If the Water Tower had to pick a disco theme song, it would be “I Will Survive.” Because that’s exactly what it did in October 1871, after the Great Chicago Fire ripped through town. The blaze torched 18,000 buildings, pretty much the entire inner city. Except for the Water Tower, which survived thanks to its flameproof limestone bricks.

These days it holds a small, city-run gallery that shows Chicago-themed art and photography exhibits.

---

See and save more places to create your own itinerary or modify a Bindu itinerary.

• 
  Photo by David Ohmer
• 
  Photo by David Hilgart
• 
  Photo by Trista B