Chicago Walking Tour: Connecting Past and Present
Overview
This lively overview of Chicago architecture explores iconic buildings from the 1890s to present. We'll compare and contrast a wide range of buildings with varying architectural styles and see how older structures connect to new skyline additions.
On this tour, we'll make seven stops in downtown Chicago where we can compare the histories and styles of buildings located within sight of each other. The tour features 19th-Century Commercial, Beaux-Arts, Mid-Century Modern and Postmodern buildings, as well as the latest in architecture from Frank Gehry, Renzo Piano and Adrian Smith. At each stop, we’ll look at the connections between the past and present and discover what inspires design today. The tour culminates with a visit to Millennium Park, where world-class art and architecture combine, creating a unique urban fabric. 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 featuring some of Chicago's most famous buildings
- Narration by a professional and certified guide
- Coat check
- Food and drink
- Storage for luggage and strollers
Meeting Location
111 East Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
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Chicago Architecture Center
10 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Wrigley Building
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Reliance Building
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Pets are not allowed.
- The itinerary of this tour is subject to change without notice.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Chicago Walking Tour: Connecting Past and Present?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-3173P19
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 43 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CST).
- Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center.
- Walking tour featuring some of Chicago's most famous buildings.
- Narration by a professional and certified guide.
- Coat check.
- Food and drink.
- Storage for luggage and strollers.
The minimum age to participate is 5..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Chicago Walking Tour: Connecting Past and Present is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Chicago Walking Tour: Connecting Past and Present will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center
- Walking tour featuring some of Chicago's most famous buildings
- Narration by a professional and certified guide
- Coat check
- Food and drink
- Storage for luggage and strollers
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Pets are not allowed.
- The itinerary of this tour is subject to change without notice.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
