Top 5 Chicago Skyline Views

January 24, 2012

Chicagoans have always had a passionate love affair with our skyline. The wondrous coastline of Lake Michigan and marvelous buildings around the Loop allow for one of the most celebrated displays of architecture in the modern world.

Including the Sears Tower (now, unfortunately, named after the British insurance company Willis), the John Hancock Building, the Aon Center, and the Prudential building, the Chicago skyline contains some of the most famous skyscrapers in the world. Until New York City completes its newest skyscraper project, the Willis Tower remains the tallest building in North America.

I have spent my entire life in or near this city, and have come to associate the views of the skyline with home. With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of my five favorite views of the Chicago skyline below.

5. From Lake Michigan - this is by far the most popular skyline view of the city, and as a result has become something of a commodity in my opinion. Nonetheless, the view of the city from on the lake is magnificent, especially at night when the reflection of the buildings can be seen against the water.

4. 90/94 Eastbound - This may not seem like the most likely place to view the city of Chicago, but just before the Division St. exit there is a hill that presents a spectacular view of the downtown skyline. When I am coming back into Chicago from the north or the west, this view always lets me know that I am headed home.

3. Lake Shore Drive South - One of the most well-documented and written about roads in the world, there is no throughway quite like Lake Shore Drive. The southern branch of the road, heading north, presents a magnificent picture of the The Loop and the surrounding buildings.

2. Diversey Harbor - This may be the most obscure of the places on this list, but I have fallen in love with the view of the city from this harbor, especially in winter. This north-side harbor has a nearly unobstructed view of the downtown area nearly three miles south. In the winter when the trees are bare and the lights of the city shine brightest, this location can’t be beat.

1. Museum Campus - located about a mile and a half south of downtown Chicago on Lake Michigan, Museum Campus is home to museums like the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, and the Adler Planetarium. Because the campus juts further east into the lake than downtown Chicago, it yields incredible views of the cityscape, especially at night.

Of all of the places that I’ve been in the world, the Chicago skyline has not been eclipsed. I’d love to hear some of your favorite views of this magnificent city in the comment section.

11:15pm | URL: http://tmblr.co/Zs8IUxFKePRO
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(Notes: 7)