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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

Thu 10 Apr

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $65.00

Make a reservation

Thu 10 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)

J8835PGcynthiaw

Oct 2023

We are two architecture-fascinated folks from Oregon and NYC. Thanks to Tom's Skyscraper Tour (am) and Pedway Tour (pm), we have another home away from home. The morning was full of memorable sitings and explanations, never dull nor trudging. The Pedway tour surprised us for its urban usefulness and pop-to-beautiful-surfaces creativity. The following 4 days of our stay illuminated L Stop's excellent guidance: we were ever saying, "we saw [that building] yesterday...that's the building which Tom said [ ]...we're going [ ]; we can use the Pedway!" This is not the typical canned tour routine. Tom knows his city from the idiosyncratic details to the soaring structural beauties, and conveys his knowledge with personal attention to our interests. Enjoy!

jlet15

Jul 2023

This was a fantastic tour where we really learned a lot. Tom, our tour guide, led the tour at the perfect pace and was incredibly knowledgeable at every stop along the way. He answered our questions thoughtfully and really made the tour feel personal. I would definitely go on another tour with L Stop Tours!

Response from Host

Jul 2023

Thank your review! We're so glad you enjoyed the tour.

562sheryll

Jul 2023

Tom was so knowledgeable! Any questions we had, he knew the answers to. This was so much fun. Great idea for taking out of town visitors.

Response from Host

Jul 2023

Glad you enjoyed the tour!