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    Elks National Veterans Memorial

    4.7 (15 reviews)
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    Lauren B.

    Whenever I think of the Elks organization, I'm reminded of the "International Order of Friendly Sons of the Raccoons", which was the name of the lodge that Ralph Kramden from "The Honeymooners" always dreamed about being Grand Poobah for ;-) While Ralph Kramden and his lodge were works of pure fiction, the Elks are as real as Death and Taxes, and this Veteran's Memorial that they built is a lasting and beautiful landmark in Chicago. The building is not only stately and beautiful on the outside, it's also breathtaking and incredibly beautiful on the inside as well! Thousands of people walk past this building regularly, but it gets surprisingly few visitors. I recently decided to go here and was both amazed and impressed by the sights to be seen here. As you enter the building you'll see an inspiring rotunda; when I saw it I was reminded of the architecture of both the Romans and the Greeks. The rooms that adjoin the rotunda have high ceiling and heavy wooden walls, and they're just as stunning as the rotunda. Free tours are available to anyone who requests one from one of the volunteer docents. It's well worth taking a tour here, as it's perhaps one of Chicago's most beautiful buildings.

    Elks National Veterans Memorial
    Bill M.

    The neoclassical Elks Veterans Memorial Building was built in 1926 to the design of the unheralded Egerton Swartwout. Its grand gestures include the elk sculptures guarding the front, but for a real treat have a look inside. The gaudy Rotunda consists of marble floors and columns, along with colorful murals and statues. The grandiose Reception Room features stained glass windows and chandeliers. The domed building is a nice backdrop to Lincoln Park and the lakefront just to its east.

    Elk Saluting the Memorial
    Richie D.

    I had lived near this monument for 4 years, moved out of state and THEN had the chance to check it out as a "tourist." Just look at the pictures I have posted... The gorgeous neoclassical decor and architecture simply takes over your senses. Don't think "that's it" after entering the stunning Rotunda without checking out the Grand Reception room. Once you enter, you feel as if you're in France. Painted art takes over the walls, along with stained glass windows. If you're not able to visit in person, at least free up the time to take a moment to enjoy their website's virtual tours: http://www.elks.org/memorial/memorialTour.cfm. Shoot, I felt law-breaking for taking pictures, even though it's permitted!

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    A lovely spot in the heart of Chicago. So many unique items and beauty everywhere you look. A must do!

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    If you like architecture this is somewhat of a hidden gem in the city of Chicago.

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    Review Highlights - Elks National Veterans Memorial

    The structure is similar to the Pantheon in Rome built by Marcus Agrippa before JC was around.

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    The Rookery Building - FLW iron installation.

    The Rookery Building

    4.5(75 reviews)
    3.7 miThe Loop

    Visiting The Rookery was one of those quiet Chicago moments that really sticks with you. From the…read moreoutside it's understated, but once you step into the Light Court, the space opens up with natural light, ironwork, and detail everywhere you look. The Frank Lloyd Wright staircase is subtle but impressive--nothing flashy, just solid design that holds up over time.Tip for first-time visitors: go on a weekday and aim for mid-morning if you can--the light is best, it's calmer, and you'll actually have space to stop and look around. It's not a long visit, but it doesn't need to be. The Rookery is simple, beautiful, and worth slowing down for.

    Make no mistake, this space is stunning and definitely something to see. As a recent wedding guest,…read moreI was expecting more. The setup of the building makes for a cramped wedding. We had to stay in the crowded lobby for a long time before the ceremony space was opened. The restrooms are far away from the action, about as far from the party as they could be. The second floor cocktail space was cramped. The two bartenders were soooo slow. Not sure if they were part of the catering staff the Rookery uses or separate. Dinner was exceptional. No one knew the bar moved from the second floor to a space under a first-floor staircase for drinks after dinner. There was no announcement of where desserts were located. A lot of the issues I had with the wedding could have been eliminated had an experienced planner been hired. Too often during the day guests were not sure where to go or what was happening, what was next. It's a beautiful space but my advice to couples would be to hire a planner who is experienced and who has worked several wedding at the Rookery. Also, I was told the space was rented the night before the wedding so the couple couldn't have a rehearsal. Unfortunately, that was obvious and added to the disjointed event. Also, some tourist walked into the back of the ceremony space during the wedding. I would have thought Rookery staff/security would keep tourists out of a private event, but this is one of those things that will become a funny wedding story in a couple of years.

    Photos
    The Rookery Building - Glass canopy

    Glass canopy

    The Rookery Building - FLW Planters

    FLW Planters

    The Rookery Building - Glass canopy

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    Glass canopy

    Skydeck Chicago - NEVER FORGET (look closely)

    Skydeck Chicago

    3.5(946 reviews)
    3.7 miThe Loop

    Really cool experience and things to visit/read while you're on the way up. You start by going…read morethrough the bottom floor and there's a ton photo opportunities and history about Chicago and the Willis tower. There's information about different Chicago foods including the deep dish pizzas, Chicago style dogs, jabiritos, and more! Once you get through the bottom floor, you take an elevator up all the way to the sky deck. The elevator travels at 18mph! And it takes really quick time to travel up. But during the way up, there's a ton of information that's played in a video. You can feel your ears popping as you change altitude. Thought it was really cool to experience. Once you reach the top (103 floors) , you can look at all 4 sides of the view and it's stunning! Once you're ready to go into the glass floor, staff take two groups at a time for efficiency for each window. They will take photos for you with the company camera, and then will allow you 90 seconds for your own pictures and photos. That's how the line keeps moving without anyone taking too long. After you're finished you can hop back into line for the elevator down. I thought this was well worth it. The photos and the views and efficiency was well executed. Definitely recommend!

