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Chicago Architecture Tours

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What comes to mind first when you think of the great city of Chicago? Wind? Pizza? Lake Michigan? The Art Institute? Michael Jordan? Wrigley Field? You get the point: all of the above—and yet still many, many more possibilities—would be quite acceptable answers, because Chicago has a lot going for it.

In the mix here, though, would also have to be: architecture. Chicago’s architecture is legendary the world over for its daring designs, visionary buildings, and soaring skyscrapers. But don’t take my word for it. Head out asap on one of the following architecture tours. Each one of these architecture tours offers access to a special side of Chicago’s multi-faceted architectural splendors. And best of all, each one of these architecture tours is part of a Go City Chicago attraction pass that might prove useful to you as you plan your next architecture-themed outing to the Windy City!

Shoreline Architecture River Cruise

Year in and year out, the Shoreline Architecture River Cruise is one of the most popular activities for visitors to Chicago from all over the world. You can board the Shoreline Architecture River Cruise at your choice of two convenient locations: at either Navy Pier or on Michigan Avenue near The Wrigley Building (speaking of great architecture!). The cruise typically lasts about 75 minutes, and along the way you’ll learn all about the history of Chicago’s storied skyline.

An especially neat detail about the Shoreline Architecture River Cruise is that it takes you down all three branches of the Chicago River (Main, North, and South). This ensures that you’ll have plenty of opportunities to snap that perfect photograph of your favorite building from just the right angle!

Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio

One of the 20th Century’s most famous architects, Frank Lloyd Wright, had deep ties to the Midwest, and in particular, the city of Chicago. Chicago is where, for many years, he lived and worked, developing his inimitable style, completing early commissions, and building a reputation as an innovative, visionary artist whose design influence still resonates today.

Frank Lloyd Wright is responsible for many fine buildings and homes throughout the Chicagoland area, and if you so desire, there are tours you can take while in the Windy City that will enable you to explore several of them. However, if you have time for only one Frank Lloyd Wright-focused outing, then make a point to visit his home and studio. Located in Oak Park, just west of downtown Chicago, the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio is where he and his family resided for some 20 years as Wright toiled away on hundreds of architectural plans. For anyone with even a passing interest in architecture, it’s a tour not to be missed.

Robie House

But who wants to experience just one Frank Lloyd Wright-focused outing? The Robie House, located in Hyde Park on the campus of the University of Chicago, is considered by some experts to be one of the most significant structures in the history of American architecture. Completed in 1910, this single-family home stands today as a fine example of Wright’s so-called “Prairie Style.” It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1963, and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.

If that’s not enough, the Robie House is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can visit it without even needing to remove your wallet. As the Robie House is part of both the All-Inclusive Pass and the Explorer Pass produced by Go City Chicago, you can simply have your attraction pass scanned at the gate and join a tour of this extraordinary building just like that.

Chicago History Museum

The Chicago History Museum’s focus isn’t strictly exclusively on architecture—its terrific exhibits cover all manner of historical Chicago, of course—but architecture buffs will discover in short order that all the same it’s well worth a visit. The Chicago History Museum occupies a prominent location near the southwest entrance to Lincoln Park, at the lively intersection of Clark Street and North Avenue. If you have the time, energy, and inclination, consider approaching the museum on foot from the south, with a walk along North Astor Street. This quiet block is the heart of Chicago’s opulent Gold Coast neighborhood, and you’ll see some striking architecture and beautiful homes in the wild as you make your way to the museum.

When you arrive at the Chicago History Museum, whip out your attraction pass, enter hassle-free, and enjoy! Popular permanent galleries here include “City on Fire: Chicago 1871,” which demonstrates how the Great Chicago Fire forever altered Chicago’s architecture, and “Chicago: Crossroads of America,” which houses noteworthy artifacts gathered from all throughout Chicago.

Observation Decks

So, let’s be clear and acknowledge straight off the top that an observation deck is not, strictly speaking, an “architecture tour.” With that out of the way, let’s get real: you’re going to spend all this time, effort, and energy exploring the many architectural wonders of Chicago, and then decide not to see said architectural wonders from perhaps their most amazing vantagepoints? Come on, now.

Chicago has two observation decks worth knowing about, both of which provide breathtaking and unique views of the city and its distinct charms. Skydeck Chicago occupies the 103rd floor of the iconic Willis Tower (it’ll always be the Sears Tower to us locals!) and lets you peer out across the city from an all-glass enclosed box known as The Ledge—you’ll either love it or hate it. 360 Chicago is found on the 94th floor of the 875 Michigan Avenue building (you will encounter literally no one who calls it this—it’s known to real breathing human beings from Chicago as the John Hancock Center). You can’t go wrong seeing the city’s architecture from either landmark, and regardless of which one you go with, your admission will be free at the point of access when you use your Chicago CityPASS.

