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Chicago is known around the world for its architecture. Whether you choose to explore our fabled downtown or one of the city’s many distinct and charming neighborhoods, our expert docents will guide you by boat, bus, train or on foot and share the stories behind the buildings. Visit iconic skyscrapers, elegant hotels or the legendary houses of Frank Lloyd Wright. With dozens of tours to choose from, we won't blame you if you can't pick just one.

Recommended Tours

Frank Lloyd Wright in Oak Park

Oak Park is home to the world’s largest collection of buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. View the exteriors of nearly a dozen of Wright’s structures.

Price
$30 Public, $10 Basic Members, Free for Deco Members and above
Duration
1 Hour
Meet
The Frank Lloyd Wright memorial stone at the northeast entrance to Austin Gardens, 199 Forest Ave., Oak Park, IL 60301

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Price
$30 Public, $10 Basic Members, Free for Deco Members and above
Duration
1 Hour
Meet
The Frank Lloyd Wright memorial stone at the northeast entrance to Austin Gardens, 199 Forest Ave., Oak Park, IL 60301

Kenwood

Hear the history of this stately neighborhood, home to Chicago’s early industrialists, modern-day innovators and President Barack Obama.

Price
$30 Public, $10 Basic Members, Free for Deco Members and above
Duration
2 Hours
Meet
S. Woodlawn Ave. and E. Hyde Park Blvd., 5056 S. Woodlawn Ave.

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Price
$30 Public, $10 Basic Members, Free for Deco Members and above
Duration
2 Hours
Meet
S. Woodlawn Ave. and E. Hyde Park Blvd., 5056 S. Woodlawn Ave.

Hyde Park

In addition to being the site of the 1893 World’s Fair, Hyde Park is also home to the University of Chicago and many significant buildings, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece, Robie House.

Price
$30 Public, $10 Basic Members, Free for Deco Members and above
Duration
2 Hours
Meet
Meet directly outside the main entrance to Rockefeller Chapel, 5850 S. Woodlawn Ave.

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Price
$30 Public, $10 Basic Members, Free for Deco Members and above
Duration
2 Hours
Meet
Meet directly outside the main entrance to Rockefeller Chapel, 5850 S. Woodlawn Ave.

Architectural Highlights by Bus

Discover the exciting diversity of Chicago’s world famous architecture as we trace its development from the early days up to the present.

Price
$50 public (includes CAC admission), $43 CAC members
Duration
3.5 Hours
Meet
Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E. Wacker Dr.

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Price
$50 public (includes CAC admission), $43 CAC members
Duration
3.5 Hours
Meet
Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E. Wacker Dr.

Beverly (South): A Castle, Mansions and More

Tour one of Chicago’s most fascinating neighborhoods, Beverly. Explore two houses built just after the Great Fire of 1871, a Frank Lloyd Wright home and a true Chicago castle. This tour showcases part of Chicago’s Longwood Drive Landmark District…

Price
$30 Public, $10 Basic Members, Free for Deco Members and above
Duration
1.5 Hours
Meet
103rd St. - Beverly Hills Metra Station, 10301 S. Walden Pkwy.

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Price
$30 Public, $10 Basic Members, Free for Deco Members and above
Duration
1.5 Hours
Meet
103rd St. - Beverly Hills Metra Station, 10301 S. Walden Pkwy.

Graceland Cemetery: Women of Influence

During Chicago’s period of growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, women played a hugely influential role by participating in the Underground Railroad, exhibiting the first Modern Art paintings, creating the juvenile justice system and even…

Price
$30 Public, $10 Basic Members, Free for Deco Members and above
Duration
2 Hours
Meet
Main gate entrance at intersection of Clark St. & Irving Park Rd. 4001 N Clark St.

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Price
$30 Public, $10 Basic Members, Free for Deco Members and above
Duration
2 Hours
Meet
Main gate entrance at intersection of Clark St. & Irving Park Rd. 4001 N Clark St.

Lake Bluff

Explore the fascinating history reflected in the unique designs of the North Shore suburb of Lake Bluff. Trace the history from the formation of the Lake Bluff Camp Meeting Association, and their plans for a resort similar to the Chautauqua movement,…

Price
$30 Public, $10 Basic Members, Free for Deco Members and above
Duration
2 Hours
Meet
Lake Bluff Metra Station, 600 Sheridan Rd., Lake Bluff, IL

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Price
$30 Public, $10 Basic Members, Free for Deco Members and above
Duration
2 Hours
Meet
Lake Bluff Metra Station, 600 Sheridan Rd., Lake Bluff, IL

Rookery Building

Explore the interior and exterior of one of Chicago’s most famous and beloved historic buildings: The Rookery by Daniel Burnham and John Wellborn Root.

Price
$15 Public, $5 Basic Members, Free for Deco Members and above
Duration
1 Hour
Meet
209 S. LaSalle St. at the grand staircase

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Price
$15 Public, $5 Basic Members, Free for Deco Members and above
Duration
1 Hour
Meet
209 S. LaSalle St. at the grand staircase