Chicago Walking Tour: Historic Treasures of Chicago
Description
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. 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. As a certified nonprofit, all CAC ticket purchases directly support our education efforts and community engagement projects.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Chicago Architecture Center; introductory remarks from the docent
View the Wrigley Building
View the exterior and interior of the Palmer House Hotel Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required to enter this location.
View the Carbide and Carbon Building
View the Reliance Building.
View the exterior and interior of the Chicago Cultural Center
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Access to building interiors featured on this tour may be subject to change, due to weekend and holiday schedules or unforeseen closures.
- Pets are not allowed.
Reviews(433)
I went on the Chicago Architecture Center's Interior Treasures of the Golden Age tour in June 2026. Betty was my docent and she was outstanding. She knew her subject inside and out and explained things to us in a very understandable manner. It was clear to us that Betty is passionate about Chicago and this tour. Also, it was raining that day but her bright demeanor kept the tour light and fun. CAC has a great docent in Betty!
Thank you for the great review! We're delighted you enjoyed the Historic Treasures tour with Betty and appreciate the kind words. We hope to see you again the next time you visit Chicago!
Highly recommend!!! Our tour guide was very knowledgable and we learned alot. If you are interested in seeing the beauty INSIDE Chicago's great architectural giants you should do this tour!!!
After already doing the architecture tour by boat, I wanted to spend more time getting up and close with the buildings. Bill was a fantastic tour guide who shared so much knowledge and history about some of Chicago's most fascinating buildings. It was like a behind the scenes tour of Chicago that many visitors never experience. I learned so much about the cultural center and Tiffany's domes. Would highly recommend. Your ticket includes entry to the Chicago Architecture Museum, so we checked that out after the tour too.
As a solo traveler, I really enjoyed this tour. What I appreciated most was that we explored both the exterior and interior of several iconic buildings, making the experience much more immersive. My guide, John, provided excellent historical context, explained how the buildings evolved over time, and pointed out many architectural details that I would have missed on my own. A great introduction to Chicago's architecture and history. Highly recommended!
We have taken numerous Viator tours and they are always top-notch. This tour was no exception. The places that we saw were indeed treasures. Our tour guide was exceptional…knowledgeable, professional, friendly, and delightful!
Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so happy you enjoyed the Historic Treasures tour and hope to see you again the next time you visit Chicago!
Amazing interiors discovery with a great and knowledgeable guide !
Thank you for the super review! We're delighted you spent some of your time in Chicago with us and we appreciate the recommendation. We hope to see you again the next time you visit!
We toured Graceland Cemetery with Mary Jo Hoag! The theme was “women’s stories “. She is a great storyteller. We heard about many women who helped build Chicago. The stories were full of interesting information told in the most entertaining way. If you are on a tour with her, be prepared to walk away with stories you have probably never heard. Thank you Mary Jo!!
Thank you for the wonderful review! We're delighted you enjoyed the Graceland Cemetery tour with Mary Jo. She is a phenomenal docent! We hope to see you again!
What a great tour of Chicago. Rene our tour guide was excellent! His passion, knowledge, and storytelling made Chicago’s history and architecture come alive. The tour was engaging, informative, and filled with fascinating details and personal touches plus all the beautiful details on buildings, lobbies and architecture designs were just stunning! I highly recommend Rene’s tour for anyone wanting to experience Chicago in a memorable and enjoyable way!
Thank you for the great review! We're so happy you enjoyed the Historic Treasures tour with Rene and hope to see you again the next time you visit!
I had a wonderful one on one tour with Delta. She is such an expert, friendly and simply a great tour guide. We even made it work to see the bridge lift. Well spent 2 hours, highly recommend.
Wow, what a treat to get a personal tour! We are delighted you enjoyed the Historic Treasures tour and even got to see a bridge lift. We appreciate the recommendation and hope to see you again!
Our guide was very knowledgeable. Learned some new things even though I’ve done other Chicago tours. Enjoyed the tour