BONUS: Chicago Architecture Center

A disclaimer: Unlike the attractions detailed above, nothing associated with the fabulous Chicago Architecture Center is found on any sort of local attraction pass (like the Go City Chicago Explorer Pass). However, did you see how I just described the Chicago Architecture Center as “fabulous”? That’s because it is, and I would be remiss if I didn’t conclude this article on architecture tours in Chicago by at least mentioning this outstanding resource.

Located on Wacker Drive, one block east of Michigan Avenue and one block south of the Chicago Riverwalk, the Chicago Architecture Center is your home for all things, well, Chicago architecture! Here you’ll find exhibits on the city’s architectural history, as well as galleries dedicated to envisioning what a Chicago “of the future” might look like, but the standout feature would have to be a model Chicago that contains over 4,000 buildings. The Chicago Architecture Center also runs some several dozen different architectural tours, including its acclaimed River Cruise. This 90-minute excursion is a real gem, and I would highly recommend it.

Six Things to Do in Chicago in Spring

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It’s true that there’s never a bad time to find yourself in a world-class city like Chicago, but still there’s just something about springtime in the Windy City. The flowers that line Michigan Avenue are starting to bloom again, people are returning to all number of fun activities along Lake Michigan, and there’s a crispness in the air that puts a pep in your step. Here are six Chicago activities that are sure to brighten up the spring months ahead.

Pick a Tour That’s Perfect for You

There’s so much to see and do in Chicago that many folks, longtime locals and first-time visitors alike, enjoy a good guided tour of the city. Be advised that picking out a tour of Chicago won’t be easy given how many options you’ll have at your disposal. Here you’ll encounter bike tours that let you design your own outing or follow an experienced guide, bus tours that hit up all the major tourist attractions, and boat tours that let you experience Chicago’s beautiful waterfront up close and personal. You’ll also find tours that cater to specific sets of interest, like Chicago’s rich architectural history or its sordid past as home to a cast of criminal characters like Al Capone and John Dillinger. No matter what sort of tour you’re interested in this spring, it’ll be available to you in Chicago, and quite possibly available to you as part of an attraction pass, which will help you organize your visit while spending less to do more.

Relax in a Picturesque Park

Maybe you’re the sort of person who lives in place with mild winters, where people don’t necessarily need to wait for the arrival of spring with bated breath. However, for the rest of us, spring can’t come soon enough, and when it does, the first thing we want to do is get outside and spend as much time as humanly possible basking in the fresh air.

There’s plenty of opportunities to do just that when you’re in Chicago during the spring months. Millennium Park, located along magnificent Michigan Avenue and adjacent to the Art Institute of Chicago, is a wonderful place to go for a stroll, have a picnic, or just sit in the shade of a tree and feel the breeze on your face. Nearby Grant Park, with stately Buckingham Fountain, is also conducive to these activities, and Lincoln Park, famous for its free zoo, is another excellent spot to relax, too.

Wear Green

That’s right, wear something green, embrace your inner Irish spirit, and plan to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style. If you’re lucky enough to be in Chicago during the month of March, then you’ll for sure want to partake in some of its delightful St. Patrick’s Day traditions. From dyeing the Chicago River green (yes, you read that correctly) to sponsoring multiple parades (like the official downtown route, as well as the long-running South Side Irish Parade and Northwest Side Irish Parade) and to hosting an Irish film festival and more, Chicago knows how to throw a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Catch an Irish band at a local restaurant, hoist an Irish drink at a neighborhood pub, attend the Irish American Heritage Center’s annual St. Patrick’s Fest, just whatever you do, be prepared to have the time o’ your life.

Root, Root, Root for the Home Team

The arrival of spring in Chicago each year means the triumphant return of baseball to the city. If you’ve never been to historic Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs and one of the most famous sporting venues in all of America, then I suggest you stop reading this blog at once and immediately go buy tickets to a game or take a stadium tour or just start exploring the lively Wrigleyville neighborhood now.

Make a plan to soak in some springtime sun at Wrigley Field ASAP, but don’t forget about Chicago’s favorite South Siders, the Chicago White Sox. They play at Guaranteed Rate Field, which though it doesn’t possess the same history as Wrigley, is still well worth a visit.

