Chicago Water Tower

Chicago Water Tower
806 N Michigan Ave
Chicago IL 60611
312-744-2400
The Chicago Water Tower, located on N. Michigan Avenue in the center of Magnificent Mile, is a must-see Chicago attraction. The tower was designed by architect William W. Boyington and constructed in 1869, and is currently the oldest water tower in the United States. 154 feet high, the Chicago Water Tower used to rise above the skyscrapers in its proximity, but no longer. The Tower used to be operative, utilizing its 40 meter sand pipe to stabilize water pressure from its pumping station. The pumping system provided clean water from Lake Michigan to city-dwellers until it became polluted and then no longer functional. After Chicago's Great Fire in 1871, the Water Tower was still standing, due to its heavy limestone brick exterior. It soon became a prized icon for the city and was named America's first water landmark in 1969. This European Medieval castle-like styled Water Tower is now a visitor's center and houses City Gallery, which features the work of local photographers. Admission is free.
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