Tour
Historic Treasures of Chicago’s Golden Age
Learn about the great architectural landmarks of Michigan Avenue and State Street. The 40 years between 1890 and 1930 saw the creation of some of Chicago’s the most memorable buildings, many of which are featured on this tour.
THIS TOUR IS ONE OF 12 WORLDWIDE TO RECEIVE THE 2019 “BEST TOUR ON TWO FEET” AWARD FROM GET YOUR GUIDE, AN INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL INDUSTRY GROUP.
After the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893, Chicago was determined to become a great cultural and commercial metropolis. This tour is a testament to that era's ambitions. See buildings by Daniel Burnham, Louis Sullivan, Holabird and Roche and other noted architects and hear the stories behind the city's architectural gems.
Notes:
- Your safety is our priority. The itinerary of this tour may be altered in accordance with health and safety policies and considerations.
- Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your tour. View the CAC's hours.
Highlights of this Tour
Wrigley Building
400-410 N. Michigan Ave.
The Wrigley Building is so recognizable, it hardly needs an introduction.
Carbide and Carbon Building
230 N. Michigan Ave.
Luxurious, exuberant and dramatic, the Carbide and Carbon Building is a metaphor for the sumptuous décor…
Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington St.
Who would expect a massive Beaux Arts block in the heart of the city to be a hub of contemporary arts…
dome
Term
a structure that looks like half of a sphere
limestone
Term
a softer sedimentary rock of fossillized shells and coral
marble
Term
a medium-hard metamorphic rock of crystallized limestone
Millennium Park
201 E. Randolph St.
“Let’s cover it with a park.”
Michigan Avenue Bridge (DuSable Bridge)
N. Michigan Ave. and E. Wacker Dr.
The place where Michigan Avenue crosses the Chicago River is one of the most iconic urban spaces in the…
Sullivan Center
1 S. State St.
Louis Sullivan designed few religious buildings during his career, but one of his best-known works is…
Reliance Building
32 N. State St.
A “self-cleaning” skyscraper?
Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
12 S. Michigan Ave.
It’s not often that the doors to an exclusive private club are thrown open to the public.
Similar Tours
Tiffany in Chicago
Learn about the life and work of Louis Comfort Tiffany as we visit some of Chicago’s most magnificent…
Palmer House Hotel
Experience the glamour, intrigue and excitement of the bygone "Grand Hotel" era at the Palmer House.…
Reliance Building
Marvel at the original marble, mahogany doors and decorative wrought iron found throughout the two lobbies…
Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Experience the museum quality restoration of an iconic Chicago landmark, the most exclusive men's club…
Chicago Icons: Connecting Past and Present
This lively overview of Chicago architecture explores iconic buildings from the 1890s to present. We'll…
Must-See Chicago
Must-See Chicago is a fast-paced, 90-minute introductory tour to Chicago featuring some of its most famous…