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
(402 Ratings)
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1 star
Cinwinski
Oct 29, 2025
Information packed insider experience - Darcy was a wealth of knowledge and made the tour very pleasant and interesting. We learned of some of the historic architectural gems that we would not have otherwise found, and her detailed inside information and recommendations for how to best enjoy the full experience were priceless.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
657jenv
Oct 20, 2025
A Knowledgeable Walk Around Chicago - I booked this tour for the exercise and a few years back I done the architectural boat tour and wanted something a bit different. It was a two hour walk but with many breaks for discussions about the buildings we were admiring. Meg our guide was amazing and so knowledgable. I learned so much and the personal touch you get walking with the guide verses the boat was amazing. We did get to go into a few of the buildings we discussed which gave us more history and knowledge. For those where we didn't have time to go into Meg encouraged us to go in on our own as many are hotels and what to look for in those lobbies. Chicago is a beautiful city and it was a nice way to learn more about each building and their history. And if you decide on something different or the boat tour instead make sure you always look up when you walk into one of the magnificent buildings. You might get a nice surprise! (Thank you Meg for that tip)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tim_c
Oct 18, 2025
Great insights on Chicago... - Great insights on Chicago history. Sonia our docent was great. One of the best tours we’ve ever been on.
Review provided by Viator
Peterdm919iy
Oct 10, 2025
An Absolute Must for Anyone Visiting Chicago! - The walking tours (and boat tour) offered by the CAC are an absolute must for anyone visiting Chicago who is interested in architecture, history, or just wants to discover the city. While I only had a chance to do one walking tour on this trip, I previously took multiple walking tours offered by the CAC during a trip to Chicago in 2011. The volunteers who run the tours are extremely knowledgeable, and the tours themselves are very well organized. I guarantee you will come away from each tour with new knowledge and a greater appreciation for one of America’s best cities.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Judymc5920af
Oct 7, 2025
Wonderful history experience! - Bill presented the history and building information in a wonderful knowledgeable and enjoyable manner! We thoroughly appreciated his kind, thoughtful, and informative delivery!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
68faithh
Oct 2, 2025
Fantastic Tour!! - My parents and I did the Historic Treasures of Chicago walking tour with Michael and we had such a great time! Michael was very knowledgeable and friendly, and the buildings we saw were so beautiful and unique. It was a great way to explore Chicago and learn more about the architecture and history of the city. We definitely plan on doing another tour with the Chicago Architecture Center in the future!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
12chat
Sep 21, 2025
Fantastic Tour of Downtown's Iconic Buildings - This was a fantastic overview of some of Chicago's iconic downtown buildings, among others the Wrigley Building, Chicago Athletic Association, Palmer House, Macy's, Target, Reliance Building, and The Cultural Center. Our guide, Liz, was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. It was clear that she loves guiding tours. I've been on several of these walking tours and I've always had a great experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tracyf172
Sep 19, 2025
Excellent tour - A good introductory tour of the buildings from Chicago's 'golden era' from 1890 - 1930. A nice walk about town and lots of good information about Chicago, architectural styles and architects.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Suewolfe2018
Sep 13, 2025
Chicago: The White City - The 2-hour historic treasures tour was a great experience. Our docent, Delta, did a great job and was very knowledgeable about the "Golden Age" and buildings in Chicago. If you enjoy architecture this is the tour for you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F7601gblindab
Sep 7, 2025
Fantastic walking tour of some historic buildings - Fantastic tour. 2 hours but flew by in a flash. Saw incredible architecture. Highlight was cultural center. Such a beautiful space. Paul, our guide was friendly, informative and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend. We have done their boat tour which was also great. Looking forward to more tours next time in town. Learned that you should look up otherwise yiy might miss beautiful things
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).