Chicago is the largest city in the state of Illinois with a population of over 2,700,000 residents as of 2022. Chicago has been known as the ‘Windy City’ since the mid-1800 and is also the birthplace of modern architecture. Instagram locations are usually great spots for photographers to take pictures with DSLRs, drones, GoPros, and even iPhones. These locations will usually include murals, coffee shops, architecture, attractions, skylines, and others. Keeping an eye out for new locations will keep your IG posts fresh and creative. Property Records of Illinois created the top 10 Instagram-worthy places all you need to do is pose and smile.
1. Millennium Park – Crown Fountain – 201 E. Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60601
Millennium Park is a park in the center of downtown Chicago, Illinois that has received awards for its green and modern design. The park has free admission and it is open daily from 6 AM to 11 PM. Millennium park features a unique design that has 50 feet LED screens with faces on them that have water flowing through an outlet in the screen that makes it seem like the water is spouting from their mouths. The towering water faces known as Crown Fountain feature 1,000 Chicagoans whose faces loop on the screen.
2. Clouds Gate AKA The Bean – 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
Cloud Gate also known as “The Bean” is a public sculpture located in the center of Millenium Park that has been a major tourist attraction since it was first unveiled in 2006. The sculpture was constructed by Indian-born British artist Sir Anish Kapoor. Cloud Gate is constructed of 168 stainless steel plates that are welded together. The sculpture has no visible seams due to its polished exterior and it measures 33 x 66 x 42 feet, weighing in at 110 almost tons. Due to its reflective exterior Cloud Gate is a fantastic location for all photographers.
3. Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower – The Ledge – 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
Skydeck Chicago also known as The Ledge is located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (Sears Tower) that has clear observation boxes and views extending to four states on a clear sunny day. For $36.50 for adults and $28.50 for kids ages 3 to 11, this is a deal you can’t beat. The boxes at The Ledge extend 4.3 feet from the building providing a clear view of the street below, left and right. Skydeck is one of the best photography locations due to it being different than other attractions.
4. Navy Pier – 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
To honor the World War I naval heroes, the pier was renamed Navy Pier in 1927. About 10,000 people lived, worked, and trained at the pier in 1941 when it was converted into a United States Navy training facility during World War II.
5. Chicago Theatre – 175 North State Street Chicago, Illinois 60601
Chicago Theatre also known as Balaban and Katz Chicago Theatre is a popular landmark theater in the downtown Loop area. The Chicago Theater was considered the first luxurious movie palace in America. With 3,600 seat auditorium sits seven stories high and is more than one and a half blocks wide. Photographers will love the Chicago Theater for its bright lights and iconic status.
6. Chicago River
Chicago River is an iconic river that flows west from Lake Michigan to Wolf Point and is currently the only river in the world that flows in reverse. The river is one of the city’s main sources of drinking water and is approximately 156 miles long and 21 feet deep. Chicago River has been dyed green during Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day parade since 1962. The best photography for Instagram can be done from the Chicago Riverwalk bridges or an aerial video from a drone to get the buildings and skyline.
7. Centennial Wheel – Chicago, IL 60611
8. WNDR Museum – 1130 W Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60607
WNDR Museum is a modern museum that blends art, playfulness, and technology for the entire family. The museum is located in Chicago’s West Loop area and opened in mid-2018 as a temporary pop-up but has proved to be worth being permanent. The WNDR Museum is Instagram photography heaven due to its creative art from start to finish.
9. Kanye West’s Childhood Home – 7815 South Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60649
Kanye West is one of the most influential rappers to come out of Chicago. The home belonged to his late mother Donda during his childhood.
10. Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
Just like New York-style thin-crust pizza Chicago-style, deep-dish pizza is a must when visiting the Windy City. the crust of the deep-dish pizza. Chicago-style pizza needs a crust with flaky edges and a crunchy crust. Definitely not your typical pizza crust.
