The One Chicago Fan’s Guide to Chicago
Fans of Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago PD know that each action-packed episode gives us glimpses of the unique spots that set the Windy City apart, as many scenes are filmed on location. Both on the shows and in real life, these are the places throughout Chicago where police officers, EMTs, doctors, and firefighters bravely face danger, save lives, or relax after a long day on the job. Read on for our rundown of the filming locations that are at the heart of One Chicago.
Molly’s
Where: 1924 West Cortland Street
On Chicago Fire, Molly’s is the preferred hang-out of the Firehouse 51 crew. In real life, these scenes are shot inside Lottie’s Pub, a real bar in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood that’s been in business since 1934. Dropping in for a pint and a meal feels like hanging out on set — they even have a Chicago Fire burger on the menu. Whether local or not, fans can show their love for Molly’s with a signature tee.
Columbus Drive Bridge
Where: North Columbus Drive where it crosses the Chicago River
Visitors can stroll this modern city bridge that they’ll recognize from its appearances on One Chicago shows — it was named in dedication William P. Fahey, a police officer shot in the line of duty in 1982.
Millennium Park
Where: 201 E. Randolph Street
This lakefront park in the heart of downtown is not only a shooting location for One Chicago, but the home of some very memorable art. You may recognize this place for some of its best known sculptures, like the overarching steel trellis and Cloud Gate, aka “The Bean.”
Firehouse 51
Where: 1360 South Blue Island Avenue
Though the interior scenes of Chicago Fire’s Firehouse 51 are filmed on a set, the exterior shots are filmed at Chicago Fire Department Engine 18, a real working firehouse. The firehouse even keeps the number “51” on display over the front entrance.
City Hall
Where: 121 North La Salle Street
Chicago’s City Hall is where the real-life equivalent of One Chicago storylines happen daily — and sometimes where the show takes place. This 10-story neoclassical building is home to the Mayor’s office.
Navy Pier
Where: 600 East Grand Avenue
This 3,300-foot-long pier on the shoreline of Lake Michigan has been the setting for everything from showdowns for the officers of Chicago PD to strolls for firefighters on Chicago Fire. It’s a popular local pastime to head to Pier Park for a ride on the Centennial Wheel, or enjoy some downtime at the beer garden.
Gaffney Medical Center
Where: 1653 West Congress Parkway
Off-screen, Chicago Med’s Gaffney Medical Center is actually Rush University’s Medical Center, a fully operational hospital. Any exterior shots of Gaffney or any scenes that show the doctors taking much-needed breaks on the rooftop of the hospital are filmed at this uniquely designed building.
The Field Museum Steps
Where: 1400 South Lake Shore Drive
The Field Museum is one of the largest natural history museums in the world, and the marble steps leading up to the museum’s façade is another One Chicago filming location that often flies under the radar.
District 21 Station
Where: 943 West Maxwell Street
Chicago PD’s District 21 Station is filmed at the UIC Police Headquarters, a real working police station. It’s also just around the corner is another familiar location: the Chicago Fire firehouse.
Soldier Field
Where: 1410 Special Olympics Drive
The first responders of Chicago Fire have filmed in and around Soldier Field, from tailgating to rescuing people inside the stadium. As the home of the Chicago Bears, this is a spot frequented not only by One Chicago, but by football fans across the city.
The Chicago Fire Academy
Where: 558 West De Koven Street
The striking modern facade of the Chicago Fire Academy makes many appearances on Chicago Fire. Visitors are welcome to look around the ground floor, learn about the building’s fascinating history, and check out the vintage firefighting gear.
Catch these locations and more on-screen — stream all One Chicago shows on Peacock.