Chicago Loop Skyscraper Tour

Early, Elegant Edifices

Loop: Home of the Modern Skyscraper

Tour runs Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Book now!

We start our tour at one of the most interesting turn-of-the-century buildings in the Loop — the Fine Arts Building. You’ll meet your guide at the 410 S. Michigan Ave entrance. Built in 1884 as a showroom and office complex for the Studebaker Automobile Company, the building was converted twelve years later into its present-day use — a haven for artists, theatre and dance groups, recording studios, interior and web design firms, musical instrument makers and other businesses associated with the arts.

From there we venture a few blocks west to tour the Harold Washington Chicago Public Library, the design of which was the winner of a competition to design a new library for the City of Chicago.  Leaving the library we will view four Chicago landmarks built in the late 1800s, then we’re off to the beautiful Marquette Building, the Field Building (built on the site of the world’s first modern skyscraper, the Home Insurance Building) and to see a close-up glimpse of the spectacular atrium lobby of the world-renowned Rookery Building. We’ll also have a quick stop at one of Chicago’s first food halls (purchases optional).

We then make our way to the beautifully restored Quincy L stop (authentic 1897 design) where we will board the L, one of the Chicago Tribune’s “7 Wonders of Chicago,” and head to the other side of the Loop. We visit the iconic Macy’s (formerly Marshall Field’s) department store to see the beautiful Tiffany mosaic then we wrap up the tour at the Cultural Center to experience the world’s largest Tiffany dome.

Want to explore more of Chicago? Check out our  Underground Chicago Pedway Tour  that runs Wednesday and Friday.


Book Loop: Home of the Modern Skyscraper

Duration: 3.5 hours

Price: Adult $60

  • Tour price includes transit fees. Food/beverages purchased by guests.
  • Days of operation: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
  • Start time: 10 a.m.
  • Tour begins and ends in the Loop.
  • Walking distance: 1.5 miles
Loop: Home of the Modern Skyscraper Logo

Additional Information

Ticket Purchase Requirements

  • Must be able to climb stairs.
  • Tour requires minimum of 2 guests to run.
  • Tickets are required for all guests.
  • Children must be 12 years or older and accompanied by an adult (age 18 or older). Tickets for children are not discounted.

Tour Meeting Point and Stops