Chicago Walking Tour: The Magnificent Mile

Overview

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.

City: Chicago

Wed 11 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $35.00

Make a reservation

Wed 11 Jun

Starting at $35.00

Make a reservation

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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

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
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Access to building interiors featured on this tour may be subject to change without notice due to weekend and holiday schedules or unforeseen closures.
Pets are not allowed.

What To Expect

The Magnificent Mile

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

Michigan Avenue Bridge

View the Michigan Avenue (DuSable) Bridge.

Wrigley Building

View the Wrigley Building.

John Hancock Center

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

Tribune Tower

View the newly renovated Tribune Tower.

Show 2 more stops

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (31)

T318MOjanicel

Nov 2024

Mitch was an amazing tour guide. His education and enthusiasm of Michigan Ave. was impressive. Thank you Chicago Architecture Center for offering this tour. We loved it!

Response from Host

Nov 2024

Thank you for the great review! We're so happy you enjoyed the Magnificent Mile tour and hope to see you again!

802leenam

Nov 2024

The Mag Mile architecture tour offered by the Chicago Architecture Center was absolutely fabulous. We did our tour with Bob, who was one of the best docents we have had. He is energetic, engaging, and so knowledgeable. We learned so much during the tour that I took notes during the walk! He weaves such a lovely story about the history of Chicago and points out things you would never know or notice otherwise. We live in Chicago and would go on this tour again. We are going to plan to do other tours with Bob since he is so engaging.

Response from Host

Nov 2024

Thank you for the great review! We're so happy you enjoyed the tour with Bob and look forward to seeing you again!

liamcM9268MG

Oct 2024

I should have known that there was a problem with this provider since there was zero communication before the tour, unlike any other tour we have done. I found out the details of the tour only through Tripadvisor. When we showed up at the Chicago Architecture Institute Building as instructed, I was told that the tour was canceled. We never got any notice of the cancellation. We were also told that this was a common problem with this tour operation. Tripadvisor needs to take them off the site. If I don't get a refund immediately I will make a claim of fraud with my credit card company.

Response from Host

Oct 2024

Hi there! We reached out and processed the refund the same day the tour was cancelled. Please either respond to the email you received or email us at socialmedia(at)architecture(dot)org so we can be sure we have resolved the issue.