College & University Architecture Trips to Chicago

Return flights to Chicago

3 nights' room-only accommodation

All current taxes and surcharges

Single rooms for party leaders

1 leader free for 10 paying passengers

24-hour assistance and support

Home » Trips » University & College Architecture Trips To Chicago

An Unforgettable Experience Awaits

Architecture students will gain an understanding of American architecture through the variety of buildings throughout the city of Chicago.

Trip Highlights

See for miles from the Willis Tower

Frank Lloyd Wright’s The Robie House

Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise

The white terracotta tower of the Wrigley Building

Recommended excursions

Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) River Cruise

This is the most popular tour aboard Chicago’s First Lady. The city’s growth into one of the world’s busiest crossroads is interpreted through more than 50 architectural highlights, with certified volunteer tour guides bringing the story to life. This is a must for budding photographers with twilight trips providing a captivating new take on the cityscape. Please note this excursion is seasonal.

3 hours View on map

Willis Tower

Not only the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, the Willis Tower is a hub of business and tourism in Chicago. From this cultural landmark students can see views of 40-50 miles from the Skydeck and experience The Ledge – a glass balcony suspended 1353 feet in the air. Tip: To fully experience sunset and nightscapes from the Skydeck, arrive 30 – 40 minutes before dusk.

Half day View on map

The Robie House

Students can experience first hand the pioneering work of architect Frank Lloyd Wright on the University of Chicago campus. This supreme example of the Prairie style was seen as a precursor to modernist architecture. Tours provide experience of one of the most important buildings in American history and the exciting restoration work in progress.

1- 2 hours View on map

The Wrigley Building

A pristine example of the work of architectural firm Graham, Anderson, Probst and White. The structure’s signature, gleaming facade owes to a solid exterior of glazed white terracotta and was built to house the HQ of chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. It is both a symbol of Chicago’s design excellence and thriving business community.

1- 2 hours View on map

Merchandise Mart

Take your group on a trip downtown to the world’s largest commercial building on the banks of the Chicago River. Built in the 1920s as a central marketplace, it has become an integral part of the city’s art, business and media culture. Over 38,500 people pass through the doors each working day, providing an important glimpse into Chicago life.

1- 2 hours View on map

Glessner House Museum

From the museum students can take a guided tour of the city’s oldest surviving building, Clarke House – built 1836 – and of Glessner House itself – a landmark for the decorative arts. As one of Chicago’s architectural treasures, the site on Prairie Avenue is a centre for understanding 20th century design innovation and the radical work of Henry Robson Richardson.

2 hours View on map

Typical accommodation

Chicago’s Essex Inn ★★★

What groups like:

Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Art Institute of Chicago are nearby
Opposite Grant Park
3 blocks from the Loop business district

Facilities:

Indoor swimming pool
TV and free Wi-Fi access
Fridge in room

Trip Advisor reviews

Hostelling International Chicago

What groups like:

Centrally located & near the airport
Walking distance from Millennium Park, Harold Washington Library & Art Institute of Chicago
The Skydeck & Willis Tower are nearby

Facilities:

Games room with arcade games & pool table
Free Wi-Fi access in the lobby
Breakfast included & daily housekeeping

Trip Advisor reviews

Learning outcomes

We’ll create a architecture course trip that fits the requirements of your student group, course goals and learning objectives.We want university and college groups to have the best time on their trips abroad and bask in Chicagos surroundings so that they can apply what they see and learn to their studies when they return. To do this we work with lecturers and trip leaders to ensure each aspect of the itinerary covers relevant educational touch points.If there is a visit not listed that you would like to include in your tour, get in touch with us and we’ll do everything we can to organise it for you and your group.

“

Our trip was well organised and booked. We definitely be back to book again next year.

Kingston University

Book with confidence

Ready to arrange your next adventure?
Request a quote today. Enter your name and email to begin your no obligation quote tailored to your group and learning objectives.