Century of Progress Homes
Step back in time at the Century of Progress Homes, relocated from the 1933 Chicago World's Fair. A unique architectural gem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Homes open for tours
Century of Progress Homes
Best Time
Homes open for tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at the Century of Progress Homes, relocated from the 1933 Chicago World's Fair. A unique architectural gem.
"Visiting the 1933 Chicago World's Fair Century of Progress homes was like stepping through a portal into a bygone era."
🎟️ Book Tour Tickets Early
Tickets for the annual tour sell out quickly! Plan ahead to secure your spot for this unique experience.
🚗 Limited Parking
Parking is restricted to 15 minutes for exterior viewing. Plan your visit accordingly.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
1933 World's Fair Architecture
Beverly Shores, Indiana
Step back in time with these five historic homes, relocated from the Chicago World's Fair. A true architectural gem.
House of Tomorrow
Beverly Shores, Indiana
Marvel at this iconic home, a symbol of futuristic design from the 1933 World's Fair.
Retro Photo Ops
Beverly Shores, Indiana
Perfect for vintage vibes! These colorful homes offer a unique backdrop for retro-themed photos.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tour Day is Key
+1Beyond the Tour
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tour Tickets Early
Tickets for the annual tour sell out quickly! Plan ahead to secure your spot for this unique experience.
🚗 Limited Parking
Parking is restricted to 15 minutes for exterior viewing. Plan your visit accordingly.
📸 Great for Photos
These colorful homes are a fantastic spot for vintage-inspired photoshoots.
🧐 Architecture Buffs Rejoice
A must-see for history and architecture enthusiasts interested in 1930s design.
Tell me your most interesting place-based facts about Chicago locations!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tour Tickets Early
Tickets for the annual tour sell out quickly! Plan ahead to secure your spot for this unique experience.
🚗 Limited Parking
Parking is restricted to 15 minutes for exterior viewing. Plan your visit accordingly.
📸 Great for Photos
These colorful homes are a fantastic spot for vintage-inspired photoshoots.
🧐 Architecture Buffs Rejoice
A must-see for history and architecture enthusiasts interested in 1930s design.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Century of Progress Homes a fascinating glimpse into 1930s design, especially during the rare annual tour. While exteriors are visible year-round, the limited access and short parking can be a drawback for casual visitors. Architecture enthusiasts, however, find the experience highly rewarding and unique.
"There are 5 houses to see, from the road unless you visit the one time of year that they allow tours. It's a bit underwhelming unless you are a World's Fair history or architecture buff. You can park for 15 minutes and see these same houses and read some plaques.
Personally, I think there are better ways to spend you time in this park, and that's saying a lot considering there aren't that many MUST do things."
Mike Katchmar
"This is neat, but the houses are private homes so you can only look at the outside."
Elizabeth Dawes
"Visiting the 1933 Chicago World's Fair Century of Progress homes was like stepping through a portal into a bygone era. I was fortunate enough to snag tickets for the once-a-year tours, an experience that proved to be both fascinating and enlightening.
These historic homes, showcased during the 1933 Chicago World's Fair, were designed to demonstrate modern conveniences and innovative technologies of that time. Each home has been lovingly restored by its current occupants, with the notable exception of the House of Tomorrow, which was undergoing extensive exterior renovations during my visit (slated to be completed by the 2025 tour). This ongoing work underscores the continuous effort to preserve and honor the historical significance of these properties.
The tours are held on just one day a year—the last weekend in August—and tickets are highly coveted, selling out quickly. The rarity of the event adds an exclusive feel to the experience, making it all the more special for those who attend. The guided tours are led by knowledgeable park rangers, who provide rich historical context and fascinating details about the homes and their place in architectural history.
Adding a personal touch to the tours, some of the current residents were present and available to answer questions. Their insights and anecdotes about living in and restoring such unique dwellings added depth and personal perspective to the tour, enriching the experience.
