Illinois Centennial Monument (Logan Square)
Free
City LandmarkPhoto Spot
Overview
The Illinois Centennial Monument is a majestic, soaring marble column designed by legendary architect Henry Bacon, located at the vibrant historic heart of the trendy Logan Square neighborhood. Commemorating the 100th anniversary of Illinois's admission to the Union, this striking 1918 neoclassical landmark features an ornate, deeply carved base adorned with rich allegorical figures and a magnificent eagle perched proudly at the summit. The surrounding historic public square serves as a bustling neighborhood gathering point, seamlessly connecting historic architecture with the energetic modern lifestyle of local creative youths.
Practical Info
Best TimeA sunny Sunday morning between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM from May to October is prime time. The historic marble monument serves as the scenic anchor for the bustling Logan Square Farmers Market, allowing you to photograph the massive columns while tasting local artisan pastries and enjoying live neighborhood buskers.
Getting ThereCommanding the historic traffic circle in Logan Square. Transit is completely effortless: ride the CTA Blue Line subway directly to the Logan Square station, and take the stairs up to the surface. The monumental marble column will be standing directly in front of you, requiring less than a 1-minute walk from the station portal.
Travel Tips
- The monument rises directly in the center of a chaotic, multi-lane traffic roundabout in Logan Square. Traffic flows fast and unpredictably with absolutely no designated pedestrian crosswalks; never attempt to dash across the lanes to touch the base.
- Every Sunday morning (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM), the street directly framing the column hosts the massive Logan Square Farmers Market. Gridlock paralyzes the zone and parking vanishes; do not drive, utilize the CTA Blue Line Logan Square station instead.
Photo Tips
Photo Spots
- The premier location for a clean telephoto shot is from the pedestrian parkway along Logan Boulevard northwest of the circle. For kinetic light trails, frame your wide-angle shot from the steps near Longman & Eagle across the street at dusk.
Reviews
Positive
- Designed by Lincoln Memorial architect Henry Bacon, this grand marble column pierces the sky at Logan Square's core, delivering a majestic visual.
- The surrounding lawn is completely free; on weekends, it hosts one of Chicago's finest raw open-air Farmers Markets, offering high leisure fun.
- The location is stellar, with the CTA Blue Line station right at its base; the walkable independent cafes and vintage bars offer flawless convenience.
- The column base is carved with exquisite historical reliefs detailing Illinois' centennial; trash cans and benches are well-placed, keeping it clean.
Heads up
- The monument sits right inside a massive traffic roundabout with 24-hour rushing cars and loud noise, fracturing any peaceful historical aura.
- Set inside a busy public intersection grid, it features zero dedicated parking lots; drivers must hunt for scarce street spaces in complex blocks.
- During weekday nights, due to fewer stationary safety patrols, skateboarders gather at the base or individual homeless loiter, causing safety to fluctuate.
- As an open outdoor municipal monument, the lawn lacks permanent public restrooms and paved wheelchair ramps, limiting accessibility.