Chicago: Magnificent Mile Walking Tour

7 Reviews

Culture & history Neighborhood tours Art Guided tours Activities Tours Shopping tours Wheelchair accessible Landmarks & monuments For adults Architecture Sightseeing

Learn how the Magnificent Mile developed from a warehouse district into the Champs Elysee of Chicago. Admire a wide range of architectural styles including Parisian, Gothic, Neoclassical, Art Deco, Mid-20th Century Modern, and 21st-Century Contemporary.

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Highlights

Discover how a dirt road known as Pine Street transformed into the Magnificent Mile
Hear the secrets and stories behind the striking buildings on North Michigan Avenue
Tour the City's premiere shopping district and see contemporary buildings
See inside the Medinah Athletic Club with decor ranging from Egyptian to Renaissance
View the bas relief sculptural panels inside an Art Deco office building

Description

Start the tour by discovering how a dirt road known as Pine Street was transformed into a 'Paris on the Prairie' and later into the Magnificent Mile - Chicago's premier shopping district. Hear the secrets and stories behind the striking buildings on North Michigan Avenue that have become architectural icons know around the world including the Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building and 875 N. Michigan Ave. (formerly the Hancock Tower). Learn how the DuSable Bridge, built in the 1920s, transformed a warehouse and factory district into a commercial district. Find out how the street was further transformed with its wide avenue and Parisian style buildings, influenced by the world-renowned architect Daniel Burnham and the Plan of Chicago of 1909. Then, witness the street's final transformation into a high-end shopping and hotel district, becoming the shopping mecca that it still is today. Marvel at the vertical malls, skyscrapers, hotels, residential towers and buildings that were designed to embody the brands sold inside. Tickets purchased for experiences run by the Chicago Architecture Center help build the greater Chicago community. When you hit the pavement on a walking tour, set sail on an award-winning river cruise (Chicago's First Lady), or visit the Center, you’re helping fund Chicago Architecture Center education initiatives like Girls Build!, Teen Fellows and the Newhouse Architecture + Design Competition. Or you may be helping to keep programs like Open House Chicago free for participants for years to come. As a certified nonprofit, all Chicago Architecture Center ticket purchases directly support local education efforts and community engagement projects. Finally, enjoy admission to the Chicago Architecture Center included in the tour price where you can learn more about the various styles of architecture throughout Chicago. See an interactive model of the Downtown Buildings and models showing the development and many different styles of skyscrapers in Chicago.

Includes

Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center Professional and certified guide

Important Information

This tour is unable to provide secure storage for luggage or strollers
Unfortunately, there are no refunds due to the weather and tours depart rain or shine
Pets are not allowed, but service animals are welcome