In addition to the fascinating annual tours, there's an upcoming unique opportunity at the Century of Progress homes. The Cypress House, one of the beautifully preserved homes from the fair, will soon be available for rent. This presents a rare chance for individuals to immerse themselves in a piece of living history, offering more than just a visit but a chance to stay overnight in an architectural gem. Renting this house will provide guests with a full experience of the era’s innovation and architectural creativity, making it a perfect retreat for history enthusiasts, architecture buffs, or anyone looking for a unique getaway."
James “Liam” Biggerstaff
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Century of Progress Homes are located in Beverly Shores, Indiana, within the Indiana Dunes National Park. They are accessible by car. If coming from Chicago, it's about a 45-minute to an hour drive.
Public transportation options are limited for direct access to the homes. Driving is the most convenient way to reach this area.
Parking is very limited, with a 15-minute restriction for those viewing the homes from the road. Plan your visit around the annual tour for interior access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The homes are typically open for interior tours only one day a year, usually the last Saturday in September. Tickets are highly coveted and sell out quickly.
Ticket prices can vary, but it's essential to check the official Indiana Landmarks or Indiana Dunes National Park websites for the most up-to-date information and booking details.
Yes, you can view the exteriors of the homes from the road year-round. However, interior access is generally restricted to the annual tour day.
Yes, most of the Century of Progress Homes are private residences. The annual tour provides a rare opportunity to see inside.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography of the exteriors is generally allowed. During the annual tour, check specific rules regarding interior photography. The colorful facades make for great shots!
The entire street offers a unique backdrop. For retro-themed photos, the colorful exteriors and unique architectural details are ideal.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
These five homes were originally built for the 1933 Chicago World's Fair, 'A Century of Progress,' to showcase modern living and innovative design. They were later moved to their current location.
The homes represent various modern and futuristic architectural styles of the 1930s, designed to inspire hope during the Great Depression.
The Cypress House, one of the preserved homes, is slated to be available for rent, offering a unique opportunity to stay in a piece of living history.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider timing your visit with the annual tour day if your family enjoys guided experiences. The limited parking and 15-minute viewing window mean it's best for a shorter, focused visit. Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities directly at the homes are minimal. The nearby beaches of Indiana Dunes National Park offer a great way to extend the family outing.
📸 Photographers & Influencers
While exterior shots are accessible year-round, the annual tour day offers a chance for interior photography, though specific rules should be checked. Be mindful of the 15-minute parking limit for quick exterior shoots. For longer sessions, consider visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays when fewer people are around, though the homes remain private residences.
🏛️ History & Architecture Buffs
+1Studying the House of Tomorrow and other unique designs provides a deep dive into the architectural trends and futuristic visions of the era. The opportunity to potentially rent the Cypress House offers an even more profound connection, allowing for an extended immersion in this historical setting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Century of Progress Homes: A World's Fair Legacy
After the fair, developer Robert Bartlett undertook the ambitious project of moving these structures by barge across Lake Michigan to their current location in Beverly Shores, Indiana. This relocation preserved a tangible piece of World's Fair history and created a unique architectural enclave within the Indiana Dunes National Park. The homes represent a fascinating snapshot of mid-20th-century architectural aspirations and continue to draw interest from history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.
Today, most of these homes are private residences, meticulously maintained by their owners. The Indiana Landmarks organization and the Indiana Dunes National Park collaborate to offer a special annual tour, typically held on the last Saturday in September. This event is the primary opportunity for the public to step inside and experience the interiors, guided by park rangers and historians who share the stories and significance of each dwelling.
Visiting and Experiencing the Homes
Tickets for the tour are in high demand and sell out rapidly, so booking well in advance is crucial. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who bring the history of the homes and the World's Fair to life. Some residents may also be present, offering personal insights into living in these historic structures. This immersive experience provides a unique connection to the past and the innovative spirit of the 1930s.
Beyond the tour, there's an exciting development for those seeking an even more immersive experience: the Cypress House is set to become available for rent. This offers a rare chance to stay overnight in one of these architectural gems, providing a truly unique getaway for history and architecture aficionados.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit