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
(375 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Emcjr
May 26, 2025
A great introduction to Chicago that gives lots of information! - Excellent tour with very knowledgeable guide. Really informative for a layperson in terms of architecture. A great memory for us on our visit to Chicago.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nancyvr3917ht
May 24, 2025
Historic Treasures walking tour is every bit as good the CAC boat tour! - We completed the walking tour on an unseasonably chilly gray day in May. This tour was every bit as good as the boat tour! Our guide John was a pleasure to listen to — and I could hear every word thanks to the headset provided! John shared the history of the architecture and design of many iconic buildings. Additional facts and stories were covered when we stepped inside some of the buildings. I highly recommend the Chicago Walking Tour: Historic Treasures of Chicago!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mrtangawisi
May 19, 2025
Chicago skyscrapers - how and why it all began - What an amazing tour, going into details I would never have noticed. I much more understood why it is in the place, how it all started and how it became this icon of skyscraper architecture from more than 100 years ago! Barbara brought Chicago into life, loved it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ann1989
May 18, 2025
See the treasures both outside and inside historic Chicago buildings - Ross provided us with an excellent content-rich tour. He was very knowledgeable and knew where to stop to provide the best view of the buildings of interest. We particularly enjoyed the opportunity to visit the inside of three buildings to see their special features: the Palmer House Hotel, the Chicago Cultural Center, and Marshall Fields/Macy’s.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alsek810
May 13, 2025
Highly Recommended Architecture Tour - I took this tour with two friends on a Monday afternoon. There were 7 or 8 people on our two hour tour. We walked down Michigan Ave. from the river at Wacker Drive to near the Art Institute then returned on State Street. Our tour guide, Jean, was very knowledgeable and fun to be with. We all commented afterwards how much we learned. Highly recommended to anyone who has an interest in architecture and / or Chicago history. I can’t wait to do other Chicago Architecture Tours on future visits to this great city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chicagofamily60614
May 11, 2025
Discovering the Stories Behind the Structures - Ross was a fantastic docent - so enthusiastic about the subject matter and really made the stories come alive. I have lived in Chicago for nearly 20 years and I learned to appreciate this great city even more
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joe_c
May 6, 2025
This tour was very... - This tour was very informative and very interesting. Bob P. did a great job is our tour leader. I would definitely recommend the tour.
Review provided by Viator
Kjgriffinfamily
May 3, 2025
Fun experience to get a real flavor of Chicago architecture - Tour guide gave a lot of great information — both background/context as well as a key theme to notice about each building.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E9281sfdavidw
May 1, 2025
Enthusiasm and Knowledge - The guide was genuinely excited to share her knowledge and help us see why she loves Chicago. Well done! She has been a resident of Chicago for more than 40 years, and her passion for the city is inspiring!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Evara7752ea
Apr 18, 2025
If you're curious about architecture, this is your tour - I was the only in that tour so it felt like a private experience. Delta was out guide. She loves the city and answered each question I had. I followed her recommendations and I explored other buildings in the area. It was a delightful tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $35
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).