Mike

Making architecture, design, & history fun & interesting!

  • I live in Chicago
  • I speak English
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 13 hours

Hi there! Nice to meet you

Mike

I love cities, and my entire adult life has centered on understanding them between my:

* Studying real estate and urban planning at the University of Wisconsin-Madison,

* Working 17 years as a real estate investment professional focused on the usability and economics of buildings,

* Volunteering 15 years as a Chicago Architecture Center docent creating and giving tours to people all over the world, and

* Launching Tours With Mike in 2021 as my one-person, full-time tour company delivering special in-person and virtual experiences.

Through Tours With Mike, I’ve accumulated many accolades, including:

* Many media profiles, including the Chicago Tribune saying I offer “the local architecture tour that needed to happen” and WTTW’s Geoffrey Baer calling me “a tour guide’s tour guide,”

* Runner-up for the Chicago Reader’s Best Tour in 2021 and 2022,

* Out of TripAdvisor’s 369 rated tours and activities in Chicago, I’m #3.

My passion for Chicago really shines through on my tours, and I hope to see you on one soon!

  • I live in Chicago
  • I speak English
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 13 hours

Book one of my offers in Chicago

Let's explore Chicago together! As your local guide, I'll show you the best of Chicago on a private & personalized tour for you.

Did you know that I can personalize your experience?

All Withlocals tours are completely customisable to your needs. Just let me know your preferences for a private and personalized experience!

Reviews

Louise
15 October 2024
Mike was a fantastic guide and very informative. Would thoroughly recommend this tour. We went to places we would never have found on our own. Faboulous Chicago Tour
Dawn
17 September 2024
We enjoyed our time with Mike and learned so many interesting facts about history and architecture of Chicago! Excellent Walking Tour of Chicago!
gimaklein
15 November 2023
Our tour with Mike has been excellent - a great way to explore Chicago! Mike is extremely knowledgeable about all things history, culture and architecture of the city. Even more importantly, he is extremely nice and easy-going, so time flew. We highly recommend Mike! Wonderful experience in Chicago
Shawn
12 April 2023
Mike is amazing. He knows Chicago like the back of his hand. I had never been there and I took photos of the exact things I had wanted to. Mike is patient, warm and kind. He's also funny with great energy. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend his tours!The best photo opportunities!
Pat
5 April 2023
Chicago's Neighborhoods - Chinatown An excellent tour. It's unlikely I'll ever be able to spend any time in Chicago but I really enjoyed walking through the Chinatown neighbourhood with Mike!!Excellent and very worthwhile!
Chris
8 March 2023
This is our second tour with Mike, but definitely not our last! The two-hour tour is jam-packed with interesting and well-researched information. Even as native Illinoisans, there was a lot of new anecdotes and perspectives to consider. Highly recommend for native Chicagoans AND visitors alike! Mike has such a friendly and easy-going way of presenting the information and I just love his unique takes on buildings that I've walked past dozens of times.For Native Chicagoans and Visitors Alike
Chris
2 March 2023
My husband and I went on this tour because we thought it was a unique concept. Money well spent! Not only was this highly entertaining, but Mike was super knowledgeableDefinitely repeat customers!
Rob
1 March 2023
We just did our second Tour With Mike, this time the Underground Chicago tour. Really fun. We explored the bowels of the city, from familiar spots like the Billy Goat on Lower Michigan to portions of the labyrinthine Pedway. I've lived here over 30 years and saw some things I've never seen before. Mike is great. Knowledgeable, friendly, engaging. He's a fantastic tour guide for visitors and longtime residents alike. Thank you!A Must for Visitors & Locals, Too
Judy
4 February 2023
Awesome Tour - fantastic blend of architectural knowledge, Chicago history and entertainment - Mike does a great job making this tour fun - and a great value! We will use his tours again in the future!Excellent Tour - Highly Recommended

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