The water tower looks like a castle near all of the upscale shops on the magnificent mile. Happily I was able to go inside and see all of the pumps, it was fascinating. By the 1860s, Chicago's water supply was inadequate for its growing population. Near-shore lake water was too polluted to be used because of runoff from the Chicago River. In 1867, Chesbrough, an engineer designed a water supply tunnel system running nearly 2 miles offshore pumped back to shore through this pumping station. Boyington designed both the pumping works building & Water Tower that houses the standpipe. Both buildings were built in the Gothic Revival style with distinctive yellow Joliet limestone. The buildings look like something out of a fairy tale. The Chicago Water Tower was the most iconic structure that remained standing after the Great Fire of 1871. It was a rallying point for the city. It stood as a symbol for a city determined to rise from its own ashes. Sadly at 9 o'clock on a Friday morning homeless filled most of the benches panhandling with all of their belongings. read more

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It's an iconic symbol representing the city's post-Great Chicago Fire resilience. It is one of the oldest buildings in the history of the town. In fact, it has witnessed its share of disasters over the years. As the myth has it- the Water Tower wasn't the only structure left standing after the city was ravaged by the Great Fire of 1871 - it is one of Six Structures That Survived the Great Chicago Fire--built-in 1869. As of today, it still stands as the second oldest water tower in America. The tower contained a pipe that stood roughly around 140 feet high. The intent was to pump water from Lake Michigan so it could be used for multiple purposes. One such use was for the Chicago Fire Department. It intended to pump clean water via the water cribs from the lake. despite the intent to provide the fire department with enough water to put out a fire, it wasn't enough to contain the Great Fire of Chicago in 1871. However, there had been stories of the spirits that have haunted the water tower for many years, but that's the case with every old building, isn't it? read more

Chicago Water Tower - Art Galleries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Forget anything else about the architecture or this structure and just focus on the historical significance and that alone makes it worth a look. It's old enough to predate the Great Fire, making it one of the few structures to survive. The Chicago Water Tower is still here, kind of looking out of place among the skyscrapers and whatever. Along with the tower is the pump house. Sometimes there will be art galleries and you can get inside. As for the actual structure, it's also a piece of art. It certainly was built sturdy to make it this long. The tower is in the middle of the intersection of Chicago and Michigan, close to many other tourist attractions and the overpriced shopping. A small park also surrounds it. The pump house is across the street, which can't be forgotten about if looking at this historic structure so go take a look at it too. Also there's a popular mall next to here. They have souvenirs and that kind of stuff you can buy there. Going to just check out the outside of it is enough of a reason to look around here. It's also open at certain times for art galleries, or it used to be that is. This is close enough for certain people to walk to from Navy Pier, and just up the street from the shopping and whatever. read more

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The Chicago water tower is a cool thing to see while visiting. It has much history and is located is a popular part of town. We got some nice photos while visiting and learning about the history of it. Definitely check it out read more

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It's so towering and watery, so this place checks out. I'm going out on a limb and taking a very pro-water stance on this review. Disclaimer: I like water and I'm addicted to it, drinking it many times per day. I may or may not also use it to wash dishes and to take showers once a month. I mean, day. On the other hand, fire and smoke make my eyes water and you can't drink it. Boo! Bad fire, bad dog! So when I read about the so-called Great Fire, I get so mad, but then Ms. Water Tower enters the scene, surviving the fire like a champ with its stone facades and I'm like, "wow, that's so cool, I should take some pictures of it, because no one has ever done that before!" It looks nice, day or night. It IS nice, day or night. There's a gallery inside that I have yet to check out. One of these years, I will. That's about it for now. Thanks water! You're the best! read more

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Historic piece of history in the heart of the city right down Michigan Avenue heading toward Lake Shore drive. They have done a great job constantly preserving this building. Great piece of scenery that establishes it's importance in the city of Chicago. read more

How can you give this water tower anything less than five stars? It survived the Great Fire of Chicago! It was built so well, it didn't go anywhere when the flames took down everything else in town. This old building looks old. It's like a chess piece out here in the Windy City. In the city of Big Shoulders, this is a big water tower. It's not cheapo like these ones built today where hicks graffiti messages of love on the side of them. No, this one is like a work of art. Speaking of art, this water tower also houses a small art gallery! Last time I went, they had old pictures of the city of Chicago, with small placards that tell a little about what you're looking at and who took the photos. There was a bored-looking security guard hanging out inside the water tower, just to make sure everything was cool. Admission was free, and it was pleasant inside the water tower. No, there's no Warner Brothers that live in this water tower. The Water Tower has a little park around it that's illuminated at night. read more