    I have only been on the Skydeck once. I absolutely urge first-time visitors to check it out. The…read moreChicago skyline from the deck is breathtakingly beautiful. You'll need to purchase tickets to enter. The lines can sometimes be long but they do try and control that. Of course they have a gift shop...a few actually. You can pay for a photo of yourself on the deck and you can also snap some of your own. Staff are accommodating. You are able to learn a lot of history as well as seeing other important historical displays about the city. Big touristy thing to do? Yep! Should you do it? Yep!

    Photos
    Skydeck Chicago - Use your phone flash!

    Use your phone flash!

    Skydeck Chicago - Read sign if it's not obvious.

    Read sign if it's not obvious.

    Skydeck Chicago - Our friend living his best life

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    Our friend living his best life

    Landmark Theatres - Inside theatre 5

    Landmark Theatres

    3.7(24 reviews)
    14.4 mi

    When we were looking for a local cinema to see Ne Zha 2 for the second time, this time with English…read moredubbing, we were happy to find Landmark at the Glen! It replaced Arclight which was in a decline. The cinema had been renovated 2 years ago. It was a Thursday afternoon, and the cinema was pretty quiet. There were big kiosks for ticket purchases, and the process was quick and easy. We got a small bag (which was not too small) for $10 plus tax, a little pricy for popcorn, but it was good. The popcorn guy was friendly, and he also doubled as the guy to collect our ticket stubs, and informed us which cinema room to go to. We were there for the preview of the movie, and we got the entire cinema #5 to the 3 of us! While the lobby and hallways of the cinema was nice and cool, this room was a little too warm. We totally understood that they would not cool down an entire room when there was no audience inside. I went to talk to the popcorn guy about the air temperature issue, and he promised to have it adjusted. As I went back to the cinema room. We could feel that cool air started to come out, and it was comfortable for the rest of the showing. The chairs were big, clean, and comfortable. Sound and picture were great. The movie itself was enjoyable just like the first time, and the English dubbing was perfect. The entire cinema was very clean. I was especially pleased with their restrooms being spotless clean. There is a bar in the lobby, and across from it was the biggest poster I've ever seen in a cinema lobby, it was a colorful digital poster of Ne Zha 2, very appropriate for such a spectacular movie. When we left the cinema after seeing the movie, there was another guy at the hallway collecting ticket stubs, and there was obviously more audience coming in. We enjoyed this cinema experience very much, and would definitely return to see other movies in the future.

    This movie theater's really cute. I think it's a hidden gem in the Glen. Located right next to Yard…read moreHouse in Glenview, IL. The guy was very helpful getting me a cup for water and had the whold theater to myself. Definitely coming back.

    Photos
    Landmark Theatres - Kiosks in the lobby

    Kiosks in the lobby

    Landmark Theatres - Inside theatre 5

    Inside theatre 5

    Landmark Theatres - We held our ribbon-cutting with The Village of Glenview on Nov. 17, 2022.

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    We held our ribbon-cutting with The Village of Glenview on Nov. 17, 2022.

    Willis Tower - Entrance

    Willis Tower

    3.8(1.5k reviews)
    3.7 miThe Loop

    I will always call it the Sears Tower. I can't help it, that's what it was called the first time I…read moreever saw it and you know how it is...some of us humans just don't adapt to name changes of places we know and love. Anyway, I have been to Chicago many, many times (if you see me at a Yelp event, ask me why) and I like to see the tower whenever I am in the neighborhood. No longer the tallest building in the world, it is still a spectacular sight. The history and origin and the fact that it was the first skyscraper still holds intrigue and meaning for any architecture lover. As you can imagine, it can be extremely busy because after all, it is a building that holds businesses. However, that is not always the case. I have been at various times of day and it just really depends on the time, etc. If you are going for the first time, you absolutely want to get a view from the deck (Skydeck). The views are beyond incredible.

    I went to Willis Tower at 5 PM on a weekday with absolutely no idea what kind of crowd situation I…read morewas walking into. I had mentally prepared myself for lines, chaos, and the slow march of humanity. Imagine my surprise when I basically walked right in. In fact, my longest wait of the entire experience was for an elevator, which feels like a very reasonable thing to wait for in a giant skyscraper. I also loooooooved all of the historical information provided throughout the experience. It kept things interesting and made the journey feel like more than just walking in and riding an elevator to a great view. The cute photo ops sprinkled throughout were a nice touch too. And can we take a moment to appreciate the bathrooms? There were plenty of them and they were so clean. THANK YOU. As someone who judges attractions at least partially on restroom availability, this earned major points from me. Supreme appreciation. Everything felt organized, easy to navigate, and flowed really well. I don't know if I should credit the time of day, the weekday timing, or if it's always this smooth, but whatever the reason, I was pleasantly surprised from start to finish. Would absolutely visit again.

