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Historic Water Tower Review

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Historic Water Tower

  • Address: 806 N. Michigan Ave., at Pearson St., Near North, Chicago, IL | Map It
Write a review | Avg. member rating: 4.8/5

Fodor's Review:

This famous Michigan Avenue structure, completed in 1867, was originally built to house a 137-foot standpipe that equalized the pressure of the water pumped by the similar pumping station across the street. Oscar Wilde uncharitably called it "a castellated monstrosity" studded with pepper shakers. Nonetheless, it remains a Chicago landmark and a symbol of the city's spirit of survival following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The small gallery inside has rotating art exhibitions of local interest.

  • Cost: Free
  • Open: Mon.-Sat. 10-6:30, Sun. 10-5
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Member Reviews and Ratings

Reviewed by Lexma90 from Denver on 11/23/09
This is an enduring symbol of Chicago. Don't forget to stop and take a look as you're walking up or down Michigan Ave. Walk around the Tower, and imagine this being the only structure standing after the Chicago Fire. And yes, it is kind of ugly!

Member Rating: 4.8
Ratings details: Experience: 5.0 Ease: 5.0 Value: 5.0 Don't Miss: 4.0
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