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Train & Walking Tour: Chicago Loop - Home of the Modern Skyscraper

Train & Walking Tour: Chicago Loop - Home of the Modern Skyscraper

Overview

We start our tour at one of the most interesting buildings in the Loop — the Fine Arts Building. Built in 1884 as a showroom and office complex, the building was converted later into its present-day use.

Then we're off to the Harold Washington Chicago Public Library, the design of which was the winner of a competition to design a new library for the city. From there, we'll view three Chicago landmarks built in the late 1800s, then visit the beautiful Marquette Building, the Field Building (built on the site of the world's first modern skyscraper) and then see the amazing atrium lobby of the world-renowned Rookery Building.

Next, we're off to the beautifully-restored Quincy L stop (authentic 1897 design) to take the train to our last stops. We visit the iconic Macy's to see the beautiful Tiffany mosaic then we wrap up the tour at the Cultural Center to experience the world's largest Tiffany dome.

Make a day of it and book our Pedway or Historic Pubs tour for the afternoon!

City: Chicago

Tue 08 Apr

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $65.00

Make a reservation

Tue 08 Apr

Starting at $65.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Transit tickets

Local expert guide

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Should be able to climb stairs as not all train stations are equipped with elevators

What To Expect

Fine Arts Building

Meet your guide in the lobby and tour this famous building, which still has manually operated elevators.

Harold Washington Library Center

Check out the library's hidden gems and exhibits.

Monadnock Building

Take a close-up look at what was once the largest office building in the world.

Marquette Building

Learn about this national landmark.

The Rookery Building

Take a quick look at one of the most architecturally-significant buildings in the city.

Macy's on State Street

Visit this iconic department store and marvel at its amazing architecture.

Chicago Cultural Center

Wrap up the tour with a quick peek at the home of the world's largest Tiffany dome.

Show 4 more stops

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (34)

anthny01

Oct 2024

We really enjoyed the Loop Tour with Tom. Exploring Chicago’s beautiful buildings on foot in a small group was a great experience. We learned a lot and Tom’s extensive knowledge of Chicago’s history and architecture was so impressive. Would do this tour again!

Response from Host

Oct 2024

Gglad to hear you enjoyed your tour with Tom!

MarthaTres

Dec 2023

Tom was extremely knowledgeable about the city and the buildings and related history. He took us in some fascinating buildings and had loads of stories. I lived in Chicago for a number of years in the 70s and still discovered how much I didn't know! I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learns something about Chicago.

LadyeA

Nov 2023

This was a tour that I set up for my husband, he loves architecture and I just went along. I am so glad I did, I learned so much from Tom. You could tell how much the history meant to him and he being able to share it with us. We went all over. We walked at a leisure pace with several bathroom breaks. I promise you will walk away from this tour smarter than we you started. They also have several other tours on their website Istoptours.com.