Gold Coast: Dearborn St.

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Immerse in the Gold Coast’s charm with a walk on Dearborn Street, featuring early 1900s architecture and storied residential history.
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See beautifully preserved examples of domestic architecture of the early 1900s in this delightful walk along three blocks of Dearborn Street in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast.

Duration
1.5 hours
Site Type
Neighborhoods
Location
Northside
Architects and Styles
Meet

Benches on the north side of the intersection of North Blvd. and N. Dearborn St., 45 N. Blvd.

Learn the history of this storied Near North neighborhood, established in the wake of the Great Chicago Fire, including tales of the affluent, occasionally eccentric people who lived in the area’s original homes. This tour includes one of Chicago’s late 19th century churches, still flourishing, and a former women’s residence hall that’s now a bustling retail store and restaurant. 

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
  • The tour begins directly north of the intersection of Dearborn Street and North Boulevard, near 47 W. North Blvd, on the edge of the park.
  • The tour ends three blocks south, at the intersection of Dearborn and Goethe streets.
Notes:
  • Many tours sell out. To guarantee your space advance reservations are strongly recommended.
  • Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your tour. View the CAC's hours.
  • Your safety is our priority. The itinerary of this tour may be altered in accordance with health and safety policies and considerations.

Tour reviews

    • Dearborn Street is a snapshot of Chicago life at the turn-of-the-last-century for the hard-working members of the middle class. The colorful cast of residents range from civic scoundrels to civic heroes, and the homes they built mirror the domestic architecture of the time.
      Virginia GerstCAC Docent
    • This tour was like a step back in time. I could imagine my German-born grandparents settling here while they ran their small business.
      Tour attendee
  • A street-level photo of the Jacob Rehm House/Lurie Mansion

    Jacob Rehm House/Lurie Mansion

  • A street-level photo of Lucius B. Mantonya Fats

    Lucius B. Mantonya Flats

  • A street-level photo of 1538 N. Dearborn

    1538 N. Dearborn

  • A street-level photo of 1520-1522 N. Dearborn

    1520-1522 N. Dearborn

FAQ

  • Essential walking tours depart from the center at 111 East Wacker; they are free for all CAC members. Premier walking tours depart from other locations across Chicago, including neighborhood tours. Premier tours are discounted for individual, dual and family memberships and free for Deco level and above.

  • The CAC welcomes all visitors and is committed to making its offerings feel safe and accessible to everyone. Learn more about accessibility options.

  • Many of our tours depart from the CAC at 111 E. Wacker. Your ticket (regular or print-at-home) will indicate the departure location. If you have any questions about your tour’s meeting place, give us a call at 312.922.TOUR (8687).

    For tours that don’t begin at the CAC, please consult the individual tour webpage, or call 312.922.TOUR (8687) for details on the meeting location.

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Group & Private Tours

CAC offers discounted rates and customized options for groups and tour operators. Learn about options here.

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Free Center Entry with Your Ticket

Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your walking or bus tour.

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