Chicago Walking Tours

Listed below are some of the most popular Chicago walking tours offered. There are a wide variety of tours, some are not available year-round. Check with the tour operator.

Guided Food-Tasting & Cultural Walking Tours of Chicago
	Guided Food Tours through Chicago's most delicious neighborhoods by Chicago Food Planet.  ● Voted a Top 5 Chicago Tour!  ● Suitable for all age groups and fitness levels.  ● Mouth-watering food tastings, enough for lunch! Visit our web site; see our video!  Find out more.

Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University Tours Auditorium Theatre, 50 E Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL, 60657 Theater tours allow an up-close look at the art and architecture of Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan, with fascinating stories of the Auditorium and its unique place in Chicago's history. Tours are available Mondays at 10:30 a.m. and 12 noon, and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.

Boystown Tour Halsted St, Chicago, IL phone: 773.593.4873, or email: margaretkhicks@chicagoelevated.com Come join me in a trip through one of Chicago's most distinctive neighborhoods. Boystown was the first officially recognized gay village in the country and believe me, it has a lot to show for it. Learn about gay history in Chicago, I'll start at one of Boystown's oldest bars Roscoe's. You'll taste some wine and learn about 'queer space'�, talk about the pansy craze of the 1920's and end at a bar that survived one of it's own Chicago Fires. The price for the tour includes a wine tasting and other gifts, drinks at bars will not be included in the price! Reservations are required and (for now) the tour is cash only.

Broadway In Chicago Theater Tours Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre & Cadillac Palace Theatre (312) 977-1701 Chicagoans and visitors have the opportunity to get an unforgettable and in depth look at two of the most beautiful and historic venues of Chicago's famed theatre District. Broadway in Chicago offers a weekly, guided tour of the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St. and the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St. The tour showcases the glittering decor inspired by the lushness of the Orient and the refinement of Versailles, as well as the cutting edge technology that makes each theatre the home to today's most complex theatrical productions.

Buckingham Fountain Friday Tours Parkways Foundation and Chicago Park District are teaming up to offer visitors a rare chance to tour Chicago’s Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain’s underground pump works and learn more about the city’s iconic monument beginning June 4. The 30-minute tours, led by Julia Bachrach, Chicago Park District Historian, are offered each Friday at noon and at again 12:30p.m., running through August 27. The cost of the tour is $50. For reservations or more information contact the Parkways Foundation at 312.742.5368 or rsvp@parkways.org . All proceeds from the Buckingham Fountain Friday Tours will benefit the restoration of Buckingham Fountain. “We are excited to offer the public a chance to get up close and personal with Chicago’s iconic fountain,” said Tim Mitchell, Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO. “Visitors can get a very unique historical, perspective about this beloved fountain, while helping give back to the preservation of the Fountain and its legacy.”

Chicago Architecture River, Bus, Walking Tours of Downtown, Suburbs The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing public interest and education in architecture and design. CAF presents a comprehensive program of tours, exhibitions, lectures, special events, and adult and youth education activities, all designed to enhance the public’s awareness and appreciation of Chicago’s outstanding architectural legacy.

Chicago 2010 Beautiful Spaces, Sacred Places Tours at Multiple Locations phone: 312-580-1050, email: tours@sacredspaceinternational.org On Thursdays, beginning June 17 through July 21 experience diverse worship spaces throughout Downtown Chicago with knowledgeable architectural guides. This 6 week series highlights 6 distinct spiritual centers over the course of the summer, one each week. This year’s tours include the Chicago Sinai Congregation (06/17/2010), Chicago Temple (06/24/2010), Downtown Islamic Center, Seventeenth Church of Christ Scientist (07/01/10), Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool (07/15/2010), and Holy Name Cathedral (07/22/2010). This series is sponsored by Sacred Space International, whose mission is to encourage interfaith dialogue through the shared experience and language of architecture. Tours begin at 5:30 pm each Thursday. Ticket sales are on-going: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. You may also purchase tickets on the web, by phone at 312-580-1050 or contact tours@sacredspaceinternational.org .

Chicago Chocolate Tours 230 S. Clark Street, Suite 119 Chicago, IL 60604 phone: 312-929-2939; mail: info@chicagochocolatetours.com Join us for a Chicago Chocolate Tour! We tour all year round, and our tours are exciting and inviting. Open tours take place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and private tours happen throughout the week and weekends. Join us in discovering wonderful chocolate in the Loop, Gold Coast and Wicker Park!

Chicago Cubs Wrigley Field Tours (seasonal) Offering weekday tours (+ select weekend dates), tour stops include the terrace reserved seating, mezzanine suites, press box, home and visitors clubhouses, bleachers, security headquarters, dugouts and on-deck circles lasting a total of 90 minutes.  Personal cameras and video cameras are welcome. Tickets, @ $25 each, are available to purchase at the Cubs box office, online at cubs.com or 1-800-THE-CUBS.

Chicago Elevated Pedway Tour (NO SUMMER PEDWAY TOURS, WILL RETURN IN FALL) Monday & Wednesday - Block 37 Friday - Aon Center Stetson & Lake phone: 773.593.4873, email: margaret@chicagoelevated.com Starting January 20, 2010 - the tour will highlight Chicago's greatest buildings, all from comfort of the heated Chicago Pedway. Tours will depart at 12:00PM on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and will cost $5.00. Each tour will last 45 minutes and will end at a food court for people who want to grab lunch. Different tours will occur on different days, but highlights include Daley Plaza, Millennium Park and The Cultural Center. Tour guide Margaret Hicks is an improviser, Second City Tour creator and was a docent at the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Other tours are available for your group.

