"The Chicago Water Tower" Top 5 Page for this destination Illinois Things to Do Tip by traveldave

The historic Chicago Water Tower stands at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Chicago Avenue. It was part of the city's water-pumping system and housed a large water pump that drew water from water cribs built far out in Lake Michigan. The water was stored in a 138-foot (42-meter) standpipe inside the structure. The pressurized water in the standpipe could be used for fighting fires and to control water surges in the immediate area. Contrary to popular belief, the Chicago Water Tower was not the sole structure to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, but it was one of the few structures that did survive the fire.

The pseudo-Gothic tower surrounded by crenellated turrets is 154 feet (47 meters) tall. It was designed by architect William Boyington and was constructed of yellow Joliet limestone. (Its design was the inspiration for the restaurants of the White Castle fast-food hamburger chain). Built in 1869, the water tower is the second-oldest water tower in the United States, after the Louisville Water Tower in Louisville, Kentucky. (See my Kentucky page for more information).

Nowadays, the Chicago Water Tower houses a tourist information center and art gallery operated by the Chicago Office of Tourism.

The Chicago Water Tower has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was named an American Water Landmark.

Directions: The Chicago Water Tower is located at 800 North Michigan Avenue, in downtown Chicago.