The Chicago Water Tower is an outstanding structure from another time period located along the Magnificent Mile - it is sure to catch your attention. Behind it is a park where folk were relaxing or catching carriage rides drawn by horses and kids selling candy. Entrance to the small single story art gallery from the side facing the park was free. And the air was cool within. read more

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It is one of those historic places in the city you should stop by and take a look. As one of the few remaining structures after the Chicago Fire it has it's place. I have popped in a few times, yes you can go in the building, to see the various small art exhibits they put up. Last time I stopped in they had photographs of various same locations separated by decades, neat to see the way the City has evolved yet stayed the same. My only complaint is the last time I was in there the security guard was loudly chatting away on a personal conversation... boo to you. read more

Chicago Water Tower - Art Galleries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I can't even explain how excited I was when we hopped off the red line near Mag Mile and I spotted the Water Tower - this is a must see if you are in the area, super close to everything you will already probably be doing anyways so you might as well pass by to snap a photo and experience this site in person. Gorgeous building and might I add very close to Top Shop ;) Can't miss adding this one to your agenda. read more

Chicago Water Tower - Art Galleries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

There's not a lot to rate about the Water Tower. It's a beautiful and historically significant landmark that's become the symbol of Chicago. The park around it, while small, provides some terrific people watching on a nice summer day. Many people walk past without even realizing you can go inside. The small interior has a city gallery with a rotating exhibit of art and photography. It's not enormous--my apartment is larger--but it's still an interesting little hideaway tucked into a nearly 150-year-old tower that has survived city-destroying fires and the ten-fold growth of the city. For that reason alone, the Water Tower deserves to be cherished and appreciated. read more

Stopped in at the Historic Water Tower/City Gallery while walking along the Magnificent Mile. We saw people going inside and thought it was a nice opportunity to check it out. We were pleasantly and hilariously surprised to find a Cards Against Humanity "exhibit" on display. Very small, but a nice and interesting spot to have a "gallery". Worth checking out! read more

Chicago Water Tower - Cards Against Humanity exhibit - Art Galleries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I would often pass this small but beautiful piece of architecture as I traveled up the Magnificent Mile. I knew that it was perhaps one of the only buildings to survive the Great fire in the 1800s. My husband and I tried to visit it one morning. When we entered there was a lady at a desk telling us they weren't open yet. I asked when it would be open and she said she didn't know. Since it was closed I could only grab a picture of what I saw in front of me. It seems to be an art museum. We did learn about the pumping station across the street and went over to have a look at that. I learned there was a tunnel connecting the two buildings. We returned to this area late in the day but didn't bother to try to go in since we figured it must have closed for the day. It makes a great photo shot at different times of the day with the way the light casts on it. It seemed dwarfed between all the skyscrapers surrounding it but still is a lovely building to look at. Perhaps on some future visit I can attempt to go inside again. read more

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This building is gorgeous. Just love stopping and looking at it. Great for a good photo background. At night it looks even better. read more

I stumbled across the water tower while wandering around town. At first, I walked up to it just wanting to read a sign about the tower and then realized it was a reeeaaally tiny tiny museum (well, gallery is more like it) free and open to the public. I love cool random stuff, so of course I went in. It took me about 10-15 minutes to look at the photos and explanations. I think it's great that it's free. Otherwise I wouldn't pay for it (unless you could go up inside of it). read more

Chicago Water Tower - Art Galleries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

