Lincoln Park

• Address: 2045 N. Lincoln Park West, Chicago, IL 60614
• Description: Offers a zoo, conservatory, and stunning views of Lake Michigan and Chicago skyline.
• Permit: Yes for commercial use
• Permit Info and Contact: Chicago Park District, (312) 742-7726. Website

Chicago Riverwalk

• Address: Lake Shore Drive to Franklin Street, Chicago, IL
• Description: A lively path offering urban views, cityscapes, and interactive public art.
• Permit: Yes
• Permit Info and Contact: Department of Business Affairs, (312) 744-6249. Website

North Avenue Beach

• Address: 1600 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60613
• Description: Popular beach with a striking view of the Chicago skyline.
• Permit: Yes for commercial use
• Permit Info and Contact: Chicago Park District, (312) 742-5369.

Navy Pier

• Address: 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
• Description: Iconic pier known for its Ferris wheel, theaters, and boat tours.
• Permit: Yes for commercial use
• Permit Info and Contact: Navy Pier Inc., (312) 595-7437. Website

Grant Park

• Address: 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601
• Description: Spacious park known for Buckingham Fountain and numerous festivals.
• Permit: Yes for commercial use
• Permit Info and Contact: Chicago Park District, (312) 742-5369. Website

Jackson Park

• Address: 6401 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago, IL 60637
• Description: Historic park with the Museum of Science and Industry and a Japanese garden.
• Permit: Yes for commercial use
• Permit Info and Contact: Chicago Park District, (312) 742-7529. Website

Montrose Beach

• Address: 4400 N. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60640
• Description: Large beach known for bird watching, volleyball, and dune area.
• Permit: Yes for commercial use
• Permit Info and Contact: Chicago Park District, (312) 742-5121. Website

Milton Lee Olive Park

• Address: 1010 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611
• Description: This tranquil park near Navy Pier features spectacular views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan, with a serene waterfront perfect for photography.
• Permit: No

The Chicago Theatre

• Address: 175 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601
• Description: An iconic landmark of the city, known for its famous “CHICAGO” marquee. The interior boasts grandiose architectural design, while the exterior is a popular photo backdrop.
• Permit: No

The Wrigley Building

• Address: 400-410 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
• Description: Known for its distinctive white terra-cotta facade and clock tower, this building is a striking feature of the Chicago skyline.
• Permit: No

Around Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago

• Address: 401 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
• Description: A high-rise luxury hotel and residential building with a sleek modern design, offering views of the Chicago River and downtown.
• Permit: No

Adler Planetarium Skyline Walk

• Address: 517 E Solidarity Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
• Description: Located on the museum campus, this spot offers unobstructed views of the Chicago skyline, ideal for both daytime and nighttime cityscape photography.
• Permit: No

Lincoln Park

• Address: 500-5700 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
• Description: A large urban park offering a zoo, conservatory, and stunning views of Lake Michigan and Chicago skyline.
• Permit: Yes for commercial use
• Permit Info and Contact: Contact the Chicago Park District for permits at (312) 742-7726. Website

Bahá’í House of Worship

• Address: 100 Linden Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091
• Description: Stunning temple known for its intricate white lace-like concrete panels and gardens.
• Permit: Yes
• Permit Info and Contact: Contact the temple’s administration for permit details at (847) 853-2300. Website

Gillson Park

• Address: 800 Gillson Park Dr, Wilmette, IL 60091
• Description: Offers beachfront views, picnic areas, and serene landscape settings along Lake Michigan.
• Permit: No
• Permit Info and Contact: Contact the Wilmette Park District for permits at (847) 256-6100. Website

Chicago Botanic Garden

• Address: 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022
• Description: This expansive garden features 27 gardens and four natural areas on 385 acres, a living plant museum.
• Permit: Yes
• Permit Info and Contact: Email photography@chicagobotanic.org or call (847) 835-5440. Website

Illinois Beach State Park

• Address: 1 Lake Front Dr, Zion, IL 60099
• Description: The park offers a rare coastal environment along Lake Michigan with sand dunes and marshlands.
• Permit: No

Moraine Hills State Park

• Address: 1510 S River Rd, McHenry, IL 60051
• Description: Features hiking trails, wetlands, and lake views, ideal for nature and wildlife photography.
• Permit: No

Grosse Point Lighthouse

• Address: 2603 Sheridan Rd, Evanston, IL 60201
• Description: Historic lighthouse built in 1873, offering panoramic views of Lake Michigan and a beautifully preserved setting.
• Permit: No

Loyola University Chicago

• Address: 1032 W. Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60660
• Description: Located along the shore of Lake Michigan, this university campus features modern and Gothic architecture, lush green spaces, and stunning lakeside views.
• Permit: Yes for commercial use
• Permit Info and Contact: For photography permits, contact Loyola’s Campus Reservations at (773) 508-8090. Website

Morton Arboretum

• Address: 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532
• Description: This 1,700-acre living museum offers a diverse collection of trees, gardens, and natural landscapes along with intricate sculptures and trails.
• Permit: Yes
• Permit Info and Contact: Contact the Arboretum directly for permit details at (630) 968-0074. Website

