Skip to Main Content

Eternal Flame.

Eternal Flame

Field review by the editors.

Chicago, Illinois

In a corner of Daley Plaza, a barely noticeable flame, about the size of a stove burner, flickers under a metal mesh centered in a bronze disk on a granite slab. This is Chicago's "Eternal Flame," a memorial to fallen warriors and those who have served in the US military. Contrary to its current appearance, it was not designed as a pigeon warmer.

The Eternal Flame was lit on August 22, 1972, dedicated by Mayor Richard J. Daley in Civic Center Plaza. The plaque reads: "Eternal Flame in memory of the men and women who have served in our armed forces from the Revolutionary War to present. Army, Marine, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, Reserves and Merchant Marines."

Eternal Flame.

The flame has burned ever since. The metal fence around creates a natural haven for pigeons, so the entire memorial is nearly always splotched with white droppings. The city occasionally power washes, but it's one battle that can't be won.

Eternal Flame

Daley Plaza

Address:
118 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL
Directions:
NW corner of Washington and N. Dearborn St.
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

The BeanThe Bean, Chicago, IL - < 1 mi.
Cube of 1 Million 1 Dollar BillsCube of 1 Million 1 Dollar Bills, Chicago, IL - < 1 mi.
Night Stalker Kolchak's OfficeNight Stalker Kolchak's Office, Chicago, IL - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Statue of Death: Grim Reaper, Chicago, IL - 5 mi.

More Quirky Attractions in Illinois

Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in Illinois.

Explore Thousands of Unique Roadside Landmarks!

Strange and amusing destinations in the US and Canada are our specialty. Start here.
Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip.

My Sights

My Sights on Roadside America

Save Cool Vacation Destinations! ...Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Roadside America app: iPhone, iPad Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! ...More

Roadside Presidents app: iPhone, iPad Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. POTUS landmarks, oddities. ...More

Illinois Latest Tips and Stories

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

JFK's World Famous Twine Ball, Highland, Wisconsin (Mar 18-24, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

More Sightings