Century of Progress Homes

Overview

Five eye-catching prototypes from the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair sit along Lake Front Drive in Beverly Shores, showcasing what the 1930s thought our homes would look like. It’s an architectural detour more than a hangout spot—quick to see, full of story, and set against Lake Michigan’s dunes.

What You'll See

• A streetscape of five distinct houses: the Cypress Log Cabin, House of Tomorrow, Florida Tropical House, Armco-Ferro House, and Wieboldt-Rostone House.
• Exteriors are the main show on most days, with placards that explain each home’s concept and materials.
• A beautiful lakeside backdrop—expect lake views and a dune landscape while you stroll the roadside.

Why It’s Unique

These are bona fide World’s Fair “homes of the future,” relocated here in 1935. The district preserves a rare, intact cluster of experimental designs—from novel building systems to early household tech—that still feel bold on the lakefront.

History in a Nutshell

• Built for the 1933 World’s Fair to demo forward-looking design and materials.
• Moved to Beverly Shores in 1935 and later listed on the National Register of Historic Places (1986).
• Preservation is a partnership: the National Park Service leases the homes for private rehabilitation with oversight, and Indiana Landmarks supports restoration. Four are restored; the House of Tomorrow remains under renovation.

Access and Etiquette

• View from public roads/rights-of-way; these are leased, privately occupied homes. Don’t enter yards or driveways.
• Interiors open just one day each fall via a ticketed tour that sells out quickly.
• Parking is tight and mostly short-term roadside; if those spots are full, park at nearby Dunbar Beach and walk over. Display your park pass when using park lots.

Wildlife and Setting

This stop is about architecture, but you may spot gulls, shorebirds, songbirds, and the occasional deer along the lakeside dunes. Treat wildlife as a bonus, not the purpose.

Best Time to Visit

• For photos, go early or late in the day for soft light on the facades; sunset can be lovely over the lake.
• Weekdays are quieter; the single annual tour day draws big crowds.
• Year-round exterior viewing works fine—even in winter—though lake winds can be harsh.

Make the Most of It

Pair your drive-by with a beach walk at Dunbar Beach or Lake View Beach. Bring water and snacks—there are no services here—and take time to read the placards; they’re the key to appreciating why each home mattered.