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
(348 Ratings)
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Phertz
Mar 11, 2025
Great Experience! - This was a great tour with a great tour guide Paul! Paul was clearly passionate and knowledgeable about the subject matter, and his stories about Chicago's history and the architecture really made the time pass incredibly quickly. Highly recommend this tour and tour guide!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Navigator24233930753
Mar 4, 2025
Historic Treasures walking tour - The Historic Treasures walking tour we took with Matt was absolutely wonderful! Matt is an excellent tour guide and knew volumes about the historic buildings. I highly recommend any tour with CAC and becoming a member.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
W8988vrmikek
Mar 3, 2025
Great view of how the Golden Age affected the style of buildings. - Our docent did a wonderful job of explaining the style of each building and why it worked so well to suit its purpose. She was very knowledgeable and was a fabulous presenter. She made the tour interesting and fun.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lauren
Feb 23, 2025
Fun for architecture nerds and photographers! - We had an AMAZING tour with John I. He was incredibly knowledgeable and shared information that you wouldn’t necessarily find in a book or online source. He was very patient with our many questions and allowed time for pictures. If you are at all interested in architecture, I highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U8305xdmarym
Feb 10, 2025
A must for those on vacation or those who live in Chicago! - Chris was excellent, friendly and super knowledgeable. It was a cold day. There was just two of us which didn't bother Chris at all. I have taken this tour three times and have learned something new each time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Luna1234677
Feb 2, 2025
Very informative and well organized tour. 2 hours of history, learning, walking, and enjoying the architecture. - The tour was very informative and well organized. We were given headphones and could clearly hear our tour guide Sandy B as she talked in the microphone. She was very friendly and knowledgeable. Most of the tour took place outside, but we also went inside some of the buildings. We admired the beautiful architecture and designs of the historic buildings and learned a lot of the history of their creation.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Keith
Feb 2, 2025
Wonderful Tour - Matt was a great guide. Fun, knowledgeable, entertaining - and great with answering questions. The tour was fantastic
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Caeser911
Jan 18, 2025
A wonderful December walk around some gilded treasures - The tour was very educational and a great place to start learning about Chicago architecture. It was interesting to see some hidden elements you might not notice walking by buildings on your own. There was a nice mix of outdoor and indoor locations to the tour. Overall, it was a great experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lynnwb330ug
Jan 6, 2025
Amazing Experience! 10 Stars! - This walking tour included many of the architectural treasures in Chicago and was very professionally conducted. I live in Chicago and didn't know about many of the buildings that were included, especially incredible lobbies, and the additional commentary provided by the tour made it amazing and educational. This is a MUST activity for both visitors to Chicago and those that already live here! VERY reasonably priced.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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
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