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Chicago Walking Tour: Magnificent Mile Architecture
5.0
23 Ratings
Chicago
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
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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
(23 Ratings)
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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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julie_d
Dec 15, 2023
Fantastic! - Listening to the history of Chicago. Seeing the buildings and people up close instead of in a car. We had plenty of time to take pictures.
Review provided by Viator
D4760najamesb
Oct 10, 2023
Family fun - Tony was our docent and he was excellent! We were enjoying a visit through the past for our mother when she turned 80, and the tour was new even to her.
It would be even better if the audio equipment were higher quality.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ceciliams1794ri
Aug 27, 2023
Amazing tour. Highly recommend! - This is a very interesting tour. I loved it. Very educative. And Burt was amazing! Highly recommend this tour! Thanks Chicago Architecture Center!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
