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Chicago Walking Tour: Historic Treasures of Chicago
4.9
287 Ratings
Chicago
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:
1 day
learn more
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 - View the Carbide and Carbon Building
- Reliance Building - View the Reliance Building.
- Chicago Cultural Center - View the exterior and interior of the Chicago Cultural Center
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 city. This tour serves as a tribute to the aspirations of that time. Discover buildings crafted by noteworthy architects such as Daniel Burnham, Louis Sullivan, Holabird, and Roche, and delve into the tales behind these architectural marvels.
As an accredited nonprofit organization, all ticket purchases from the CAC go straight into funding our educational initiatives and community outreach programs.
- Access to building interiors featured on this tour may be subject to change, due to weekend and holiday schedules or unforeseen closures.
- Pets are not allowed.
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
(287 Ratings)
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Tourist595691
Aug 17, 2024
Interesting and enlightening tour of Chicago’s architecture and it’s history. - Paul S. was very knowledgeable and imparted information in a very interesting and enthusiastic manner. Loved the history of the architecture and the stories surrounding it. The time passed quickly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wanderer67155405887
Aug 17, 2024
Interesting stories with this tour - The tour was super informative. The docent Quentin was very knowledgeable and could make a lot of interesting stories with the buildings. We were brought unit a few landmarks and able to experience the architectural details and differences. I would recommend this tour. 2 hours went by really quickly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Billschafer1004
Aug 16, 2024
Great job Burt - Burt did a great job
His narration was the perfect mix of the facts and the human elements. I'd take another tour with him anytime.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tsharoni
Aug 14, 2024
Great Chicago tour - What a fantastic tour we had with John yesterday. He showed us the city with great historical and architectural explanation . Was very kind and thoughtful. Really recommend to take this tour or any other tour with John
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Aliciabj3792bp
Aug 13, 2024
Great tour of golden age buildings - Wonderful tour! Paul welcomed our questions. He had a nice sense of humor and he was both knowledgeable and passionate about this great city!
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U19pgrichardt
Aug 13, 2024
Great tour with Rene - Amazing tour! Our guide Rene definitely showed us the Treasures of Chicago. He pointed out the most iconic beauty on each single stop we did. He told us the stories about how all these buildings used to be and operate and now they have found a better purpose to continue in Chicago! He is super knowledgeable about the topic and passionate about architecture. Definitely if you can book a tour with him, he is awesome at what he does! Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elizabethmx7605gs
Aug 8, 2024
Historic Treasures Review - Maureen was fabulous leading the Historic Treasures tour. This tour was the most informative tour of all that I have been on, whether walking or by boat. It was especially fun to hear stories about Bertha Potter, Montgomery Ward, and how the Wrigley chewing gum got started - not to mention the history of the beautiful buildings. I enjoyed this tour so much I am ready to sign up for all of her tours! Thank you for such an enjoyable, quality experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Resort67829009497
Aug 3, 2024
I love Ross! - Ross was our guide, he was amazing! Very amicable, knowledgeable and funny as well. Looking forward to seeing him and other volunteers on other tours!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
A7878nealicer
Jul 22, 2024
An Excellent Tour - This was an excellent walking tour. The tour guide was an architect and shared many interesting facts about several Chicago buildings related to history and architecture. I highly recommend this tour and look forward to trying some of the others the next time we are in Chicago!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karen
Jul 20, 2024
Katie was a superior tour guide!! - Best tour guide and super informative! Katie was terrific and we had the best time learning about the Chicago architecture!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
