15 Historic Water Towers That Every Urban Explorer Should Visit
Water towers are an iconic image of the urban landscape. They have been a vital part of city infrastructure for centuries, providing clean water to residents and businesses alike. But beyond their functional purpose, many water towers have become historic landmarks in their own right. These towering structures offer a glimpse into the past and serve as reminders of the ingenuity and persistence of our ancestors.
Here are 15 historic water towers that every urban explorer should visit:
1. Chicago Water Tower – Built in 1869, this limestone tower is one of the few surviving buildings from the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. It now serves as a gallery space for local artists.
2. Kansas City Water Tower – This iconic structure was built in 1897 and stands at over 200 feet tall. It is still in use today, providing water to nearby neighborhoods.
3. Bremen Water Tower – Located in Germany, this Gothic-style tower was built in the early 20th century and served as a lookout during both World Wars.
4. Sint Jansklooster Water Tower – This Dutch tower dates back to 1930 and features Art Deco elements on its exterior.
5. Cedar Hill Water Tower – A landmark near Dallas, Texas since it was erected in 1911; it boasts two separate tanks with ornate brickwork exteriors.
6. New York State Pavilion Towers (Queens) – Not exactly water storage tanks but these gorgeous modernist observation decks were originally constructed for New York’s World Fair (1964-65).
7. Hinchliffe Stadium (Paterson) – Another unconventional entry on this list but architecturally significant nonetheless: Its curved arches resemble those found on Roman aqueducts!
8.Tour Saint-Jacques (Paris) – Originally serving as a bell-tower for Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie church; today offers panoramic views after climbing up its nearly three-hundred stairs.
9. Byker Water Tower (Newcastle) – This post-World War II structure was built in the late 1950s and celebrated for its artistic design.
10. Stotternheim Water Tower – Built in Germany during the early 1900s, this tower still stands today as a testament to German engineering and industrial might.
11. Fort Wayne Water Filtration Plant – The oldest water filtration plant west of the Allegheny Mountains; it boasts an impressive art-deco water tower constructed in 1933.
12. Torre dos Clérigos (Porto) – A Baroque-style church bell-tower that offers views over Portugal’s second-largest city after scaling over two hundred steps!
13. Old Biscuit Mill Silos (Cape Town) – An historic flour mill-turned-marketplace that features towering silos from which grain was once stored and processed.
14. Rügen Island Water Tower – Located on a tiny island off Germany’s Baltic coast, this beautiful Art Nouveau building dates back to 1910.
15. Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum (Ponce Inlet, FL) – Not technically a water tower but quite beautiful nonetheless: This lighthouse stands at an impressive one-hundred and seventy feet tall and has been guiding ships since the late 1800s.
Each of these towers represents a unique piece of history, architecture or cultural significance that makes them worth visiting for urban explorers looking for something different than your typical tourist sights!