Wherever you travel beautiful architecture is always an exciting and awe-inspiring highlight, and Illinois is second to none for its architectural wonders. Climb the stairs at the oldest skyscraper in the country and reward yourself with a view of one of the most iconic skylines ever built or take a tour of a home designed by an architectural legend. 

One of America's greatest architects, Frank Lloyd Wright called Illinois home - and filled it with some of his best works. Take a trip through the state to discover shining examples of Wright's signature Prairie style. Or take the self-guided tour through 13 of his renowned buildings, including two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and walk the halls designed by the legend himself. 

No matter where you look, the city is full of architectural wonders, from soaring skyscrapers in the heart of downtown to historic landmarks in our vibrant neighbourhoods.

Make sure you visit the Frederick C. Robie House, a U.S. National Historic Landmark on the campus of the University of Chicago. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and completed in 1910, it is a masterpiece of the Prairie style and a forerunner of modernism in architecture. 

Take a trip on one of the expert lead architecture boat cruises along the Chicago River, where you will hear the fascinating stories about more than 50 buildings lining the water, and how Chicago grew from a small settlement into one of the world's largest cities in less than 100 years. 

Then, walk up The Magnificent Mile to reach the Skydeck Chicago at the Willis Tower and 360 Chicago Observation Deck at the John Hancock Center, where you will take an elevator to the 94th floor and you’ll be greeted by breath-taking 360-degree views of Chicago’s dazzling skyline and majestic lakefront from the 17,000-square foot observation deck. And if that is not enough, the unique experience that is TILT, an enclosed, glass and steel moveable platform that slowly tilts outward to an adventurous angle, giving you downward-facing views from more than one thousand feet above The Magnificent Mile at a never-before-seen angle, has to be on any thrill-seeker’s list! Soak in the city’s spectacular skyline while riding Navy Pier’s iconic Centennial Wheel and enjoy Chicago’s vibrant arts scene, inspiring architecture and a warm Midwest welcome.

Stay three nights in Chicago

Today travel to Rockford, stopping in Oak Park on your way, the birthplace of Ernest Hemingway. Discover the beginning of greatness at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home & Studio. This landmark structure served as Wright’s private residence and studio from 1889 to 1909 — the first 20 years of his career. Stop for breakfast at Delia’s Kitchen or for a fine dining experience at The Little Gem Cafe – known for its intimate and welcoming atmosphere. Or, Citrine Cafe which features unique, eclectic dishes for everyone to enjoy. Take in the wonder of the Unity Temple, Wright’s only surviving public building from his golden Prairie period that doubled as his personal place of worship, also named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Upon arriving in Rockford, stop at the Laurent House to tour the only building ever designed by Wright for a person with a disability. The single-story Usonian home is both functional and beautiful (and decades ahead of ADA accessibility requirements). If you’re looking to take in even more sights in Rockford, discover the tranquil beauty of the Anderson Japanese Gardens and discover the city’s incredible brews – both coffee and craft beer – at the Rockford Roasting Co. and Prairie Street Brewing Company, respectively. Stop for a tasty Swedish meal at the Stockholm Inn and get some rest at one of Rockford’s many hotel accommodations.

Stay one night in Rockford

The journey continues to Springfield, the state’s Capitol. The Dana Thomas House is reputed to be one of Wright’s largest and most elaborate Prairie style designs, featuring 35 rooms with more than 100 pieces of original furniture and 250 art glass windows. Stop for a roast-to-order cup of coffee at Custom Cup, then take a stroll to the nearby Old State Capitol, a reconstruction of Illinois’ fifth statehouse where Abraham Lincoln practiced law, served as a legislator and gave his famed House Divided speech on slavery in 1858. Discover more historic Abraham Lincoln sites peppered throughout the city like the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Lincoln Tomb (don’t forget to rub Lincoln’s nose for good luck) and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. At the museum, explore more than 40,000 square feet of galleries, theatres, historic and interactive displays that will give you an in-depth look at Lincoln’s life. 

During your time in Springfield, you have endless options for great dining. Maldaner’s, established in 1884, offers a contemporary fine dining experience, while D’Arcy’s Pint is more of a cosy neighbourhood bar with authentic Irish fare. Be sure to stop in for a delicious craft brew at Illinois Made Maker Obed & Isaac's Microbrewery & Eatery. 

Stay two nights in Springfield

The last stop on your Frank Lloyd Wright Trail is Kankakee where you can visit the B. Harley Bradley House which is widely acknowledged as Wright’s first Prairie-style design. Just 40 minutes away, you can see the Frank L. Smith Bank in Dwight, designed with a simple, dignified aesthetic that Wright believed all banks should feature.

Stay one night in Kankakee