Chicago is renowned worldwide for its architecture, and the Chicago Architecture Foundation offers a variety of tours to showcase some of the city's most exceptional buildings. With walking, bus, and boat tours available, visitors can explore the downtown area or one of the city's many charming neighborhoods. Expert docents will guide you and share the stories behind the buildings, whether you visit iconic skyscrapers, elegant hotels, or legendary houses designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. With dozens of tours, you may need help selecting just one.
The Illinois Railway Museum is where you can learn about the history of railway transportation and its impact on the country. The Museum houses over 400 pieces of original equipment from when railroad transportation was essential for industrial purposes and everyday life in America. These pieces of equipment include horsecars, steam locomotives, and passenger cars. The Museum also exhibits and operates restored rolling stock and equipment on a demonstration rail line. Moreover, it collects, preserves, and maintains a reference library of publications, technical information, and other materials related to railroads, railways, and transportation for research and other purposes.
The Willis Tower, previously known as the Sears Tower, is in downtown Chicago. Completed in 1974, it is a 108-story building that held the title of the tallest building in the world for nearly 25 years. It remains the tallest building in the United States. The Skydeck, located on the 103rd floor, is the building's observation deck, approximately 1,353 feet above the ground. It is one of Chicago's most popular tourist attractions, welcoming about 1.3 million visitors annually. Recently, renovations have introduced new glass balconies with floors extending four feet over the street. The balcony provides stunning views of Illinois, Lake Michigan, and neighboring states Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin on a clear day.