Video | Chicago from the Air

Chicago from the Air

Explore Chicago’s landmarks, neighborhoods, and suburbs from above with Geoffrey Baer.

Imagine if you could soar, swoop, dive, and spiral through and around Chicago’s landmarks, neighborhoods, and suburbs – with a familiar voice providing engaging commentary along the way. Chicago from the Air, a new special filmed entirely with a drone camera and narrated by WTTW’s Geoffrey Baer, makes this dream a reality.

Full Show

Chicago from the Air

Explore Chicago’s landmarks, neighborhoods, and suburbs from above with Geoffrey Baer.

Imagine if you could soar, swoop, dive, and spiral through and around Chicago’s landmarks, neighborhoods, and suburbs – with a familiar voice providing engaging commentary along the way. Chicago from the Air, a new special filmed entirely with a drone camera and narrated by WTTW’s Geoffrey Baer, makes this dream a reality.

From the Show

Chicago's Grid

Get to know Chicago’s grid system – imperfections and all.

Chicago’s streets are laid out on a grid. But the grid isn’t always perfect. Learn more about the history of the grid and where some streets deviate from that plan.

Native American Trails

Some of Chicago’s diagonal streets follow former Native American trails.

Some of Chicago’s diagonal street corridors follow the paths of former Native American trails, which were once used for travel and trade.

Disparity from the Air

From the air, it’s easier to see how inequality plays out in Chicago.

From the air, the inequality between different Chicago neighborhoods is evident in everything from the tree canopy to the proximity to expressways.

A Suburban View

See how the design of Chicago’s suburbs departs from the city itself.

Chicago’s suburbs, and even some suburban-inspired neighborhoods within city limits, stand in stark contrast to Chicago’s grid system.

A City at Work

See Chicago’s industrial sites from the air.

Chicago was built on the backs of hard-working people. Learn more about the history of industry in Chicago and how it looks different today.

Reimagining Industry

Some of Chicago’s former industrial sites have gotten a makeover.

Some of Chicago’s former industrial sites have been reimagined over the years. Former railroads or industrial sites have become popular natural and recreational destinations.

At the River's Edge

Chicago’s industrial history can be traced along the banks of the Chicago River.

The Chicago River and its surrounding areas still have traces of the city’s industrial past.

A Concrete Jungle

See how Chicago puts concrete to use in creative ways.

Chicago puts concrete to use in creative ways, especially in its towering skyscrapers. But for some skyscrapers, it’s metal, not concrete, that allow them to soar.

Urbs in Horto

From the beginning, Chicago has planned to fulfill its motto, a "city in a garden."

From the beginning, Chicago’s motto has been “Urbs in Horto,” which is Latin for “city in a garden.” Today, the city’s parks and greenery still seek to fulfill that motto.

A Spiritual Journey

Chicago’s houses of worship add to the city’s diverse beauty.

The many houses of worship in Chicago and the surrounding communities add to the city’s beauty and diversity.

The Lakefront

Chicago’s signature lakefront features 18 miles of park land.

One of Chicago’s signature landmarks is its lakefront park along Lake Michigan. It was all part of the 1909 Plan of Chicago.

Chicago’s Front Yard

Grant Park is an entirely manmade landmark in Chicago.

Grant Park is Chicago’s front yard, and like the lakefront, it’s an entirely manmade natural wonder. It was also the battleground for the fight to reclaim the lakefront for the public.