REVIEW #900 & STILL STANDING Chicago is known as the second city & it has nothing to do with NY. After Chicago burned to the ground in 1871, the great citizens of Chicago had a second chance to rebuild the city & this is where the name second city came from. Technically the Chicago Water Tower was part of the First City. It was built in 1869 & still stands today. It is a tribute to those who help shape and build this city over the years. The tower still stands tall today. To me, it's a memorial for our great city. In the midst of a great tragedy, our water tower braved the flames and stood tall. It gave everyone hope that we could rebuild and rise from the ashes. It also told our politicians that they should pass a law stating all structures must be brick & mortar instead of wood. As we all learned that wood buildings will burn really fast with the wind blowing. Oops! The Water Tower was not the only building to survive the great fire. There were a few other buildings including the pumping station directly across the street. And yes the pumping station is made of brick too. Today the water tower stands 154 feet tall on Michigan Avenue in the Gold Coast. It is in the middle of one of the greatest shopping streets in the world called the Magnificent Mile. Tourists are always snapping photos of this historical landmark, in fact it looks like a giant castle. I told my little one that it was Rapunzels Tower. She still calls it that today. I think it's cute. Many cities wreck there old buildings to make way for new taller structures. The Water Tower deserves to stand forever because the flames of one of the greatest fires in the world could not destroy it. This makes the water tower special & a statement for our city. Next time you are in Chicago make sure you check out this amazing historical structure. It's worth a photo or two. There is also an art museum inside but I've never gone in to check it out. Maybe one of these days I will. I also love to throw out a little movie trivia on my tour but today it's going to have to be TV trivia. In 2004, the water tower was featured in the finale of The Amazing Race 6. How cool is that? I love that show and just knowing that Phil (the host) was nearby makes me happy. I will say that I am proud to share my 900th Yelp review with the Chicago Water Tower. Great things go together and here's to another 900 for me. As long as the tower keeps standing and my thumbs keep working then I'll keep pounding out reviews on my iPhone. The water tower is standing strong and showing the world that Chicago may be the second city but its really number one if you've ever been here. It is places like the Water Tower that highlight our architecture & willingness to stand in the face of adversity and to keep standing even when the odds are against you. I'm proud to see the water tower & show my out of town friends this great structure when they visit. I could not imagine a more amazing building in the city. It has a great story by surviving the Great Chicago Fire. It stands as an icon on Michigan Ave. This is the place where you can start your day shopping. So stop for a moment to take in the tower & think about those that lost there lives during this terrible tragedy. They would be proud to know the tower still stands, people are still shopping & I'm still writing reviews. read more

Chicago Water Tower - Such a beautiful piece of history. - Art Galleries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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A GRAND CASTLE IN A MAGNIFICENT MILE In my eyes the beautiful Chicago Water Tower looks like a Disney castle. In other people's eyes, it might look like a White Castle. Besides its recognition as the second oldest water tower in the United States with several other achievements, the limestone brick Chicago Water Tower inspired the architecture of several early White Castle restaurants. The Chicago Water Tower is a grand castle in the heart of a Magnificent Mile. The 154 foot tall limestone brick water tower is a touch of cute urbanism in a forest of attractive steel and glass. With its sister landmark the Chicago Water Tower Pumping Station across Michigan Avenue (Magnificent Mile) off the east sidewalk, this is a spot to take a breather. Most likely the breather will be from shopping. The Chicago Water Tower is surrounded by the corporate towers with street level retailing including Best Buy, the 900 North Mall, Top Shop, Apple, Macy's, Water Tower Shops, and a Disney Store. Just like the World of Disney, the Chicago Water Tower is the hero of a story with a happy ending. A few years after the Chicago Water Tower came to life in 1869, a horrible event took place in Chicago. A clumsy cow started the Fire of 1871. This fire caused the majority of buildings to burn. Not the Chicago Water Tower. It was one of a few buildings to survive. Years later in the 60s and 70s, in the guise of progress their was talk of bulldozing the Water Tower. Groups of people worked hard to keep the Chicago Water Tower. Today the Chicago Water Tower is designated a landmark. If the Chicago Water Tower feels like a Disney Castle, spending time nearby I feel like the Disney Peter Pan that never wants to grow up. In the evening I'd spend time here to let the pixie dust of this charismatic landmark make the stresses of adulthood disappear for a few minutes. This is a scenic spot to sit on a bench and relax. It is a place to stop, listen to the rhythm of downtown Chicago and the galloping horses carrying sightseers. On account of its charm and beauty, it was difficult to find a bench. When I sat on a bench it was very close to the Water Tower. This causes the admirer to have to bend their neck up to look at the tower. This is the situation with all the benches. A short distance further are Ghuardelli's, Hershey World, and Starbuck's. What better way to feel like a kid (or an adult who wants to relax) than to look at the Chicago Water Tower while eating a Ghirardelli ice cream cone, or Hershey bar, or drinking Starbuck's. Nearby are several restaurants including Gino's. I could never get tired of a Disney Castle. The beautiful Chicago Water Tower that reminds me of a Disney Castle is a special place that I want to return to again and again. read more

