Cardinal Flower
ParkIndiana, US
Century of Progress Architectural District
The Century of Progress Architectural District offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of 1930s design.
About
The Century of Progress Architectural District offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of 1930s design. This historic district in Beverly Shores, Indiana, within the Indiana Dunes National Park, is home to five unique modernist houses originally showcased at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair. These architectural marvels were designed to inspire hope and demonstrate cutting-edge innovation in residential construction, materials, and technology during the Great Depression, earning their place on the National Register of Historic Places.
Visitors can marvel at the distinct designs of each home, including the avant-garde "House of Tomorrow" with its glass walls and futuristic features like an airplane hangar, and the vibrant, flamingo-pink "Florida Tropical House" designed for seamless indoor-outdoor living. The "Wieboldt-Rostone House" experimented with artificial stone, while the "Armco-Ferro House" pioneered prefabricated steel construction. Even the rustic-appearing "Cypress Log Cabin" showcased innovative uses of natural materials. Together, these structures provide a tangible timeline of early modern architecture.
The district is a truly special destination for architecture enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone curious about the "homes of tomorrow" from nearly a century ago. While primarily viewed from the exterior, the annual tour offers a rare opportunity to step inside these privately leased residences and fully appreciate their historical significance and imaginative details. It's a memorable journey into a past vision of the future, set against the scenic backdrop of Lake Michigan and the Indiana Dunes. Explore the grounds like a pro—download the Snappit app to instantly identify animals and plants.
Buffs * Photography * Couples and curious travelers interested in unique historical sites
What to do here
Drive or walk along Lake Front Drive to view the exteriors of all five homes.
* If visiting during the annual tour, experience the interiors of the restored homes (the House of Tomorrow is often viewed in its restoration state).
* Appreciate the diverse architectural styles, from the Art Deco influences to early International Style, and the experimental materials used.
* Consider renting the Cypress Log Cabin for a unique overnight stay.
Seasonal info
Spring/Summer: Pleasant weather for walking and exterior viewing. The surrounding Indiana Dunes National Park offers additional outdoor activities.
Fall: Crucial for the annual home tour. The autumnal colors in the park can also enhance the scenic drive.
Winter: Exterior viewing is possible, but be prepared for cold, potentially windy conditions, especially near Lake Michigan. Snow can create a picturesque, if chilly, backdrop.
Accessibility
The annual tours involve walking and climbing stairs. Visitors requiring accommodation should contact Indiana Landmarks' Northern Regional Office. Limited parking for exterior viewing is available, but the annual tour includes shuttle transportation from the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center.
Don't miss
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The main attractions are the five distinct houses
the **House of Tomorrow**, the **Florida Tropical House**, the **Wieboldt-Rostone House**, the **Armco-Ferro House**, and the **Cypress Log Cabin**. Each offers a unique example of 1930s architectural innovation.
Wildlife you might spot
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Good to know before you go
Plan Ahead for Tours
** If you want to see the interiors, mark your calendar for early August when annual tour tickets typically go on sale; they sell out almost immediately.
Respect Private Property
Remember that the houses are private residences. When viewing from the road, respect the occupants' privacy and do not trespass.
Bring Your Camera
The distinct architectural styles, vibrant colors (like the pink Florida Tropical House), and unique features of the homes make for excellent photography.
Combine with Indiana Dunes
The district is within the Indiana Dunes National Park, so plan to explore the park's other natural attractions, like Kemil Beach, while you're in the area.
Check Accessibility
The annual tours involve walking and stairs. If accessibility is a concern, contact Indiana Landmarks in advance to inquire about accommodations.
Limited Parking for Drive-by
If you're just driving by, be aware that roadside parking for viewing is limited, often to 15 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
- Generally, the Century of Progress homes are private residences and not open for interior viewing. However, an annual tour, typically held on the last weekend of September or one day in October, provides a rare opportunity to tour the interiors of these historic houses. Tickets for this popular event sell out very quickly, so booking far in advance is essential.
- The Century of Progress Architectural District is located on Lake Front Drive in Beverly Shores, Indiana, within the Indiana Dunes National Park. It is a short drive from the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, which serves as the starting point for the annual tours.
- The district is historically significant because it comprises five innovative homes originally built for the 1933 Chicago World's Fair ("A Century of Progress") to showcase the future of residential architecture, materials, and technology. These homes represent a pivotal moment in modern design, embodying futuristic ideas during a challenging economic period and displaying early examples of Art Deco and International Style architecture.
Recent snaps at this place
May 31, 2026
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Photo attribution
(c) Robert M Hallock, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 6, 2026
Jun 6, 2026
Jun 5, 2026
Jun 5, 2026
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