Tour Descriptions

The Great Migration: African American Heritage - NEW TOUR!

Saturdays: February 25, July 28, October 13; 10 am – 2:30 pm
The Great Migration of African Americans to the North in the early 20th century was one the most important eras in Chicago’s history. Visit historic Bronzeville to see hallmarks of arts, music and culture, both past and present, in this vibrant community they built. 

Art In Transit: CTA Public Art - NEW TOUR!

Fridays: June 1, August 31; 10 am – 2 pm
Chicago is home to a world renowned collection of public art. On this tour, experience original artworks displayed throughout the Chicago Transit Authority rail system, many of them created through the federally funded Arts in Transit public works program.

Avondale & Old Irving
Saturdays: May 19, September 15, October 6; 10 am – 2:30 pm
See magnificent homes, gorgeous churches and stunning Prairie style landmarks in two of the city’s hottest neighborhoods, where artsy hipsters and blue collar workers hang out side by side in these former working class communities that literally built Chicago.

Beverly
Saturdays: April 28, July 14, September 8; 10 am – 2:30 pm
Visit beautiful Beverly, Chicago’s historic Irish neighborhood, and marvel at architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright. Take a behind-the-scenes look at a 19th century mansion that is now a private home, and see the phenomenal Vanderpoel Collection of American Art.

Bridgeport

Saturdays: March 31, June 2, August 4; 10 am – 2:30 pm
Bridgeport traces several phases of Chicago’s history through its monumental churches and other relics of the neighborhood’s working-class past, and its recent transformation into one of the city’s hottest new arts and dining scenes.

Bucktown, Humboldt Park & Logan Square

Fridays: June 8, July 13, August 10; 10 am – 2 pm
Within a relatively small area on the West Side lie three distinct characters that are uniquely Chicago. Experience Bucktown’s designer boutiques and hipster hangouts; Chicago’s proud Puerto Rican community in Humboldt Park; and stunning homes along historic, tree-lined boulevards in Logan Square.

Chicago's Magnificent Churches
Saturdays: March 10, July 28, September 22, October 20; 10 am – 2:30 pm
Many of the city’s grandest houses of worship are treasure troves of art, architecture and stained glass. Come with us to some of these stunning sacred spaces and discover the religions, cultures and communities that make up this great city.

Elegant Gold Coast - NEW TOUR!

Fridays: June 22, July 20, August 17; 10 am – 2 pm
Experience the glitz and glamour of the rich and famous in the Gold Coast - the historic stomping grounds of Chicago’s 19th century elite. See the magnificent architecture of the monumental homes and opulent hotels where well-heeled Chicagoans lived and played.

FIRE! The Great Chicago Fire - NEW TOUR!
Thursdays: June 14, July 12, August 9; 10 am – 2 pm
The Great Fire of 1871 reduced Chicago to ashes, devastating the city and changing hundreds of thousands of lives forever. On this tour, learn about the city’s valiant efforts to contain the fire, and its dramatic rebirth to the Chicago of today.

Graceland Cemetery
Saturdays: May 12, August 11; 10 am – 2:30 pm
See lavish monuments forever immortalizing some of Chicago’s leading citizens on a guided tour of historic Graceland Cemetery. Behind these walls are 119 acres of some of the city’s most beautiful green spaces and noteworthy names.

Greektown, Chinatown & Little Italy
Fridays: June 15, July 6, August 3; 10 am – 2 pm
There is much more to Greektown, Chinatown and Little Italy than just delicious cuisines! Discover the history and architecture of these popular ethnic enclaves and learn about the proud immigrant communities that built them.

Historic Hotels of Chicago - NEW TOUR!
Thursdays: June 21, July 19, August 16; 10 am – 2 pm
Chicago’s hotels were internationally renowned for their opulence and luxury in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Relive the grandeur of the Gilded Age on a guided tour of some of the city’s most historic and architecturally stunning hotels.

Historic Parks & Boulevards - NEW TOUR! 

Thursdays: June 28, July 26, August 23; 10 am – 2 pm
Chicago city planner Daniel Burnham envisioned acres of beautiful green spaces and wide, majestic tree-lined boulevards in his ‘City Beautiful’ movement. Experience the "City in a Garden" – Chicago’s motto – on this tour of historic parks and boulevards.

Honor and Glory: Military Tributes - NEW TOUR!
Saturdays: June 23, September 29, November 3; 10 am – 2:30 pm
This tour traces America’s military history through local monuments and memorials. Learn about the role of the ‘citizen soldier’, and be awed by the imposing structures honoring veterans of our nation’s most storied conflicts.

Hops & Barley: Pubs & Micro-breweries - NEW TOUR!

