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Magnificent Mile Tour

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Magnificent Mile Tour

Step into the heart of Chicago's grandeur on North Michigan Avenue, where luxury and history converge in spectacular fashion. This legendary stretch from Lake Michigan to the Chicago River stands as downtown's premier shopping destination, showcasing some of the city's most breathtaking architectural achievements. Venture with us into the adjacent Streeterville neighborhood, where Chicago's remarkable transformation following the Great Fire of 1871 unfolds before your eyes. Join your knowledgeable local guide as we unveil the captivating stories and hidden gems of this essential Chicago experience!

Our journey begins at the iconic Wrigley Building beside the DuSable Bridge, the gateway that sparked North Michigan Avenue's century of growth and prosperity. We'll explore landmark structures before heading east to discover the colorful "Streeter Legend" that gave Streeterville its name. Returning to the magnificent "Boul Mich," we'll proceed northward through corridors of elegance until reaching the historic Water Tower—a resilient symbol as the area's sole survivor of the Great Chicago Fire. Our exploration concludes at the prestigious Drake Hotel at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Walton Street.

See a side of the Mag Mile you have never before on our Magnificent Mile Tour today!

Meeting Point: See booking confirmation for meeting spot details.

Distance: 1.7 miles walking distance

Time: 2 hours from start to finish

Cost: FREE! Our guides work off the generosity of our guests. If you felt your guide has done a good job you can show your appreciation at the end of the tour by leaving a tip.

What you will see: 

  • Wrigley Building
  • Plaza of the Americas
  • Billy Goat Tavern
  • Tribune Tower
  • “Cap” Streeter Monument
  • The former Medinah Athletic Club/Intercontinental Hotel
  • Warwick-Allerton Hotel
  • Historic Water Tower and Pumping Station
  • Water Tower Place
  • 875 N. Michigan Avenue (home of The 360)
  • Palmolive Building
  • 900 N. Michigan Avenue
  • One Magnificent Mile
  • Drake Hotel

Stories you will be told: 

  • The first settlement in Chicago
  • A street made of wood
  • The devastation of the Chicago Fire
  • “Cap” Streeter and the history of Streeterville
  • The Michigan Avenue Bridge and two streets joined
  • Arthur Rubloff and the origin of the Magnificent Mile
  • A restaurant, newspapers, and two TV comedy shows
  • Baseball’s “Curse of the Goat”
  • The newspaper building with stones from around the world
  • A rooftop bar, home to a famous radio show
  • One of the world’s largest coffee roasteries
  • A gym with a landing place for dirigibles
  • Tribute to a great leader of the Americas
  • A beacon, a soap company, and Playboy
  • A historic church

More Free Chicago Walking Tours

We know you will love the Magnificent Mile Tour, so why not plan ahead and book another tour? If you're group is larger than 6 people and our times don't work out contact us regarding a Private Chicago Walking Tour.

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