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Chicago Walking Tour: Historic Treasures of Chicago

5 (241)
Chicago, US
5 (241)
Chicago, US
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Free cancellation up to before the experience starts (local time)

Experience the historic treasures of Chicago on this captivating walking tour. Immerse yourself in the architectural landmarks of Michigan Avenue and State Street, as you explore the city's most memorable buildings from the years between 1890 and 1930. Marvel at the creations of renowned architects such as Daniel Burnham, Louis Sullivan, and Holabird and Roche, and discover the stories behind these architectural gems. This tour is a testament to Chicago's ambition to become a cultural and commercial metropolis after the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893. By purchasing a ticket for this tour, you are directly supporting the education efforts and community engagement projects of a certified nonprofit organization. Join us and be enchanted by the rich history and stunning architecture of Chicago.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Included
  • 2 hours
  • Suitable for 1-10 Participants
  • Private Tour, Small Group Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Explore iconic architectural landmarks of Chicago
  • Learn about the city's rich architectural history
  • Discover the stories behind famous buildings
  • Enjoy a walking tour led by certified guides
  • Support education and community engagement projects
  • Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center
  • Narration by a professional and certified guide
  • Walking tour of Chicago Architecture
  • Hotel pick-up or drop-off
  • Storage for luggage or strollers
  • Coat check

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

Chicago Walking Tour: Historic Treasures of Chicago takes you on a captivating journey through the architectural landmarks of Michigan Avenue and State Street. Immerse yourself in the rich history and beautiful designs of the buildings that define the city's skyline. This tour is a testament to the ambitions of Chicago during the period between 1890 and 1930, where some of the most memorable structures were created.

What to expect?

During this tour, you can anticipate immersing yourself in the architectural wonders of Chicago. Marvel at the iconic buildings designed by renowned architects such as Daniel Burnham, Louis Sullivan, Holabird and Roche, and many others. Your knowledgeable guide will bring these structures to life by sharing fascinating stories and insights behind each masterpiece. As you explore, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the city's transformation into a cultural and commercial metropolis.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for anyone with a passion for history, architecture, or urban exploration. Whether you're a local looking to uncover hidden gems or a visitor eager to discover the soul of Chicago, this tour welcomes all curious minds. From architecture enthusiasts to history buffs, this experience caters to a wide range of interests and is designed to engage and inspire everyone.

Why book this?

Embark on this Chicago Walking Tour to witness the birthplace of architectural ingenuity. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the buildings that shaped the city's skyline, and gain a deeper appreciation for their architectural significance. By booking this tour, you'll not only explore the architectural treasures of Chicago but also support the educational efforts and community engagement projects of a certified nonprofit organization. It's a chance to contribute to the preservation and promotion of Chicago's rich architectural heritage.

Good to know

As you embark on this tour, remember to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. The tour includes admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center, where you can further enrich your knowledge of the city's architectural history. The tour concludes at the iconic Chicago Cultural Center, offering an opportunity to continue exploring or return to the Chicago Architecture Center with the docent.

Reviews

Previous participants of the Chicago Walking Tour rave about the knowledgeable and passionate guides who bring the city's architectural treasures to life. Visitors have expressed their satisfaction with the well-curated itinerary and the opportunity to learn about the stories behind each building. Many have praised the tour for its immersive experience and its contribution to supporting the city's architectural education efforts. Overall, the reviews highlight the tour's ability to inspire and deepen one's appreciation for Chicago's architectural legacy.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Your Itinerary

Chicago Architecture Center

Chicago Architecture Center; introductory remarks from the docent

Admission Included

Wrigley Building

View the Wrigley Building

Admission Not Included

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

View the Carbide and Carbon Building

Admission Not Included

Reliance Building

View the Reliance Building.

Chicago Cultural Center

View the exterior and interior of the Chicago Cultural Center

Reviews

(241)

5 (241)

gracec786

What a great way to feel like an insider, learning the history of how Chicago’s architectural landscape came to be. Easy pace and generally accessible (I believe we exited the Chicago Cultural Center by stairs but there are elevators. The guide would probably bring anyone using a wheelchair around that way in lieu of the stairs). Highly recommend for anyone, including business travelers who may want to see more than their hotel room and The Bean.

BertholdGreen

Russ led a small group on a walk, from the Chicago Architecture Centre. The [first] Golden Age was between the 1890s and 1920s. We walked south down Michigan Avenue, stopping every few minutes to look at a skyscraper across the street. We saw dozens of buildings and heard lots of interesting stories about the owners and the architects. Wrigley building - the family started by selling soap and included a stick of gum as a sales gimmick. They realised they could sell more gum than soap, and did. Chicago Public library (aka Cultural Center) - after the Great Fire of 1871, the people of England (Britain?), shocked at what they thought was the loss of the city library, donated 4000 books, subscribed by individual donors. However, there wasn't in fact any library pre-1871 so the new books formed the basis of a new library. We saw several examples of Chicago commercial style buildings, including one built for Montgomery Ward - protector of the lake shore. Michigan Avenue was shoreline of the lake and Ward led and financed a campaign to preserve the lake shore as parkland which it is today, more or less. The immediate foreshore developed with the dumping of debris from the 1871 fire. Residential debris was found in the foreshore when Millennium Park was being built. The Palmer Building, a vast hotel and conference centre has a magnificently ornate ceiling. The enormous torchieres are by Tiffany and some of his largest sculptures.

S9320HPivanad

We had a great tour with our knowledgeable and friendly guide Terry. He took us around inside and out to see the highlights of downtown Chicago’s architectural gems. Lots of great stories and gorgeous architecture!

bassetsdrool

Alice our guide was brilliant and amazing! She was so knowledgeable about architecture and Chicago and passionate about the topics. Can’t thank her enough. Looking forward to my next tour with CAC

lizagS2094BN

My tour guide, Burt, was excellent!! Super informed, very personable, such a great resource. The architecture center is lucky to have him.

Megan S

The tour was fantastic! Our guide Russ was very knowledgeable and shared his enthusiasm and appreciation for Chicago and its architecture with personal anecdotes and insights. I would do 100% recommend this tour and hope to go on more CAC tours in the future.

Venessa_E

Paul was a great tour guide whose passion for the architecture and history of Chicago’s great buildings was evident. The pace was perfect. I didn’t know the Chicago Architecture Foundation existed, but will definitely sign up for another tour when I return.

JennyJ2531

Loved this tour! Here with my daughter and this was something different to do. We really enjoyed it. The guide was fantastic - very knowledgeable and entertaining. The interiors were our favorite part - beautiful!

scott_m

We had a small group of 3 along with our guide whose name I've forgotten, though she did a great job. The Historic Treasures were indeed both, and our group was interesting and fun to be with. I learned a lot. I later viewed the Chapel in the Sky on my own, so it was a great day looking at buildings.

ZinaZinaida

This was a FANTASTIC tour! The tour guide was exceptional. A retired college professor, she sure knew a thing or two about pacing for maximum interest! She gave us really exciting, interesting facts. I toured Chicago before, but this tour sure was the highest quality! I absolutely loved the gorgeous things she showed us and her stories and explanations. She answered all questions so competently, too! Highly recommend !!!
Collected by Evendo & our supplier partners
2024-06-02 18:08
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