Guided Bus Tour

Let us introduce you to Wright sites in our shining city on the lake on an exclusive small group tour, traveling in the comfort of a chauffeur-driven, air-conditioned, small-scale bus with expert commentary by a Trust interpreter. 

The growth of Chicago into a major urban center is due, in large part, to its strategic location on Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes, the largest body of fresh water in the world. It is a source of commerce, recreation and inspiration, with a beauty as revered as the skyscrapers and parks that line its shores. 

Your excursion begins at the magnificent Rookery Building, a UNESCO World Heritage nomination in the heart of the city’s downtown financial district. Your tour includes Wright’s Rookery Light Court designed in 1905 and Daniel Burnham’s Private Library Office located on the 11th floor of the building, where Wright also had an office. 

Continuing north on Lake Shore Drive you will see Lincoln Park, a jewel in Chicago’s “green necklace” of public parks that are an essential feature of Daniel Burnham’s great plan for the city. This is the only tour that includes Wright’s 1915 Emil Bach House, originally designed as a lake house for the Bach family. This exquisitely restored home is now Chicago’s only Wright designed vacation-stay residence. Your tour of this treasure may beckon you back for a future personal vacation or event in this beautiful home. 

Traveling south on Lake Shore Drive, you will pass Jackson Park, former location of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, named the White City, and now the future home of the Obama Presidential Center. You will drive along the Midway Plaisance, a grand 19th century esplanade, to your final destination at the Frederick C. Robie House, Wright’s most famous and influential Prairie design, now inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list of Wright’s iconic buildings. 

Relax and enjoy a casual private lunch at the Robie House when it is closed to the public, a unique experience of this landmark of 20th century modernism. After lunch, you will take an in-depth tour of the Robie House, touching on its architecture as well as the history of the Robie family and their time spent there. Take in the majestic city and lake views on your scenic return drive back to The Rookery where you are invited to enjoy discount shopping at The Rookery boutique.

Tours on Wednesdays from June through October

Hours: 9 am to 2 pm
Admission: $195 General, $185 Trust members
(Includes guided tours, coach transportation, lunch.)