Willis Tower
The Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, stands as a 110 story (≈1450ft) building in the heart of Chicago's downtown. Willis Tower is not only one of the tallest buildings in the world, it is also a magnificent icon, impossible to miss within Chicago's skyline. Its antennae add another approximate 170ft to its height in addition to broadcasting radio waves across wide distances. Located at 233 South Wacker Drive, its recent internal renovations have turned this into a must-see on your trip.
Cloud Gate
Construction of Cloud Gate lasted two years, spanning 2003 to 2004. The final steel shape reached 66 feet in length, 42 feet at its widest point, and rose as high as 33 feet. Its total cost, well above initial estimates, reached $23 million with an array of donors picking up the difference. Located within Millenium Park, a park with beautiful and expansive fields fit for play, this reflective marvel of engineering puts stars in the eyes of children and adults alike. Read more about it on Millenium Park's official website here!
Buckingham Fountain
Opened to the public in 1927, Buckingham Fountain was commissioned by Kate Sturges Buckingham as a memorial for her brother Clarence. The "wedding cake" design was the work of architect Edward H. Bennett, while the four Art Deco-style seahorse sculptures on the fountain (representing the four states bordering Lake Michigan) were created by French artist Marcel Loyau. In addition to being a very large fountain, its grandiose design makes wading through it the dreams of children all around the city. Read more about it here.