The Chicago Water Tower is a landmark on the Magnificent Mile. It certainly stands out amongst all the modern buildings. When I first spotted it, I had no idea what it was. Looked like a medieval castle from Europe and not a water tower. As other Yelpers mentioned, the Chicago Water Tower and the Pumping Station building close by were the only two buildings in Downtown Chicago that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1781. Very impressive and historical!! Overall, a fine iconic landmark in downtown Chicago. read more

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my first time seeing uncle.. he'd driven through the whole Chicago downtown for us.. and led to this Gothic style Water Tower.. He told us it's the only one that survived the Chicago Great Fire in 1871 and one of Chicago main symbol now.. it's respectably beautiful and strong.. and the visitor information center was helpful for tourists.. read more

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An awesome piece of architecture nestled in the heart of Michigan Avenue.It is a landmark of Old Chicago Water Tower District. Many people don't realise that one can go inside the water tower. It was one of the few buildings which survived the great fire in Chicago.It is always surrounded by people. There are some seats and small fountain outside the tower where people just relax. One would also encounter a number of horse drawn carriage rides in the vicinity of the tower. read more

This Gothic structure looks like a giant chess piece surrounded by the mayhem of the Magnificent Mile. Built in 1869, it survived the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. It contained a standpipe that was related to the Pumping Station to the east. Now the tower contains a small art gallery. read more

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When I heard this was the only building in the area that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 in this area... And then I saw the name on the building, I said "well no wonder! It's a water utility company!" LOL! Aside from its historic value, which automatically bumps it higher in my view, the unique architecture makes it quite a standout... I love the constant juxtaposition of old and new in this city, especially in this section where the differences are more pronounced. I mean, they have a freakin' castle in the middle of glass and steel skyscrapers! Looks awesome in photos. And it's free! No need for your Go Chicago Card here. read more

The Water Tower is a nice attribute to the Magnificent Mile. I usually go there to eat at Food Life or Wow Bao (if I'm not shopping). They have a good selection of stores and the waterscape going up the escalators and stairs at the main entrance is awesome. The only drawbacks: The elevator towards the rear of the building takes forever and closes too fast. I think I waited about 10 minutes for an elevator once only to have it close too soon and before anyone could get in. So aggravating! read more

The exterior was beautiful, with flowers and trees neatly maintained. There are photos and information displays inside the building, so i learned a bif of history here. Good to explore for about 15 minutes when you are in the area. read more

Such a beautiful building, I grew up looking at it because my parents had a huge poster of it that hung in our living room. I advise any architecture lover to visit this historic building and gander at how glorious it is. read more

Chicago Water Tower - Art Galleries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My husband has lived here his entire life and did not know you could even go in here. I am a Chicago history buff so seeing that we could go in here really really made my afternoon. It's peaceful, beautiful, and has just this eery feeling inside of it. Every local should go here at least once to see this piece of our Chicago history. read more

Cool Architecture in Chicago is on every corner. As I walked by doing some shopping I stopped to admire this interesting building. This city is so historic! read more

Whether you're shopping, dining or just want to do some major people watching...Water Tower Place is the umm, place. Over the years it just keeps evolving and I love that! I do miss the two movie theaters and FAO Sweets but they have so many great additions I can't help but to keep going back there. So many floors...so many stores. read more

Absolutely wonderful example of America's (former) ideals of making practical things beautiful. A preservation victory to have this highly photogenic guardian of the city still on watch in all its glory. read more

This is the quintessential Chicago landmark - one of the few structures that remained standing after the great Chicago fire. The whole city burned, and only a few structures remained, one of which was the water tower. The water tower is in the midst of the "Gold Coast" - the shopping Mecca of Chicago. It's across the street from the mall "Water Tower Place" and there are many, many shops surrounding it. Your trip to Chicago is incomplete unless you stop by for the obligatory photo op. read more