    Photos
    Willis Tower - Chamber music in the sky

    Chamber music in the sky

    Willis Tower - I was too afraid to step all the was back to the outer wall. Others were posing and having a blast. I'd do it again!

    I was too afraid to step all the was back to the outer wall. Others were posing and having a blast. I'd do it again!

    Willis Tower - Lots of fun photo ops while heading up to the tower.

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    Lots of fun photo ops while heading up to the tower.

    Cloud Gate - Cloud Gate ("The Bean")

    Cloud Gate

    4.6(989 reviews)
    3.4 miThe Loop

    Cloud Gate aka "The Bean" is one of the best spots in Chicago - . If you've just arrived in town,…read morethis is an easy and classic first stop in Millennium Park. The mirrored, bean shaped sculpture acts like a giant mirror, giving you a unique reflection of Chicago's skyline and the crowd around you. Obviously, it's a great place for photos and a must visit in Millennium Park.

    Cloud Gate, otherwise known as the Bean, sits in the middle of Millennium Park in downtown Chicago…read moreand is one of those public art installations that consistently surprises people who encounter it for the first time despite being one of the most photographed objects in the city. I walked up to a seamless polished stainless steel form that reflects everything around it without a single visible seam or joint across its entire surface. That engineering achievement alone is worth appreciating before I even started engaging with what the reflections actually do. The reflections are the experience. I watched the Chicago skyline curve and distort across the surface in a way that shifted constantly depending on where I was standing, and walking slowly around the perimeter gave me a different composition every few steps. Walking underneath the concave arch in the center, which locals call the omphalos, produced a funhouse mirror effect that reflected me and everyone else from overhead in a way that was consistently disorienting and engaging regardless of how many times I have seen it. On a clear day with blue sky the effect was particularly strong, with the skyline wrapping around the sculpture against a bright background. On overcast days the palette shifts toward silver and grey and produces its own version of the thing. Admission is free and the park is open and accessible, which made Cloud Gate an easy addition to my Chicago itinerary without any planning required. It gets crowded, particularly on weekends and during summer, and the area immediately around the sculpture fills with people taking photos throughout the day. Early morning visits before the crowds build give you a more relaxed experience and better light for photography. It is one of the few landmarks in any city that genuinely lives up to what people say about it.

    Photos
    Cloud Gate - 07.04.25 touched the surface of The Bean... check!

    07.04.25 touched the surface of The Bean... check!

    Cloud Gate - 07.04.25 The Bean with Chicago's skyscrapers in the background and the clouds floating above

    07.04.25 The Bean with Chicago's skyscrapers in the background and the clouds floating above

    Cloud Gate - My wife, her parents, and me at the Bean.

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    My wife, her parents, and me at the Bean.

    Buckingham Fountain - ComEd's Switch on Summer

    Buckingham Fountain

    4.5(413 reviews)
    4.0 miSouth Loop, The Loop

    Still five stars. It's running today and it's very crowded. Great to see so many people enjoying it!read more

    If you are vising Chicago, this is one of the not to be missed iconic landmarks. The Buckingham…read moreFountain is managed by the Chicago Park District is one of largest fountains in the world. It features impressive water displays and stunning architecture in the beautiful setting of Grant Park. The Buckingham Fountain was built at a cost of $750,00 and it was dedicated on August 12, 1927. Philanthropist Kate Buckingham donated the funds for the fountain as a tribute to her brother, Clarence who was an art collector of Japanese prints. Kate collected medieval sculpture, tapestries, and decorative arts. In addition to the Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain she also donated a statue honoring Alexander Hamilton in Lincoln Park and her family's art collection to the Art Institute of Chicago. Clarence Buckingham had been a governing member and a trustee of the Art Institute and Kate was influenced by his association with the institution. The Buckingham Fountain was designed by architect Edward H. Bennett in a classic Art Deco style out of pink marble. The sculptural elements were created by French artist Marcel Loyau. The fountain resembles a rococo style wedding cake and was inspired by the Bassin de Latone and modeled on the Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles in France. The fountain symbolizes the vastness of Lake Michigan, with four groups of bronze seahorses representing the four states bordering the lake: Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. The fountain is able to propel 14,000 gallons of water per minute. At night the fountain comes alive with lights and dancing water jets. The fountain is known for being featured in the opening of the television show, Married with Children. The Buckingham Fountain stands as a symbol of Kate Buckingham's philanthropic generosity and her love for her brother and the City of Chicago. Enjoy a picnic one one of the well maintained lawns and seating areas near the fountain where you are to create a lasting memory in the heart of Chicago. I will always treasure my visit.

    Photos
    Buckingham Fountain - Married with children fountain

    Married with children fountain

    Buckingham Fountain - IG: @ammysalamii

    IG: @ammysalamii

    Buckingham Fountain - IG: @ammysalamii

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    IG: @ammysalamii

    Elks National Veterans Memorial - landmarks - Updated July 2026

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