Chicago Walking Tour: The Magnificent Mile

4.9
(40 reviews)

Show all photos
1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

Discover how a dirt road known as Pine Street transformed into a "Paris on the Prairie" and later into the Magnificent Mile, the city’s premier shopping district. Hear the secrets and stories behind the striking buildings on North Michigan Avenue that have become architectural icons.

Developed over the past 100 years, the street includes historically-inspired architecture in Parisian, Gothic, neoclassical and Art Deco styles sprinkled among Modern and 21st Century buildings. You’ll see skyscrapers, vertical malls, hotels, residential towers and some buildings that were designed to embody the brands sold inside.

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
Walking tour of the Magnificent Mile
Narration by a professional and certified guide
Food and drink
Storage for luggage and strollers
Coat check

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Chicago Architecture Center

Meet at the Chicago Architecture Center at 111 E Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, 60601

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    The Magnificent Mile

    Discuss the history of the Magnificent Mile and the history and architecture of notable buildings along it.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • Michigan Avenue Bridge (Pass by)

    View the Michigan Avenue (DuSable) Bridge.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    View the Starbucks Reserve Roastery.

    Admission ticket free
  • Wrigley Building (Pass by)

    View the Wrigley Building.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    View the InterContinental Chicago

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    View the Burberry Store on Michigan Avenue.

    Admission ticket free
  • John Hancock Center (Pass by)

    View 875 N Michigan Avenue, formerly known as the John Hancock Center.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    View the Women's Athletic Club.

    Admission ticket free
  • Tribune Tower (Pass by)

    View the newly renovated Tribune Tower.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • 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
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Supplied by Chicago Architecture Center

Show 3 more

Tags

Architecture Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Small Group
Excellent Quality

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Show more

Rating

4.9 Based on 40 40 reviews
5 stars
38
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
1
from per person
Was {{currencySymbol}}{{ summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount }}
Check availability