Walking Tours

Prairie Avenue

In the late nineteenth century, Prairie Avenue was the most exclusive street in Chicago. Nearly ninety mansions lined the six blocks from 16th to 22nd streets, including the homes of the city’s three wealthiest citizens - department store owner Marshall Field, meat packer Philip D. Armour, and sleeping car manufacturer George M. Pullman.

Explore over two centuries of history – from the Battle of Fort Dearborn in 1812 through the neighborhood’s recent transformation into what is once again one of the most fashionable and desirable neighborhoods in Chicago.

William Tyre, author of Chicago’s Historic Prairie Avenue, leads this two-hour walking tour which includes viewing the surviving mansions, sharing historic photos of the homes that have been lost, and an interior tour of the National Historic Landmark Second Presbyterian Church with its extraordinary Arts & Crafts sanctuary and collection of Tiffany windows.

Offered on selected Sundays from 2:00 to 4:00pm. Limited to fifteen participants.

$30 per person / $24 for members

Tours have concluded for 2024 and will resume in July 2025.
You can submit an inquiry for a custom tour.
 

Motor Row

This walking tour down South Michigan Avenue explores what is considered the largest intact early “automobile row” in the U.S.  At its peak in the early 20th century, more than 100 different makes of automobiles were being sold on Motor Row.  Today, the revitalized stretch of street showcases more than sixty of the original showrooms in what is now considered the landmark Motor Row District, with stunning examples of elaborately molded terra cotta, ornate facades, and intricately scrolled ironwork designed by notable architects such as Holabird & Roche, Alfred Alschuler, Christian Eckstorm, Philip Maher, and Albert Kahn.

Offered on selected Saturdays from 10:00 to 11:30am. Limited to fifteen participants.

$25 per person / $20 for members

Tours have concluded for 2024 and will resume in July 2025.
This tour is not available as a custom tour.

Shadows on the Street: Haunted Tours of Historic Prairie Avenue

Tales of strange sounds, unexplained sightings, and untimely endings await as you explore Prairie Avenue after dark! During this one-hour walking tour through the Prairie Avenue Historic District, learn about the mystery surrounding the death of Marshall Field Jr., the tragic events that plagued the Philander Hanford house, the lingering ghost of Edson Keith, and more - if you dare! 

Offered on the Friday and Saturday preceding Halloween, with tours starting every 15 minutes at 6:30pm. Each group limited to fifteen participants.

$20 per person / $16 for members

Choose Available Date to Purchase Ticket
Friday, October 25
Saturday, October 26
Join our mailing list to be notified, or submit an inquiry for a custom tour.