Chicago Water Tower
United States historic place
About
The Chicago Water Tower is a 182.5-foot (56 m) tall former water tower in Chicago, Illinois. Inside was a 138-foot (42 m) high standpipe, which housed a large water pump. In addition to being used for firefighting, the pressure in the pipe could be regulated to control water surges in the area.
The tower became particularly well known when it survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 while adjacent buildings burned to the ground. Located at 806 Michigan Avenue, it is the centerpiece of a small park, the Jane M. Byrne Plaza. It lies along the Magnificent Mile shopping district in the city's Near North Side community area, and serves as an art gallery for the Chicago Office of Tourism.
Nearby
More to see within walking distance
860–880 Lake Shore Drive
Residential buildings in Chicago, Illinois
0.3 mi awayArchdiocese of Chicago
Latin Catholic jurisdiction in the US
0.2 mi awayJohn Hancock Center
Skyscraper in Chicago, Illinois
0.1 mi awayMuseum of Contemporary Art Chicago
Museum in Illinois, US
0.2 mi awayPoetry Foundation
American literary foundation
0.3 mi awayHoly Name Cathedral (Chicago)
Catholic cathedral in Chicago
0.2 mi awayPlaces to eat nearby
Finding places to eat…
Traveler reviews
Tickets & tours
Tickets and tours for Chicago Water Tower
We may earn a commission from some of these links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Photos from Unsplash, Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA); facts from Wikipedia; maps © OpenStreetMap contributors, weather from Open-Meteo. Huginn’s tips are AI-written — check prices, hours and entry rules before you go.