With all of the impressive architecture the city of Chicago has to offer, where do you start? The answer is the Chicago Architecture Center. Visit the newly opened CAC location on East Wacker Street to see a scale model of Chicago and all 4,250 buildings that are part of the architectural tours. Then, choose from one of the 85 options for boat, bus, walking, or L train tours to experience the architecture first-hand.
Volunteer docents that are experts in the field lead all of the tours and do an excellent job explaining many little-known facts about the city’s greatest structures. Also, be sure to mark your calendar for the annual Open House Chicago event in October. This free event hosted by the Chicago Architecture Center gives you a behind the scenes glimpse of over 250 places in and around the city. Tour skyscrapers, private clubs, and mansions alike as part of this popular yearly festival. Get a map of all the Open House Chicago sites online, and while you’re at their site, learn more about the rich history of this Chicago institution.