Chicago Walking Tour: Historic Skyscrapers
Overview
Chicago is home to some of the world’s earliest skyscrapers. Get an up-close look at these 19th Century marvels, learn about innovations used to build them and discover how they transformed Chicago into a center of skyscraper design and engineering.
Highlights on this walking tour include Burnham and Root’s Rookery (1888), a transitional building with a Moorish and Romanesque exterior and a stunning interior atrium re-designed by Frank Lloyd Wright; Adler and Sullivan’s Auditorium Building (1889), a masterpiece of acoustical and structural engineering; and Holabird and Roche’s Marquette Building (1895), an outstanding example of the metal frame expression with traditional details and decorations.
As a certified nonprofit, all CAC ticket purchases directly support our education efforts and community engagement projects.
What's Included
- Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center
- Historic walking tour of Chicago's architecture
- Narration by a professional and certified Guide
- Food and drinks
- Coat check
- Storage for luggage and strollers
Meeting Location
410 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
53 West Jackson Boulevard
Chicago, IL 60604, USA
Monadnock Building. Actual ending location may vary.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free
Chicago Board Of Trade Building
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Chicago Architecture Center
1 minute • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- This tour will depart from the Fine Arts Building, 410 S Michigan Ave.
- Not recommended for young children.
- Pets are not allowed.
- Access to building interiors featured on this tour may be subject to change without notice due to weekend and holiday schedules or unforeseen closures.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
(6)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Chicago Walking Tour: Historic Skyscrapers?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-3173HS
Traveler Photos





Reviews
Average 4.80 out of 5 stars based on 70 adventurer reviews collected by Top10Adventures® and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Adventures & Tours

We’ll begin our photo walk in Millennium Park with portraits at Cloud Gate (The Bean), one of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks. During our time together,...
$168

Custom Chicago Walking Tours
We create custom walking tours for groups of all sizes and interests, blending delicious food experiences with rich historical storytelling. From downtown explorations for high...
$19

Discover the architectural soul of Chicago on a thoughtfully curated half-day city tour. Travel through the city’s most influential districts, from historic riverfront landmarks to...
$47

Immerse yourself in Chicago's architectural heritage on an exclusive walking tour, delving into the city's iconic structures and Art Deco gems. Begin your intimate journey...
$126.56
Adventurers Who Bought This Adventure Also Bought

Chicago River 90-Minute Architecture Tour
Be inspired by the captivating, visual art that is Chicago’s legendary architecture, and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing, dynamic legacy for all to...
$44

Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour
An authentic Chicago tradition since 1935, this is the tour that started it all. This unique excursion tells the story of more than 200 years...
$44

Experience Chicago's legendary architecture and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing legacy for all to admire. This family-friendly introduction to the Windy City's rich...
$27

Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour
Escape into Chicago's underworld on a crime and mob tour with stops on-and-off the luxury, climate-controlled bus. Explore historic crime scenes with great photo opportunities....
$48