Saturdays: March 24, April 14, May 12, June 2, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 13, November 10; 11 am – 3:30 pm
Go behind the scenes to witness the secrets of artisanal beer making at some of Chicago's newest microbreweries, and swing by several local pubs for a taste of these special brews.

Hyde Park & Kenwood
Saturdays: April 21, June 30, October 20; 10 am – 2:30 pm
Experience the history and majesty of Hyde Park and neighboring Kenwood. These communities are home to stately mansions, landmark Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, the University of Chicago’s Gothic style campus, and President Barack Obama’s Chicago residence.

Lincoln Park, Lakeview & Wrigleyville 
Fridays: June 29, July 27, August 24; 10 am – 2 pm
Plenty of great shops and restaurants, exciting entertainment and Wrigley Field make this one of the city’s most popular areas among hip, young city dwellers. Discover these neighborhoods’ rich histories and stunning historical landmarks on this tour.

Out and Proud: LGBT Chicago - NEW TOUR!
Saturdays: May 26, June 16, August 4; 10 am – 2:30 pm
Chicago is home to one of the most vibrant gay and lesbian communities in the country. Explore the heart of the city’s LGBT community, Boystown, and its lively offshoot, Andersonville, and discover other LGBT-oriented neighborhood attractions.

POLSKA! Chicago’s Polish Downtown - NEW TOUR!
Saturdays: March 3, July 21, September 29; 10 am – 2:30 pm
Chicago’s sizeable Polish population – the largest anywhere outside of Warsaw – has made a huge impact on the city’s history and architecture. Explore the ornate churches, historic theaters and other landmarks that have sustained this community in the past and present.

Pullman
Saturdays: May 19, June 16, August 25, September 22; 10 am – 2:30 pm
A visit to Pullman is like looking at a snapshot in time. This perfectly preserved neighborhood was a model community designed and engineered for employees of George Pullman’s railcar factory. Get a glimpse of this landmark community’s fascinating history.

Rosehill Cemetery
Saturday: July 7; 10 am – 2:30 pm
Opulent tombs memorialize famous Chicagoans such as Oscar Mayer and Montgomery Ward in Rosehill Cemetery. Its ornate limestone gate, a Romanesque chapel, and a Mausoleum replete with Tiffany windows are among Rosehill’s most stunning architectural gems.

STRIKE! Chicago Labor History - NEW TOUR!

Saturdays: May 5, August 25; 10 am – 2:30 pm
The Haymarket Tragedy was a powder keg for labor reform in 19th century Chicago. Experience this and other cornerstones of labor history on this engaging interactive tour led by Tim Samuelson, the City’s Cultural Historian and an all-around entertaining character!

Wicker Park & Ukrainian Village
Saturdays: June 9, August 18, October 27; 10 am – 2:30 pm
See how diverse groups shaped the character of these vibrant West Side communities, from the German beer barons and Ukrainian immigrants that founded them to today’s hipsters and artists that make them two of Chicago’s hottest neighborhoods to live and play in.

Taste of Albany Park - NEW TOUR!

Saturdays: April 21, September 8; 10 am – 2:30 pm
A taste of Albany Park is a taste of the world. Visit one of our nation’s most diverse zip codes, discover the rich cultures of the immigrant communities that call Albany Park home, and enjoy authentic ethnic cuisines at several neighborhood eateries.

Taste of Edgewater & Uptown - NEW TOUR!

Saturdays: May 5, August 11; 10 am – 2:30 pm
Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, Swedish, West African – these are just some of the many cultures represented by the stellar dining scene in Edgewater and Uptown. Expand your culinary horizons on this globe-trotting food tour through these two exciting North Side neighborhoods.

Taste of Devon Avenue - NEW TOUR!

Saturday: June 9; 10 am – 2:30 pm
South Asians near and far flock to Devon Avenue for its ethnic grocers, shops and restaurant, and now you too can explore the area like an insider! Discover this popular cultural destination before immersing yourself in the distinct flavors of South Asian cuisine.

Taste of Pilsen & Little Village - NEW TOUR!

Saturdays: March 17, October 6; 10 am – 2:30 pm
It’s a fiesta for the senses in the heart of Chicago’s Mexican American community! Get a taste of the neighborhood through its vibrant art, culture and shopping before digging in to the most authentic Mexican cuisine to be had anywhere in Chicago.

Taste of the Neighborhoods - NEW TOUR!

Saturdays: February 18, July 7, November 17; 10 am – 2:30 pm
Join us for one of our most popular tours to savor cuisines from all over the world! Sample small plate dishes in neighborhoods throughout Chicago, and don’t forget to save room for dessert!