Chicago Architecture Tour: Michigan Ave & State St Landmarks

Discover the iconic architectural landmarks of Chicago on a walking tour. Explore the buildings that shaped the city’s skyline and learn the stories behind their creation. Book now and support a nonprofit organization.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Chicago Architecture Center - Chicago Architecture Center; introductory remarks from the docent
  • Wrigley Building - View the Wrigley Building
  • Palmer House Hilton Historic Lobby - View the exterior and interior of the Palmer House Hotel
    Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required to enter this location.
  • Carbide and Carbon Building -…
What's Included
  • Admission to Chicago Architecture Center Galleries
  • Certified guide narration
  • Chicago Architecture walking tour
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pick-up or drop-off
  • Storage for luggage or strollers
  • Coat check
Additional Information

Explore the renowned architectural wonders on Michigan Avenue and State Street. The period from 1890 to 1930 witnessed the birth of some of Chicago’s most iconic structures, with a vast majority highlighted in this tour.
Following the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893, Chicago was fueled by ambition to develop into a prominent cultural and commercial…

Location
Chicago Architecture Center
East Wacker Drive
Meet at the Chicago Architecture Center at 111 E Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, 60601
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(335 Ratings)
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Phhenning1
Jan 2, 2025
Great Tour Next to a Great Lake - A very informative tour! Our guide was knowledgeable and kept things moving. The headsets are a great idea and very helpful. Good exercise, too!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mickfinn
Jan 1, 2025
Highlights of Chicago’s Loop. - A very interesting and enjoyable tour of the Loop. Our guide, Mark was extremely informed. He presented his information clearly. His enthusiasm for Chicago and its history was infectious. I learned a lot and had a good time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Erinkf4243nz
Dec 30, 2024
The best tour ever - Delta was great! Super informative and passionate about Chicago - learned so many great facts! Would recommend to everyone!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robyc01
Dec 29, 2024
Thank you!!! - Mark was fantastic! The perfect combination of facts & figures (which I love and consider critical) and stories about the people and backstories about the decision making. Much thanks to CAC for your existence and shining a bright light on Chicago’s architectural history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ljofna
Dec 28, 2024
HISTORIC TREASURES OF CHICAGO’S GOLDEN AGE - Highly Recommend - Cynthia B- Great Tour Guide - We took the "Historic Treasures of Chicago's Golden Age" on a very cold, blustery day with Cynthia B. We have taken many CAC tours but this one was one of the best. Cynthia was a plethora of information regarding Chicago and the buildings that we walked by/ toured. Without this tour, we would have walked past this magnificent architecture with so much history. Cynthia also knew where the best places were to stand out of the wind/cold.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fcu8599ek
Dec 22, 2024
Fun historical tour with great anecdotes along the way. - Awesome tour! This tour brings you into many buildings instead of just looking to buildings from far away. Highly recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Branditea
Dec 15, 2024
Excellent walking tour! - This tour was absolutely fantastic! Our guide, Sally, was incredible—despite the freezing weather, she kept us engaged and entertained the entire time. Her deep knowledge of Chicago’s architecture and history was impressive, and she had a talent for making everything easy to follow and so much fun to learn about. Sally’s passion for the city truly shone through, and her storytelling made the buildings come alive. Highly recommend this tour—it’s a must for anyone visiting Chicago!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M1580fncindyw
Dec 7, 2024
Historic Treasures review - John I did an incredible job. Very knowledgeable and personable. We would most definitely tour with him again! Clearly he’s a subject matter expert
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stay198462
Dec 6, 2024
Amazing tour - John was a great guide to Chicago - John was an amazing guide - very well informed and prepared. He made everyone feel very included. I learned so much during the tour. He picked beautiful places - I walked by them so many times and never thought to step in or look up. Chicago has so many treasures. Highly recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H7575nvmichaelg
Dec 2, 2024
Great walking tour - Jill a great tour guide. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Great insight into chicago architecture.Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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