Take to the Lakefront Trail

Chicago’s Lakefront Trail is an absolute treasure, and it’d be a real shame if you found yourself in Chicago this spring and didn’t make time to enjoy it for, at the very least, an hour or two. This 18.5-mile paved trail runs directly alongside Lake Michigan from near South Shore Beach (just south of Jackson Park) to Edgewater Beach. Whether you’re walking, biking, or jogging, you’ll have some breathtaking views of Lake Michigan to the east and the city’s stunning skyline to the west. Depending on which segment of the Lakefront Trail you tackle, you could pass such landmarks as Burnham Park, Museum Campus, Grant Park, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Oak Street Beach, Lincoln Park, and North Avenue Beach. Yes, it’s worth it!

Explore the Museum Campus

There’s a lot to be said about the magic of spring and the power of the great outdoors. However, springtime in Chicago doesn’t have to mean only outdoor fun. There’s never a bad time of year to spend a day (or weekend) exploring Chicago’s Museum Campus. Located between Grant Park and Lake Michigan, the Museum Campus is home to acclaimed institutions like the Field Museum of Natural History, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium (all of which are attractions available as part of a Chicago attraction pass). Popular attractions like Soldier Field (home of the NFL’s Chicago Bears and Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire) and Northerly Island are found here, too. It’s the sort of place that has a little bit of something for everyone, making it the perfect springtime stop for the whole family.

Best Bets for Business Travel in Chicago

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When traveling for business, chances are you’re going to end up in Chicago at some point. The modern metropolis in the Midwest always ranks as one of the top destinations for business meetings and events, for good reason with its two airports, O’Hare and Midway, a major convention center, top-notch accommodations, restaurants for entertaining and interesting options for group outings. Have a look at the business bets.

Matter of Conventions

As the largest and most flexible use convention center in North America with 2.6 million square feet of event space, McCormick Place just so happens to be the choice venue for large scale trade and consumer events from the Chicago Auto Show to world congresses. Minutes from downtown, the center is on the lakefront and offers views of the iconic city skyline. Travelers who come to town to attend a convention or conference at McCormick are within a short distance of hotels, restaurants and attractions.

The Destination for Dining

Finding a place for a business lunch or dinner will never be a problem because Chicago is home to more than 7,300 restaurants including AAA Diamond Five Diamond establishments: Acadia, Alinea and Oriole, and more casual eateries. One way to get a taste is to come out for Chicago Restaurant Week, the annual dining event that takes place every winter (January 24-February 9 this year). More than 400 restaurants around town offer pre-fixe multi-course menus of sumptuous cuisine from Contemporary American to Asian Fusion, Italian, Mediterranean and so much more. 

Entertaining Around the Loop

When entertaining clients or colleagues is on the agenda, a night out taking in a Broadway-caliber production at one of the Chicago theaters in the Loop area downtown is always a good idea. Try to snag one of the best seats in the house at the James M. Nederlander Theatre which has the Donna Summer Musical on the playbill in February 2020 or the Cadillac Palace Theatre for My Fair Lady in March, and the  CIBC Theatre to see upcoming award-winning productions, Waitress and Dear Evan Hansen.

Seeing the Sights and Teambuilding: Group Outings

Meeting planners or anyone looking to organize an outing for a group in town might consider the Big Bus Chicago Hop-On and Hop-Off Tour. People can explore at their leisure and see iconic Chicago sites, such as the Magnificent Mile, the Field Museum and the Adler Planetarium. For those who want to experience the local flavor, Chicago Pizza Tours serves up a delightful experience and explores the classic pizzerias nestled in the different neighborhoods.

As for fun activities that work well for teambuilding, head to WhirlyBall Chicago for bumper cars, laser tag and games, or 10Pin Lanes to break the ice over pizza, pool and bowling.

Literary Chicago

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Vibrant stories, scenes, and the writers who bring them to life have quite the legacy in Chicago, and bibliophiles who want to experience this intriguing side of the city have many places to explore. From the historic home of a great American poet to the notorious landmarks of a gripping true-crime novel, fascinating museums, and libraries, have a look at one inspiring literary landscape.

Home of Carl Sandburg

On the North Side of Chicago in the Ravenswood neighborhood lies 4646 North Hermitage Avenue. While the home may be unassuming at first, know that inside its walls, the great poet Carl Sandburg lived there with his family and penned his moving poem “Chicago” and other works. Although the house is not open to the public, it makes for a nice addition on any self-guided walking tour of the area.

Newberry Library

People who have read “The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger will recognize this Chicago landmark as the place of employment of the character Henry. Established in 1886, the humanities library is free and open to the public, and regularly hosts engaging events, such as book talks to tours, film screenings, exhibits, and is a rather lovely place to just get lost in the stacks. 

