Group and Private Tours

Let the CAC help you plan an engaging, entertaining and memorable experience for your group.

Let the CAC help you plan an engaging, entertaining and memorable experience for your group.


Why Book a Group or Private Tour with the CAC?

  • Flexible departures to fit your group’s schedule and time frame.
  • Tours led by certified volunteer docents with a passion for Chicago and its architecture.
  • Proven customer satisfaction, evidenced by our five-star rating on TripAdvisor.
  • Group size flexibility to meet your needs.

Concierge information can be found here
A docent in red pointing at a crowd seated on a boat tourA docent in red pointing at a crowd seated on a boat tour

Boat Tours

The CAC River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady is consistently ranked among the city’s most popular tours. For 90 minutes, your group will explore historic and modern architecture while enjoying a relaxing cruise along all three branches of the Chicago River.

Things to know
  • 90-minute tours depart daily from late March to mid-November
  • Frequent and multiple departures available mornings, afternoons and evenings
  • Depart from Chicago’s Riverwalk at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive (112 E. Wacker Drive)
  • Mobility access and motorcoach drop-off on Sub-Wacker Drive at river level
  • Beverage packages available
  • Rates include applicable tax
  • Add on a visit to the Chicago Architecture Center for $5 per person


Looking to book a Private boat Tour?

Private departures can be arranged. For further information, please fill out the contact form below.

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    Boat Tours FAQ


  • icon with stick man and a red triangle

    Walking & Bus Tours FAQ


A group of tourists having an engaging interaction with a docent in a red jacketA group of tourists having an engaging interaction with a docent in a red jacket

Walking tours

Walking tours give your group a chance to see Chicago's magnificent architecture up-close. A CAC docent will lead the way, providing in-depth observations and leaving plenty of time for questions and discussion.

Walking tours for groups

Walking tours are offered year-round and include admission to CAC exhibits.


Rates
  • 10 persons or fewer: $250/ group
  • 10 persons or more: $27*/person


*Tour operator discounts are available. Contact Group Sales for these rates.

Student groups

We require 1 adult chaperone for every 10 students; chaperones are complementary within a 1:10 ratio.

Looking to book a private walking tour?

Groups of 10 or more are welcome to book private departures of our most popular tours. For further information, please fill out the contact form below.

Walking tour options

Most of our walking tours can be group tours. See all walking tours.

Group of tourists getting ready to board a tour busGroup of tourists getting ready to board a tour bus

Step on bus tours

We are happy to arrange a docent to guide your group on an architecture tour using your bus. We have several themed itineraries, including Architectural Highlights, Frank Lloyd Wright in Oak Park or the Devil in the White City.

Bus tours for groups


Rates

Step-on service starts at $600.


Looking to book a private bus tour?

Groups of 10 or more are welcome to book private departures of our most popular tours. For further information, please fill out the contact form below.

Small group of folks in business attire listening to a docent in a red shirt describing what they are seeingSmall group of folks in business attire listening to a docent in a red shirt describing what they are seeing

Speciality Tours

Let the CAC design and lead a bespoke tour for up to eight attendees based on your group’s interests!

Customized tours for groups


Rates

Specialty customized tours such as Architecture Conversations start with a minimum two-hour reservation at $375, with each additional hour $125. For further information, please fill out the contact form below.

Group of kids pointing on a map wall with teacher looking on.Group of kids pointing on a map wall with teacher looking on.

Student Tours

The CAC's field trips include walking tours geared toward students grades K-12, as well as other exciting opportunities to explore the built environment, such as hands-on workshops and tours of the CAC.

Field Trip Information
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Accessibility & Safety

The CAC welcomes all visitors and is committed to making its offerings feel safe and accessible to everyone.

Clickable arrow to Accessibility page

Group Tour FAQ

  • We can create a group tour experience for any size group! Special pricing for groups begins with groups of 20 or more.

  • Admission to the CAC exhibits is part of your walking, bus or group tour experience and included in the price of your tour. Discounted admission to the CAC is available with River Cruise group tickets.


  • Our tours are designed for ages 14 and older. However, we do offer tours and workshops specifically for students. Visit our Field Trips page for more information.

    River cruise content is not designed for young children and no student discounts are available.

See all Group and Private Tour FAQ

Contact Group Sales