Chicago Architecture Tour: Michigan Ave & State St Landmarks

414 Ratings

Chicago

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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

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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

(414 Ratings)

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Bigmaffy

Feb 2, 2026

Wonderful way to see and learn about beautiful Chicago! - What a wonderful afternoon spent learning about Chicago’s history and the gorgeous architecture hiding in plain site. You could visit Chicago many times and miss so many of these treasures! Maureen was a wonderful guide, full of knowledge about these beautiful places. Prior to my tour, I had walked right by many of these buildings without taking in the art and beauty that is all over the Loop. The CAC tours are so well done and very reasonable. It’s a great way to see the city. Walking Tours are one of my favorite ways to see a new city and this tour was exactly what I was looking for. Don’t hesitate to book!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Meganbe7221gq

Jan 18, 2026

Excellent insight into Chicago’s Golden Age - I had an excellent time on the Historic Treasures of Chicago’s Golden Age tour led by John I. The tour was very informative, and I learned a ton even as a Chicago resident. I appreciated the supplemental photos John brought to show us and all the interesting facts. The tour had a good mix of looking at building exteriors and wandering inside to see more details. Well worth it even on a freezing day!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Fellowtraveler555511

Dec 20, 2025

No decisions, opt for this tour! - Fascinating tour. Our guide had an amazing depth of knowledge and enthusiastic in her presentation. It was the perfect tour for a cold day since we got to go inside buildings as part of the tour. I would highly recommend this tour.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Lags87

Dec 20, 2025

Historic Treasures of Chicago Walking Architecture Tour - Just do it! - The tour was very informative. It exceeded my expectations. The duration of the tour was appropriate- not too short and not too long. I really enjoyed seeing all the different types of architecture and the history behind the buildings. The Tiffany pieces of art were jaw dropping gorgeous. Highly recommend.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Jessica

Dec 20, 2025

A must do tour if you like architecture! - John I. gave us an awesome tour! I would love to come back and do more tours with this company! Architecture tour showed some amazing works that I would have missed without it.

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Jeff

Dec 20, 2025

Great Tour! - Very informative and a lot fun! The guide was very enthusiastic and well informed. A fantastic tour even though the temperature was 12 degrees

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Eateateateat395

Nov 18, 2025

Great morning with Paul - I've recently been to this tour and I loved it. Paul was incredibly well prepared and always ready to answer any question in an accurate way. I highly advice this tour, it was well worth it!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Krista_g

Nov 17, 2025

Pleasant walking tour to see 10 historic Chicago buildings. - Very pleasant walking tour led by our knowledgeable guide, Burt, who showed us 10 historic buildings in downtown Chicago, starting with the Wrigley building on down to the Palmer Hotel. The weather was great, so the streets were crowded and very noisy, but hey, this is Chicago! We saw lots of historic interiors as well. Well worth the time and cost of the ticket.

Review provided by Viator

116ef

Nov 3, 2025

Exciting and informative walking tour of the great skyscrapers in Chicago - Great tour with Paul S - highly recommend. I went midweek at 1pm and it was just the two of us. He has an incredible memory and talked about the buildings for 2 hours straight and I was never bored. He also shared personal stories about watching the buildings change over the decades he’s lived in Chicago. When we entered the Palmer hotel he made sure to take me up the back escalators so the stunning room unfolded in front of me at the top. I would definitely do another walking tour through CAC next time I visit. Thank you, Paul!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Grapkin45

Nov 5, 2025

Taking notice of the wonders of Chicago architecture - A great look at architecture I have walked past a million times but never really noticed. This was a good companion tour to the CAC architectural boat tour.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Check Availability

From $35

up to 10 guests

1 - Adult