Landmark Review: Great piece of Chicago history free to walk through. It is after all a architectural gem on the Mag Mile. You can just walk in and it is a self guided tour of pictures. If you are this far up north on the Mag Mile you might as well stop by and have a peek! Pro: free, provides history of the chicago fire Cons: busy at times Hidden gem: Free read more

The water tower is BEAUTIFUL!! It's the beautiful piece of history in the middle of all the modern metropolitan busyness of Chicago. It's nice just to look at and stand next to. I'm a little sentimental that way, but the architecture is beautiful. If you're wandering around downtown there's no reason you can't make a stop here and just give it pause for a moment. You won't regret it. read more

Two words: GO INSIDE Apparently, few people know this, but there is usually a free photography exhibit inside. This is a nitfy little place to check out if you're a tourist. It is one of the buildings that survived the great Chicago fire, which is rumored to have been started by a cow. Do not be confused by the replica that they built right accross the street ::head scratch::..the original ones is the one closest to the Borders. read more

Ha- some of these reviews are cracking me up- you're all getting funny votes from me! OK, let's be clear, the mall across the street is called "Water Tower Place" and as far as malls go, it's kinda sucky in a 1970s way. So if you're getting ready to write a review here for the mall, please look again! Now the actual, historic, famous water tower we're talking about here is a place you'll visit because you're already in the area anyway. It's just a small little water tower, but one that's an icon of Chicago history. Best part- the interior is a little gallery space, and they do neat shows there and it'll only take you like 15 minutes to do a lap inside and check it all out in between your shopping trips, so do yourself some good and go to the water tower for a bit of Chicago culture! read more

This is a neat little gallery. I love the way it looks in the winter at night, or if I'm driving North on Michigan Ave. in the evening any time of year. However, I do think that it looks a little out of place with Borders in the background. OH, DESPITE WHAT SOME HAVE SAID THIS IS NOT WATER TOWER PLACE. IT IS NOT A MALL AND THERE IS NO FOOD COURT IN IT. YOU HAVE TO GO DOWN THE STREET FOR THAT! read more

While visiting Chicago a few months ago, I came across a little park area on Michigan Avenue. Right in the center of this park was the Chicago Water Tower. It is located by many shops (Walgreens,Macy's,Hershey Store and Steve Madden), a few hotels (Sofitel, Park Hyatt and Ritz Carlton), and many places to stuff your touristy face (Gino's East Pizza and Giordano's). Great place to spend the afternoon, snap a pic, people watch and enjoy a yet another one of Chicago's world famous architectural gems. read more

Once upon a time Chicago was made of wood and a great many things burnt down. From the time of Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable, Chicago was a city built on logs and planks. One day Mrs. O'Leary's cow decided to have a party and kick over a lantern setting the whole barn ablaze and with it - all of Chicago. One building withstood the holocaust that shook down an entire city. It was the Chicago Water Tower tried and true in its stony stoicism unaffected by the ash and cinder that surrounded it. Walk by Water Tower Park and you will see the Water Tower in all of its ancient glory - likely unaltered by time except for the endless renovations that keep it from collapsing. On my last visit inside the Water Tower, I was able to snap some pictures of the stone lion heads inside. Thinking I could somehow go up the tower, I found instead heavy metal chains keeping the stairwell going up shut. I have never been able to climb up the Water Tower and don't know if it's ever been allowed. Maybe one day they will finish fixing it and we can all see what it's like to get to the top. read more

It is a nice land mark, but its lacking the grandeur I though it would have. Though if you are in the city shopping I would guess its a great piece of history right there on the Mag Mile. Hint: don't try to walk between it and Michigan Ave. you may end up losing some skin to traffic. read more

I was walking down Michigan Avenue, past the iconic Water Tower, when a sign that looks like that well-known black and white box caught my attention, announcing a Cards Against Humanities exhibition inside the tower. In I went, getting to see not only the interior of this Chicago landmark but a playful display of all things having to do with this Chicago-born card game. There's a lot more behind the history of this game than I'd ever imagined, and it's a pretty cool story of some local guys and their journey creating this irreverent classic. There was one thing that made me laugh out loud... the Cards Against Humanity vending machine! Definitely a cool little downtown diversion worth checking out if you're in the area. read more

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Gorgeous looking castle like building that serves as a water tower for Chicago. It is stunning. I want to have this as a house, but well... it's in Chicago, and I live in Florida. It is one of those buildings that you look at and dream about. read more