Midwestern Marvels

The word “Midwest” often conjures mental images of rolling farmland, dense forests, and pristine lakes—and rightfully so. The region is, in fact, blanketed in those things. However, the Midwest’s appeal goes far beyond its natural beauty. Your group just might be pleasantly surprised by the sheer intricacy, distinctiveness, or eccentricity of the region’s most illustrious architectural landmarks and undiscovered gems.

Members of your group don’t need to be seasoned architectural experts to appreciate the iconic work of Frank Lloyd Wright, the timeless vibe of St. Paul, Minnesota, or the towering skyscrapers of Chicago, Illinois. Whether comprising avid lovers of the craft or novices to the subject, your group will get an in-depth look through time, history, and societal influence at these locations and many more.

Midwest architecture offers a captivating blend of historical and modern design that has become a significant draw for tour groups. Visitors are often attracted to the region’s charming small towns with well-preserved Victorian homes, as well as vibrant urban centers featuring cutting-edge contemporary structures. This architectural diversity not only reflects the region’s rich cultural history but also its innovative spirit, making the Midwest a compelling destination for architecture enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

Urban Inspiration

St. Paul is an excellent example of a city that preserves its history through its architecture, weaving the old with the new. “St. Paul is an ideal destination for architecture enthusiasts because of its

dedication to preserving relics of the city’s rich past,” says Ava Diaz, marketing and communications manager for Visit Saint Paul. “From homes and churches to former railroad stations and restaurants, it is a place that honors its history and celebrates it with endless new- and oldcomers to the city.”

According to Diaz, St. Paul is home to the longest avenue of Victorian homes in the country, each boasting a unique architectural style along the 4 1/2-mile Summit Avenue. Perhaps the most notable of these regal properties is the James J. Hill House. Constructed in 1891, this 36,000-square-foot mansion was once home to railroad tycoon James J. Hill and his family of 11. The property features 13 bathrooms, 22 fireplaces, 16 chandeliers, and a two-story, skylit art gallery.

At the end of Summit Avenue is the Cathedral of Saint Paul, architecturally inspired by the cathedrals of France and featuring a 120-foot, copper-clad dome; gold-leaf embellishments; mosaic murals; stained glass windows; and detailed stencil work. Down the hill from the cathedral, tourgoers will find the “crown jewel” of the city and state, the Minnesota State Capitol. Constructed in 1905 and restored in 2017, the beaux arts-style building features a dome that mimics the Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican, six marble statues above the main entrance to greet visitors, and a four-horse chariot gold-leafed statue at the base of the dome.

Other architectural landmarks worthy of a visit include Landmark Center (also known as the Old Federal Courts Building) downtown, Union Depot in Lowertown, the Blair Arcade building in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood, and The Saint Paul Hotel downtown.

“We hope that visitors cherish the unique beauty and culture the city has to offer,” Diaz explains. “St. Paul is a place to learn, feel inspired, and have fun through its diverse landscape—naturally, architecturally, and culturally.”

Despite being on the smaller side, the city of Columbus, Indiana, is another Midwestern architectural mecca worthy of your group’s attention. In fact, The American Institute of Architects has ranked Columbus sixth in the nation for architectural innovation and design, following only Chicago; New York City, New York; Boston, Massachusetts; San Francisco, California; and Washington, D.C.

Since the 1940s, Columbus has been shaped by some of the world’s finest architects, including I.M. Pei, Richard Meier, Robert Venturi, Eliel and Eero Saarinen, Harry Weese, and Deborah Berke. Attractions of note include the Miller House and Garden, North Christian Church, Hamilton Center Ice Arena, Columbus City Hall, Inn at Irwin Gardens, Bartholomew County Courthouse, The Prall House, and many more.

City Sightseeing

Chicago is another must-see architectural destination. And luckily for groups, Chicago’s First Lady offers the perfect option for viewing the city’s most notable structures. For 31 years, the riverboat tour agency has partnered with the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) to operate the CAC River Cruise through the city.

The 90-minute CAC River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady takes tourgoers down all three branches of the Chicago River, providing guests with an unobstructed, open-air, 360-degree view of the city’s many architectural styles, including art deco, neoclassicism, midcentury modernism, and postmodernism. During the tour, passengers learn the fascinating stories of more than 50 buildings and 13 bascule bridges along the water. The tour was recognized three years in a row as one of the best boat tours in North America by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

Corey McCafferty, creative director for Chicago’s First Lady, says, “The CAC River Cruise is lauded as a ‘must-do’ activity and a selfie-worthy attraction when visiting Chicago.”

The cruise line’s maximum capacity is 125-150, depending on the vessel used. McCafferty says the company offers discounted rates to groups of 20 or more on certain public departures when booked at least one week in advance. Chicago’s First Lady also offers complimentary language and translation services via app, full-service cocktail and stack bars, and climate-controlled interiors. This year’s cruise season runs through Nov. 24. Chicago’s First Lady is a proud carbon-neutral organization and uses biodiesel fuel for all its vessels, has recycling practices in place, and uses QR codes whenever possible to minimize paper usage on-board.

The Wright Stuff

Perhaps no name is more synonymous with iconic Midwestern architecture than Wisconsin native Frank Lloyd Wright. A designer of more than 1,000 structures over a creative period of 70 years, Wright is a legend among architectural visionaries. Today, hundreds of his projects are open to the public, forever memorializing the legacy of the creator of “organic architecture.”

Of course, several of Wright’s creations are in the region he hailed from. In Oak Park, Illinois, Wright enthusiasts can tour the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio. In Chicago, The Rookery building stands as a testament to time, boasting gilded white marble and prismatic glass.

In Wright’s home state, Madison’s Monona Terrace was designed in 1938 to be a “dream civic center.” Today, the venue is the state capital’s hot spot for gathering, meeting, and celebrating. In Spring Green, about 20 miles west of Wright’s birthplace, his personal Taliesin property remains under the stewardship of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. Taliesin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the home where Wright lived for nearly 50 years and is considered the birthplace of his most iconic designs.

Other properties designed by Wright that are open to the public include the John Christian House in West Lafayette, Indiana; Stockman House in Mason City, Iowa; Meyer May House in Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Westcott House in Springfield, Ohio.

With all it has to offer, the architectural landscape of the Midwest serves as a testament to the region’s historical richness and artistic spirit. From the elegance of classic designs to the pioneering modernism that has shaped the heartland’s most beautiful cities, Midwestern architectural landmarks offer enriching experiences for groups of all shapes and sizes. This unique blend of the old and the new provides a compelling narrative of the region’s cultural evolution, and as travelers explore these architectural treasures, they gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and vision that define the Midwest.

By Madeline Fuerstenberg

Main Image: Landmark Center, St. Paul, Minnesota; Credit: Visit Saint Paul