Clarke House Museum

Chicago


The Henry B Clarke House is the oldest structure in the city. When Caroline and Henry Clarke built the imposing Greek Revival home in 1836, log cabins were still the rage in Chicago residential architecture. The interior has been restored to the period of the Clarkes’ occupation, which ended in 1872. One-hour tours delve into the family's life and times.

During the past 180-plus years the house has been moved twice to escape demolition. The present address is about as close as researchers can get to its somewhat undefined original location.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Chicago attractions

1. Chicago Women's Park

0.02 MILES

This lovely little park in the Prairie Avenue Historic District makes for a nice stroll thanks to its ornamental fountain, manicured gardens and winding…

2. Prairie Avenue Historic District

0.03 MILES

In the late 1800s, Prairie Ave between 16th and 20th Sts is where Chicago's millionaires lived in their mansions. Today the district is good for a stroll…

3. Elbridge G Keith House

0.06 MILES

This 1870 limestone beauty in the Prairie Avenue Historic District combines classical and French motifs. It's now a private event space.

4. Glessner House Museum

0.06 MILES

The 1887 John J Glessner House is the premier survivor of the Prairie Avenue Historic District. Much of the interior is reminiscent of an English manor…

5. Joseph G Coleman House

0.08 MILES

Part of the Prairie Avenue Historic District, the Romanesque 1886 Coleman House now serves as part of the headquarters for the US Soccer Federation.

6. William K Kimball House

0.09 MILES

Modeled after a 15th-century French château, the William K Kimball House dates from 1892. It now houses the US Soccer Federation, along with next-door…

7. Battle of Fort Dearborn Park

0.14 MILES

The Fort Dearborn battle, in which a group of local Native Americans rebelled against the incursion of white settlers, is thought to have occurred on this…

8. Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven

0.26 MILES

From 1957 to 1967, this humble building was Chess Records, the seminal electric blues label. It's now named for the bassist who wrote most of Chess' hits…