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Chicago Architecture Foundation


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #8 of 514 attractions in Chicago
Traveler Description: Organization dedicated to Chicago Architecture provides numerous walking and boat tours as well as a gift shop.  Among the many tours they offer... more »
Know about Chicago Architecture Foundation? Share your expertise with other travelers. Add to this description now.
Attraction type: Tourist/visitor center, Tour, Shop
Activities: Group tours/city tour
Address: 224 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60604
Tel: 312-922-3432

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
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5 of 5 stars
SeminarTrekker   1,092 contributions
Sacramento Valley
Dec 21, 2008
3/3 found this review helpful

I found the Architecture Foundation boat tour to be enjoyable. True, you're just looking at a lot high rises and converted warehouses, but hey this is not San Francisco! If you're not a fan of different styles of architecture then you might skip this tour, but if you're into style, building art and history then I recommend this tour. It... more

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2 of 5 stars
uclaharvard   1 contribution
Los Angeles
Oct 27, 2008
1/2 found this review helpful

The tour was fine. I had read all these reviews I was expecting more or better. The demeanor of the guide was not particularly friendly or professional. It was a little bit boring, as othe reviewers suggested. It is a great vantage point from which to look at buildings, very different. There are several other options though, including less expensive... more

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5 of 5 stars
cadgwith   28 contributions
Berkshire, UK
Oct 26, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

We did river cruise, Downtown Deco & Modern Skyscraper tours. Latter was a bit dull in places, but first 2 were terrific. We saw buildings (inside and out) that were not mentioned in guide books, and the guides gave us tips on seeing things (like the inside of the Trump tower) that we'd never otherwise have known about. more

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5 of 5 stars
LZB777   24 contributions
Houston, Texas
Aug 24, 2008
2/2 found this review helpful

CAF boat tour was one of the top highlights on our trip to Chicago. The tour guide was very knowledgeable, yet explained things in ordinary terms, using lots of analogies so us non-engineers/non-architects could understand! I've visited Chicago two times before, but this was the first time I'd been on this tour, and I'm so glad I finally made it.... more

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4 of 5 stars
ernesto61   9 contributions
London
Jun 19, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

This tour was great - but too short. There are so many fantastic buildings that the docent (guide) hardly had time to breathe during the 90 minute tour. The views of the buildings and the history and facts behind them were amazing and I wouldn't have missed it for anything. I do think that a 2 hour tour would provide... more

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5 of 5 stars
MaxShiraz   24 contributions
Chicago
Feb 26, 2008
4/4 found this review helpful

I've done the boat tour twice and it's the best attraction in Chicago. Knowledable guides and a great trip along the Chicago river and it's forks. Can be busy on a sunny summer weekend so you'll need to book ahead. more

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5 of 5 stars
ragaja   39 contributions
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nov 14, 2007
5/5 found this review helpful

this was one of the best things i did in chicago. because i was there in december, the boat tours were closed and we did a walking tour. i really think you want to do the walking tour because you get inside some of the buildings. i wish i took more pictures. more

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5 of 5 stars
psaltyne   10 contributions
Charlotte, NC
Sep 4, 2007
3/3 found this review helpful

I took both the Historic Skyscraper walking tour (2 hours) and the Boat tour (90 min) - both were EXCELLENT and were really good for the value. The guides talk non-stop and are a wealth of information on the beautiful buildings that make up Chicago. I would definitely head back to do maybe the Modern or the neighborhood tour (goes... more

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5 of 5 stars
misslily   3 contributions
Boston
Sep 3, 2007
1/1 found this review helpful

This was so much fun and we learned a lot! A great overview of the development of the skyscraper and of 20th century architecture! The docent was fantastic, we covered a lot, and it was a beautiful 2 hour stroll. Can't recommend it enough. more

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4 of 5 stars
BEREA BON VIVANT   16 contributions
Berea OH
Jul 4, 2006
2/2 found this review helpful

If you're a true Frank Lloyd Wright buff (and willing to part with $45), check out CAF's Tuesday tour which departs at 9:30 a.m. for Oak Park. A knowledgeable interpreter offered commentary on both Wright's personal life and career as well as other elements of architecture enroute to his home and studio. Another interpreter took over at that point as... more

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Chicago Architecture Foundation Address

224 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60604
Tel: 312-922-3432