Cantigny Park

• Address: 1S151 Winfield Rd, Wheaton, IL 60189
• Description: Features sprawling gardens, a museum dedicated to the 1st Infantry Division, and a historic mansion set on beautifully landscaped grounds.
• Permit: Yes
• Permit Info and Contact: Contact Cantigny Park for photography permits at (630) 668-5161. Website

Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve

• Address: 35W003 IL-31, South Elgin, IL 60177
• Description: This forest preserve along the Fox River offers trails, and scenic views perfect for nature photography.
• Permit: No

Fabyan Forest Preserve

• Address: 1925 S Batavia Ave, Geneva, IL 60134
• Description: Known for its Japanese garden, historic Fabyan Villa, and picturesque windmill.
• Permit: Yes for Japanese garden
• Permit Info and Contact: Kane County Forest Preserve District handles permits, contact at (630) 232-5980. Website

Blackwell Forest Preserve

• Address: Butterfield Rd, Warrenville, IL 60555
• Description: Offers a variety of outdoor activities and scenic views with meadows, woodlands, and a lake.
• Permit: Yes for commercial use
• Permit Info and Contact: Contact DuPage County Forest Preserve for permit details at (630) 933-7200. Website

Pottawatomie Park

• Address: 8 North Ave, St. Charles, IL 60174
• Description: A community park along the Fox River with a mini-golf course, picnic areas, and beautiful river views.
• Permit: n/a
• Permit Info and Contact: Contact St. Charles Park District at (630) 513-6200. Website

Peck Farm Park

• Address: 4038 Kaneville Rd, Geneva, IL 60134
• Description: Features butterfly house, historic buildings, and interpretive nature trails amidst restored prairie landscapes.
• Permit: n/a
• Permit Info and Contact: Geneva Park District can be contacted for permits at (630) 232-4542. Website

Lord’s Park

• Address: 325 Hiawatha Dr, Elgin, IL 60120
• Description: This expansive park offers a museum, zoo, and aquatic center, set in a natural landscape ideal for family and event photography.
• Permit: n/a
• Permit Info and Contact: Contact the City of Elgin for more details at (847) 931-6001. Website

Burnidge Forest Preserve

• Address: 38W235 Big Timber Rd, Elgin, IL 60124
• Description: Offers expansive natural areas with trails, a pond, and wooded areas, great for wildlife and landscape photography.
• Permit: No

James “Pate” Philip State Park

• Address: 2054 W Stearns Rd, Bartlett, IL 60103
• Description: This state park features diverse ecosystems including prairies, wetlands, and woodlands.
• Permit: No

Riverwalk Park

• Address: 500 Jackson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540
• Description: This scenic park in downtown Naperville features beautifully landscaped paths along the DuPage River, covered bridges, and public art installations.
• Permit: No

14. Dominican University

• Address: 7900 Division St, River Forest, IL 60305
• Description: The university features classic collegiate architecture with lush green landscapes, making it an elegant backdrop for photography.
• Permit: Yes
• Permit Info and Contact: For permit guidelines and availability, call (708) 488-5197 or email events@dom.edu. Website

Devil’s Lake State Park

• Address: S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913
• Description: Wisconsin’s largest state park features stunning views of a 360-acre lake surrounded by 500-foot high bluffs.
• Permit: No

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

• Address: 3330 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704
• Description: Offers 16 acres of outdoor display gardens and an indoor, tropical Bolz Conservatory.
• Permit for Personal Use: No
• Permit Info and Contact: Contact for commercial use at (608) 246-4550. Website

Taliesin Preservation

• Address: 5607 County Road C, Spring Green, WI 53588
• Description: The estate of Frank Lloyd Wright featuring unique architectural and natural landscapes.
• Permit: Special restrictions apply
• Permit Info and Contact: Contact for details at (608) 588-7900. Website

Geneva Lake Shore Path

• Address: Surrounds Geneva Lake, Lake Geneva, WI 53147
• Description: A public path offering picturesque views of historic estates, gardens, and the lake.
• Permit: No

Aztalan State Park

• Address: N6200 County Road Q, Jefferson, WI 53549
• Description: An ancient Middle Mississippian village with reconstructed stockade and mounds.
• Permit: No

Minooka Park

• Address: 1927 E Sunset Dr, Waukesha, WI 53186
• Description: Features hiking trails, a dog park, and mountain biking paths in woodland and prairie settings.
• Permit: No

Rotary Botanical Gardens

• Address: 1455 Palmer Dr, Janesville, WI 53545
• Description: Features themed gardens that capture various botanical styles and techniques.
• Permit: n/a
• Permit Info and Contact: Contact for commercial use at (608) 752-3885. Website

Lake Kegonsa State Park

• Address: 2405 Door Creek Rd, Stoughton, WI 53589
• Description: Offers a retreat with woods, prairie, and water landscapes ideal for nature photography.
• Permit: No

Horicon Marsh

• Address: N7725 Highway 28, Horicon, WI 53032
• Description: The largest freshwater cattail marsh in the U.S., known for its bird populations.
• Permit: No

Downtown Madison

• Address: Madison, WI
• Description: Includes the State Capitol, vibrant State Street, and lake shores, offering urban scenes.
• Permit: No