Step into history: Chicago Architecture Center’s walking tours are back for 2025

The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) has launched its highly anticipated 2025 season of walking tours, offering an expanded program designed to showcase the stories behind Chicago's iconic architecture. According to the press release, tickets are now available for 72 walking tours overall, with 13 "Essential" tours departing from the CAC's downtown location at 111 E. Wacker Drive, while others explore Chicago's diverse neighborhoods, cemeteries, and themed locations across the city's 77 community areas.

As reported by the organization, these docent-led tours are free for members and start at $35 for non-members, with all ticket revenue supporting the CAC's educational mission. Four brand-new tours have been introduced for 2025, including "Lakeshore Living: Steel and Stone" in Streeterville and "Kenilworth-South: Wright, Maher & Burnham" exploring the North Shore's lakefront community. Additionally, two other new tours will be located at prominent Chicago universities, including the “Loyola University Campus” tour and “Columbia College: Revitalizing the South Loop” tour.

The popularity of CAC's tours continues to build on strong momentum from previous years. According to TripAdvisor reviews, the Chicago Architecture Center maintains an impressive 4.8-star rating with over 3,900 reviews and ranks as the #6 attraction among 1,600 things to do in Chicago. Recent visitor feedback demonstrates the tours' continued appeal, with travelers consistently praising the knowledgeable volunteer docents and comprehensive architectural education provided.

As reported by the press release, the program's most popular tours include "Historic Treasures of Chicago's Golden Age," "Chicago Architecture: A Walk Through Time," and "Must-See Chicago," along with specialty tours for the Chicago Pedway, Chinatown, Gold Coast’s Astor Street, and Graceland Cemetery. These seven top-rated tours alone represent 1,300 departures and over 10,000 individual tickets sold, demonstrating significant visitor demand.

The tours' success stems from their unique approach, utilizing over 330 trained volunteer docents who complete extensive six-week courses in architectural fundamentals. According to a statement in the press release by John Schneider, President of the Docent Council, "Our tours are so special because of that training, and because of the unique perspective each docent provides."

"Our walking tours give people a new lens to view the city," said Eleanor Esser Gorski, President and CEO of the Chicago Architecture Center, as reported in the announcement. The tours offer intimate experiences with featured buildings while exploring both well-known landmarks and lesser-known neighborhoods like Pilsen, Kenwood, and Humboldt Park.

Tour participants beginning at the downtown center can also visit the Design Store, featuring unique finds from over 75 local artists and designers.