Chicago Walking Tour: Magnificent Mile Architecture

Uncover the fascinating history and stunning architecture of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile on this engaging walking tour. Discover how this iconic street transformed over the years and explore the diverse range of architectural styles that make it a must-visit destination.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • The Magnificent Mile - Discuss the history of the Magnificent Mile and the history and architecture of notable buildings along it.
  • Michigan Avenue Bridge - View the Michigan Avenue (DuSable) Bridge.
  • Starbucks - View the Starbucks Reserve Roastery.
  • Wrigley Building - View the Wrigley Building.
  • InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, an IHG Hotel - View the InterContinental Chicago
  • Burberry - View the Burberry Store on Michigan Avenue.
  • John Hancock Center - View 875 N Michigan Avenue, formerly known as the John Hancock Center.
  • Woman’s Athletic Club - View the Women’s Athletic Club.
  • Tribune Tower - View the newly renovated Tribune Tower.
What's Included
  • Admission to the Chicago Architecture Center Galleries
  • Guided walking tour of the Magnificent Mile
  • Expert narration by a certified professional guide
What's Not Included
  • Food and drink
  • Storage for luggage and strollers
  • Coat check
Additional Information

Explore the adventure of how a humble path named Pine Street morphed into ‘Paris on the Prairie’ and eventually became the Magnificent Mile, the city’s top-notch shopping district. Discover the mysteries and tales behind the impressive structures on North Michigan Avenue, which have evolved into architectural landmarks.

Over the past century, the street has been developed to include architecture influenced by historical styles including Parisian, Gothic, neoclassical, and Art Deco, sprinkled amidst Modern and 21st Century buildings. You will encounter skyscrapers, vertical shopping centers, hotels, residential towers, and buildings specifically designed to reflect the brands featured inside.

As an accredited nonprofit, every CAC ticket purchase directly fuels our educational programs and community outreach initiatives.

  • Access to building interiors featured on this tour may be subject to change without notice 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
5.0
(25 Ratings)
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Bfritsche0431
Aug 10, 2024
Magnificent! - Robert was enthusiastic and full of good information. I loved the tour! I have taken this tour at least 2 other times. This was the BEST!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K4057vbrobertl
Jul 11, 2024
Good tour - We toured Michigan Avanue north of the River. Shirlee, our guide, was knowledgeable and we learned a lot, even though we've lived in Chicago (Evanston) a long time. The headphones were helpful to hear over the traffic.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Meander243466
Jun 10, 2024
Excellent tour of Mag Mile - I learned so much for the architecture of the Magnificent Mile on this tour. Our docent Mitch went above and beyond. I would highly recommend this tour!
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Emedu
Jun 3, 2024
Magnificent tour - Shirlee was a wonderful guide. Very nice and knowledgeable about the city and its secrets. We warmly recommend her. We had a great time and will certainly come back for another tour!
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Mayahb2014
May 20, 2024
Excellent in depth tour of Mag Mile! - As always the CAC didn’t disappoint! This tour gave an in depth look at many of the buildings on the Magnificent Mile. I learned many new things about buildings I’ve walked by several times. I especially loved the walk through time with both the historical significance of this area of Chicago and more recent additions. Our tour guide Sandy was excellent! She was engaging and knowledgeable throughout the tour! She made an effort to briefly get to know the people in our group which made me feel more connected and comfortable asking questions! Well worth the money and a great tour from CAC!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gayleneps34
May 14, 2024
Fabulous tour with Mitch and Chicago architectural tours. - Mitch was our guide and he was fantastic. He was hughly knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. He has a passion for leading tours and it shows. We would definitely go again!!
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Boysintheboat
Mar 26, 2024
Magnificent indeed! - Wonderful and fascinating tour of Chicago’s famous street. Rebecca is a terrific guide, knowledgeable, charming, enthusiastic.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dan
Mar 3, 2024
Mag mile tour - Lovely day! Our guide was terrific and very informative I loved hearing about all the buildings and the history would highly recommend
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Tomff3333wc
Jan 9, 2024
A Gem of Chicago - Due to less than ideal weather, I managed to get a private tour. Ron led me on a fabulous tour. I always learn new things on these tours. Tom Longtime Chicago Resident.
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Dougs1673
Jun 26, 2024
Love this organization - Love this organization. I had the pleasure of touring with Mitch who blended old and new buildings seamlessly on our tour
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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