The Wright Stuff: Why Illinois Remains the Go-To Destination for Architecture Enthusiasts

As Frank Lloyd Wright's birthday on the 8th of June approaches, Illinois is stepping into the spotlight as the premier destination for architectural tourism. From its iconic skyscrapers in Chicago to a trail of architectural masterpieces across the state, Illinois offers an unmatched journey through architectural history and innovation. With growing interest from design-savvy travellers, Illinois is set to inspire visitors with its rich architectural heritage and vibrant creative culture.

Chicago: Home of the First Skyscraper

Chicago's skyline is one of the most recognisable in the world, and its story begins with the Home Insurance Building, widely regarded as the world's first skyscraper. Today, the city is a living museum of architectural evolution.

• 11 Must-See Chicago Skyscrapers
  Chart the course of skyscraper design from early pioneering towers to contemporary icons. Must-see buildings include the Willis Tower, 875 N. Michigan Avenue, the Wrigley Building, Marina City and the sleek Aqua Tower. Each offers a glimpse into Chicago's legacy of pushing architectural boundaries.
• Chicago River Architecture Tour
• Explore Chicago's iconic architecture from a unique vantage point on a 90-minute guided river cruise. This immersive experience, led by expert docents, tells the stories behind the buildings that frame the city's skyline, weaving together history, design and urban planning. Choose from Wendella, First Lady or Shoreline as your cruise provider.
• Chicago Architecture Center
  Dive deeper into Chicago's architectural world with the Center's comprehensive guided tours, exhibitions and educational programmes. From guided walks through historic neighbourhoods to in-depth explorations of individual buildings, the Center is a must-visit for architecture lovers.

The Wright Stuff: Tracing Frank Lloyd Wright's Illinois Legacy

Illinois is the birthplace of Frank Lloyd Wright's revolutionary architecture. From Chicago to Springfield, visitors can follow a self-guided trail of 12 of his most iconic designs, two of which hold UNESCO World Heritage status

Chicago

• Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio: Walk in the footsteps of Wright himself at his private residence and studio (1889–1909), the birthplace of his visionary Prairie style.
• The Rookery: Discover this Chicago gem, where Wright's 1905 redesign of the light court brought new life to a Chicago classic.
• Frederick C. Robie House: A pinnacle of Prairie style, this UNESCO World Heritage Site exemplifies Wright's innovative residential design.

Oak Park

• Unity Temple: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this revolutionary concrete structure is hailed as one of Wright's greatest public works.

Rockford

• Laurent House: The only home Wright designed specifically for a client with a disability, this residence is both elegant and deeply personal in its design.

Kankakee

• Harley Bradley House: Believed to be Wright's first Prairie-style residence, this 1900 design showcases his early vision for harmonising homes with their natural surroundings.

Springfield

• Dana Thomas House: One of Wright's largest and most elaborate Prairie-style homes, offering visitors a glimpse into his masterful use of space, light, and art glass.

More must see Architectural gems in Illinois

• Baháʼí House of Worship: 45 minutes north of Chicago, this striking white temple is one of only a handful of Baháʼí Houses of Worship worldwide. With intricate detailing and peaceful gardens, it represents unity across all faiths.
  
  
• BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir: One hour drive west of Chicago and built using traditional Hindu methods without steel, this marble temple is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and devotion.

• Farnsworth House: Designed by legendary architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, this minimalist glass-and-steel house is a landmark of modern design and sits an hour and a half outside of Chicago.

• Nauvoo Temple: A two-hour drive from Peoria, sitting by the banks of the Mississippi river, this faithful reconstruction of the original 1840s Mormon temple, this Greek Revival structure anchors a historic village recreating early American religious life.
  
  
• East End Historic District: Located in the city of Quincy and spanning Victorian, Gothic Revival, and Prairie School styles, this district of over 3,600 preserved buildings is a showcase of Midwest domestic architecture.
  
  

Plan Your Architectural Adventure

Discover more at enjoyillinois.co.uk and book an unforgettable experience with America As You Like It (www.americaasyoulikeit.com / 020 8742 8299) which offers a seven-night 'Illinois Architecture and Frank Lloyd Wright Trail' package from £1,245 per person including flights, accommodation and car hire.

Images can be found here