Geoffrey Baer takes us through some of his favorite beautiful Chicago locations. Take this a-la-carte tour at your leisure — by CTA, bike, car, or, if you're really ambitious, on foot! Be sure to check if any of the indoor locations require reservations or tours for entry.
A dazzling surprise is just over your head in the State Street Macy’s.
Frank Lloyd Wright once redesigned the light, airy lobby in this Burnham and Root building. Note: The lobby is open to the public only at certain times. Check visitor hours on their website.
Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood didn’t have its own public green space until Ping Tom Park came along.
Explore the ivy-covered campus that is rich with architectural history. Note: This is a college campus, so you’ll have to stay outside of the buildings for this one.
The designs of renowned architect Jeanne Gang breathed new life into a once-stagnant pond.
Famed landscape architect Jens Jensen designed this enchanting conservatory. Note: This location is free but requires a reservation.
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe put his own modern stamp on traditional college campus architecture. Note: This is a college campus, so you’ll have to stay outside of the building for this one. You can register for a tour with the architecture school if you want to go inside.
This unnamed Pablo Picasso sculpture in Daley Plaza has an interesting origin story.
This remodeled Green Line station doubles as a kind of museum for the artist Nick Cave. Note: To see all of the elements described in this tour, you’ll have to pay a fare.
Chicago’s oldest church is quite the survivor. Note: To go inside this location, you’ll need to schedule a tour.