Marvels & Feats: An Engineer's Tour of Chicago Architecture
Chicago is the birthplace of the skyscraper: imagine what incredible stories of engineering feats it has to tell!
Join Inside Chicago Walking Tours on our newest route — it’s Chicago’s ONLY engineering-themed tour! You’ll cover more than 150 years of engineering evolution, learning from a real engineer who makes the information accessible and graspable without ever dumbing it down. We believe that everyone can understand and be fascinated by these concepts if taught in an engaging and fun way.
You’ll see a building from the “father of the skyscraper,” who was actually an engineer and a classmate of Gustav Eiffel. You’ll learn how a “haunted” building gets its reputation simply by settling unevenly on its “floating” foundation. You’ll marvel at how Chicago’s buildings handle gravity and wind.
And as on all of our tours, you’ll visit the interiors of a few buildings to truly get that sense that you’ve seen inside Chicago!
Options
Marvels & Feats: Engineering
What's included in Marvels & Feats: An Engineer's Tour of Chicago Architecture
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Downtown / The Loop
The majority of this tour will happen Chicago's famous downtown district, "The Loop," where we will pop inside a couple buildings notable for their structural design.
Chicago Riverwalk
We will explore some more recent engineering feats along the Chicago River, with beautiful views!
Inclusions
- Local guide
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately!
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- We meet directly in front of 430 South Michigan Ave.
End Points
- We end with a sweeping view of the Chicago River!
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
Tour meets directly in front of (outside) 430 South Michigan Avenue -- note it's SOUTH Michigan Avenue, NOT North!
