour for groups of 10 or more.

Closed:  Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Black Friday (November 29), Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year's Day.

Accessibility

The Frank Lloyd Wright Trust welcomes all guests. We recognize the diverse needs of our audience and offer accessible programming to enable guests to explore the powerful aesthetic experiences of authentic Wright sites, preserved to Wright’s original design vision.

For questions about site accessibility and how we can accommodate your specific needs, call 312.994.4000 or email  [email protected] . Find more accessibility information on our Plan Your Visit page .

Photography

Still photography is permitted on tours. Share your photos using #FLWTrust.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The Rookery Building sits on the ancestral lands of the Potawatomi, Ojibwe, Odawa, Miami, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sac, and Fox Nations. Today, Native peoples from over 100 tribes live in the Chicago area, one of the largest urban American Indian communities in the United States. Native peoples continue to contribute to the life of this region by celebrating their heritage, practicing traditions, and caring for the land and waterways.