The Dark Knight Chicago's Definitive "Must See" BB/TDK spots?

[DruryWalker]

I apologize in advance if this did not deserve a new thread or would be more appropriate somewhere else--I didn't want to bump an old thread, and a SHH forum search didn't yield any recent results on point.

I live out on the west coast and am planning a trip to Chicago later this month. I would love to visit some of the iconic Gotham locations from Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, but I'm a little overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin. I'm staying at the Conrad Hotel, and I'm wondering what the SHH experts would recommend to an out-of-towner during a quick visit to the area. I have found a few listings online, but I don't know what's worth checking out and what is better skipped over.

Basically, I want to know what are the "Must See" locations of Chicago re: Nolan's Batman movies? What spots are easily accessible for tourists and the kind of locations that jump out as recognizable from the movies?

Thanks in advance for all your insights and suggestions; they are much appreciated!

 

[Mister Meddle]

There's not much to see. The only place I can think of is the Chicago Board of Trade building. It was used as Wayne Enterprises in Batman Begins.

If you're near the Sears tower or the Union train station, you will see there is a canal nearby. Scenes in Batman Begins and TDK were shot around this area.

I can't think of many major scenes that were actually shot on the streets, other than car chases or the "come on, hit me" scene. Downtown Chicago is pretty small so if you spend the day walking throughout the city then I'm sure some spots will look familiar.

 

[Brother Jack]

You can see the outside of the now closed post office building they used as the bank in the TDK prologue, and the adjacent building that is the focus of the very first shot of the film, including the still busted-out window.

 

[antsman41]

Check out the beautiful building Batman stands on after his first night. Also, Hotel 71 (?) is Wayne's penthouse...

 

[Team Andino]

I've always wanted to check out a few spots in Chicago just for the sake of saying I was there and giggle the next time I watch BB/TDK.

 

[RustyCage]

There's not much to see. The only place I can think of is the Chicago Board of Trade building. It was used as Wayne Enterprises in Batman Begins.

If you're near the Sears tower or the Union train station, you will see there is a canal nearby. Scenes in Batman Begins and TDK were shot around this area.

I can't think of many major scenes that were actually shot on the streets, other than car chases or the "come on, hit me" scene. Downtown Chicago is pretty small so if you spend the day walking throughout the city then I'm sure some spots will look familiar.

Gorgeous, both of those.

That was the perfect pick for the Wayne building, and I'd love to see that second place used in TDKR. Maybe a classy rich people party Bruce Wayne attends during the day (while secretly taking sonar measurements to make use of the area), and a Batboat scene later that night? t:

 

[Franklin Richards]

I suggest heading out to Navy Pier and standing in the cold rain out by the lakefront. It's where we did the viral and you can experience the wintry mix for yourself.

 

[RustyCage]

I suggest heading out to Navy Pier and standing in the cold rain out by the lakefront. It's where we did the viral and you can experience the wintry mix for yourself.

I would actually enjoy that.

 

[Pennyworth]

Not sure where it is, but I would imagine the street corner where Heath stands while holding the clown mask in the Prologue would be pretty great place to see / take a photo.

 

[RustyCage]

Not sure where it is, but I would imagine the street corner where Heath stands while holding the clown mask in the Prologue would be pretty great place to see / take a photo.

There is a cool idea. Also, our avatars match up nicely.

 

[antsman41]

Not sure where it is, but I would imagine the street corner where Heath stands while holding the clown mask in the Prologue would be pretty great place to see / take a photo.

I've been on it, but I can't remember the exact spot. I do know for sure that is was only a few blocks from "California Pizza" place.

 

[Mister Meddle]

Gorgeous, both of those.

That was the perfect pick for the Wayne building, and I'd love to see that second place used in TDKR. Maybe a classy rich people party Bruce Wayne attends during the day (while secretly taking sonar measurements to make use of the area), and a Batboat scene later that night? t:

Yeah the building is very nice to see in person, especially at night.

Oh and by the way, another reason to check out the Chicago Board of Trade building is because the parade in TDK took place on the same road and later on in the scene the Mayor makes his speech right in front of the building when the Joker "shot" Commissioner Gordon.

 

[batmanofbaylor]

i have a funny story about this actually. i went to chicago about a year ago with my fiance, and i of course wanted to see the BB/TDK locations. we stayed about an hour outside the city and took the metra rail in the first night we got there. the best stop downtown was millenium station, which i knew nothing about so we got off there. i **** bricks.

Spoiler

and the trade building on lasalle is an incredible sight to see. go late at night and there's no traffic, so you can just walk down the middle of the street and yell "hit me!!!"

 

[DruryWalker]

Thanks very much to every poster who took the time to comment here. Some really great tips and stories, exactly what I was hoping to get--and they will make my trip that much more enjoyable and memorable. I'm even more excited to go now. Thanks again all!

 

[RustyCage]

i have a funny story about this actually. i went to chicago about a year ago with my fiance, and i of course wanted to see the BB/TDK locations. we stayed about an hour outside the city and took the metra rail in the first night we got there. the best stop downtown was millenium station, which i knew nothing about so we got off there. i **** bricks.

Spoiler

and the trade building on lasalle is an incredible sight to see. go late at night and there's no traffic, so you can just walk down the middle of the street and yell "hit me!!!"

This post made me smile so much that I find myself compelled to bookmark it.

 

[Fudgie]

Isnt the Wayne enterprise building on the same street where Batman flips over the Jokers truck?

 

[Mister Meddle]

Isnt the Wayne enterprise building on the same street where Batman flips over the Jokers truck?

Yes I believe so.... the same street where they had that parade in TDK.

 

[87vertgt]

talk about the worst time to come by...it's 5 degrees!

Lower wacker is partially shut down.....you can still drive in the north end of it. Most of the flick was filmed in the financial district and south loop. theres a link of here some where to all the spots...

either way....make sure you stop by everywhere listed above and

water tower place
john hancock
connies pizza
rush street
division street
michicgan ave
all the measuems
art institute

post pics!