The Devil & the White City Tour

Suspense, intrigue. and the real-life tale of a serial killer H.H. Holmes and the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago are all part of The Devil & the White City Tour offered by Weird Tours. The tour based on the book by Erik Larson travels to sites where the mysterious murderer sought his unfortunate victims, but also provides an in-depth look into the fair and 19th-century Chicago.

American Writers Museum

Since opening in 2017, the American Writers Museum attracts fans of fiction and non-fiction to its wondrous space nestled downtown between the Chicago River and Millennium Park. The interactive space celebrates all genres of writing and engages visitors with dynamic exhibits, such as Tools of the Trade featuring an impressive collection of typewriters including one owned by Ernest Hemingway, as well as enriching programs such as the weekly Little Squirrels Storytime for preschoolers.

Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum

See where it all started for the acclaimed author of The Sun Also Rises, The Old Man and The Sea, For Whom he Bell Tolls and other literature classics. Set just outside Chicago in the community of Oak Park is the house where Ernest Hemingway spent the first six years of his life. The docent-guided tours of the Queen Anne home offer a glimpse of the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer’s early years with colorful stories, furnishings and artifacts. 

What to Do in 2020

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Now that everyone is settling nicely into the new year, it’s time to make fun plans to get out in the months ahead. Locals and visitors to Chicago will be glad to know that 2020 entices with exciting new experiences, so be sure to keep these events and attractions on your radar the next time you want to explore the city.

Food Finds: Time Out Market Chicago

When it comes to eating and entertainment, food lovers will want to make their way to the West Loop to experience the newly opened Time Out Market Chicago at 916 W. Fulton Market. Curated by Time Out editors, the 50,000 square foot tri-level space features the best of the city under one roof including eats from the city’s outstanding chefs and restaurateurs such as the Band of Bohemia brewpub and Chef Thai Dang of HaiSous’s modern Vietnamese creations, three bars, and impressive skyline views. On the second floor, is where to find interesting experiences year-round from wellness workshops to craft markets.

Lunar New Year: Year of the Rat

Gong xi fa cai! Lunar New Year is upon us and Chicago will host a citywide celebration from January 24 through February 9, 2020, to showcase the Year of the Rat. From concerts to cultural performances and culinary, there will be lively festivities all around including the Official Chinese New Year Kickoff Event at Chicago Cultural Center with lions, dragons, and martial arts, oh my!  

Traditional Chinese music and theater will be on dramatic display during the Sixth Annual Chinese New Year Celebration Concert at Chicago Symphony Center on Sunday, January 26 at 3 p.m.Organized in collaboration with the Consulate of the People’s Republic of China, the afternoon program will feature the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra led by Yao Shenshen who will perform original and classic pieces such as “Dancing Birds” and “The Silk Road,” and the Zhejiang Shaoju Opera Theatre with a repertoire of instrumental music, vocals, dance, acrobatics and more.

On Sunday, February 2, the Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade is not one to miss with colorful floats, marching bands and special guests making their way up Wentworth Avenue to Cermak Road, A week later, the Lunar New Year Lantern Procession and Celebration will illuminate the city from Millennium Park to Maggie Daley Park and feature artmaking and other activities from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Hoop Dreams: NBA All-Star Weekend 2020

No big deal, but basketball’s biggest players are coming to town for NBA All-Star Game taking place on Sunday, February 16, 2020, at the United Center, home of the six-time NBA champion, the Chicago Bulls. Plenty is happening all weekend, including the NBA Crossover at Navy Pier February 14-16 featuring a showcase of basketball, culture, art, and technology with player appearances, performances, and other cool stuff.

Marveling at Masterpieces

The Chicago Institute of Art hosts two blockbuster exhibitions in 2020. On view March 7-June 21, El Greco: Ambition and Defiance features 55 works from the legendary painter, sculptor and architect including one of his final creations, “The Adoration of the Shepherds.” The second show not to miss is Monet and Chicago. Happening May 10-September 7, the major exhibit delves into the pioneering connection between the Father of Impressionism and the great Midwestern city, and features 65 paintings from still life to luscious landscapes in his signature style.

Music for the Masses: Year of Chicago Music

Get ready for awesome concerts and live shows because 2020 is the Year of Chicago Music. The celebration showcases a variety of homegrown music styles from blues to gospel and house. This summer watch out for a 17-day music festival starting Memorial Day weekend.

As you can see, there is a lot to look forward to in 2020!