Chicago Food Planet - Food Tours Hungry for an authentic Chicago culinary and cultural experience? Chicago Food Planet specializes in Chicago Food Tours through Chicago's most historic, delicious neighborhoods. Suitable for all age groups and fitness levels, their 3-hour experiences are enjoyed by native Chicagoans and visitors alike. Eat your way through the beautiful Gold Coast, Old Town, and Lincoln Park neighborhoods with their signature Near North Food Tour ($42, food included). Discover the artists' colony that evolved into a hidden foodie paradise on the Bucktown/Wicker Park Food Tour ($42, food included). Check out our video! All food tours include mouth-watering food tastings, enough for lunch, from historic "mom and pop" specialty food stores and one-of-a-kind ethnic eateries while offering a narrated glimpse into Chicago's rich history, treasured architecture, and dazzling restaurant recommendations. Acclaimed by participants and media, join us on the #1 ranked Chicago attraction by TripAdvisor as we bring to life the local artisans and their foods that are revered throughout Chicago as we emphasize the histories of backdoor venues, hidden parks, and historic homes off-the-beaten-path. Order tickets from Chicago Food Planet Food Tours  or call Zerve Ticket Center at 800.979.3370 or 212.209.3370.

Chicago Ghost Investigations 446 North Wells Street, Suite 272, Chicago, 60610 773-935-6332, email: ghostsofchicago@sbcglobal.net Chicago Ghost Investigations seeks the unknown and invites you to do the same. Twice daily, guests conduct investigations at some popular and little known haunted locations. Armed with several types of sensors, detectors, imagers and cameras, you will be able to explore the unseen. You will be taught how to use ghost hunting equipment which will enable you to locate the spirit activity, as well as a psychic technique which will allow communication between you and the spirits. Veteran paranormal investigators will be with you for guidance. Reservations are preferred. Reservations required. The "investigation venue " changes everyday and is disclosed while reservations are being confirmed. Private parties are available.

Chicago Greeter-Free Tours Enjoy the local points of interest on these two to four hour visits as well as some of the Greeters' favorite spots. Navigate the City with your Greeter on complimentary public transportation for the ultimate Chicago experience.

Chicago "L" Tours Cell: 312-636-8968, gborzo@comcast.net Take a personalized tour of the world-famous Chicago "L" by the AUTHOR of the popular new book, The Chicago "L". See where the "L" got started; ride the Loop "L" and key lines; hear how the "L" developed; learn about competitors of the "L"; discuss movies that feature the "L"; see beautiful architecture; take pictures; etc. Celebrate a working antique, Chicago's greatest, most colorful icon! Large or small groups can email or call to set up a time and place to meet.

Chicago Photo Safaris Various Chicago locations, Rockford, IL & Madison, WI phone: 1-815-222-2824, email: info@ChicagoPhotoSafaris.com A professional photographer will give you an easy-to-understand orientation on good photography technique and take you to places to get the best shots. The 40 minute overview will truly help you understand and put you in control of your camera. We will explain what all those features on your camera do, especially the ones controlling F-stops, shutter speeds, white balance, and ISO. At each point along the way we will review your photos as you are taking them, helping you to correct exposure, composition and white balance right on the spot, so that you can immediately see the effect of your own corrective measures. This hands-on training will give you invaluable photo techniques for your future travels. So, before you go on that big trip come see us first! Got a new camera and don't know how to use it? Help is on the way through our Chicago Photo Safari!

Chicago Red Cap Walking Tours Intersection of Dearborn St. and Adams St. Chicago, 60604 phone: 312-927-0689, email: redcapwalk@hotmail.com Chicago Red Cap Walking Tours explore Chicago's history through its architecture. On the tours you will see Beaux Artes, Chicago School, Art Deco, Modern, and Post-Modern architecture and learn how and why the skyscraper evolved and the part Chicago played in its evolution. The buildings are more than static monuments to the past and more than exhibits in an open air museum. They were also chess pieces in a larger game. The city is dynamic; learn how the past still exerts its influence today especially for those who are aware of it.

Chicago Savvy Tours 401 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611 phone: 773.242.0084, email: georgietourgie@gmail.com The Chicago Savvy Architectural & Historical Tour is a 90 minute architectural and historical walking tour of downtown Chicago. Guests will explore the Chicago riverfront, the theatre district, the federal district, the Michigan Avenue cliff of buildings, Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and more. The tour is composed of both historical and modern architecture as well as fascinating facts and stories about Chicago history. Reservations can be made on the website or by calling 773.242.0084. Tickets are $20.

Chicago Theatre Tour The Chicago Theatre 175 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60601 The tour encompasses historical and architectural highlights of the building, including the grand lobby areas, majestic auditorium and backstage space (when possible) where performers through the years, have left their autographs on the walls of dressing rooms and corridors. Guides will share with you the stories of the visionaries who opened The Chicago Theatre, whose influence on popular entertainment in Chicago is still recognized today. Tours also include the photo exhibit in The Chicago Theatre's lower lobby, "Chicago: Three Centuries of Theatres."

Chicago Theater Stories Walking Tour Southwest Corner Randolph St & Michigan Ave Chicago 773-508-4894, chuck1945@hotmail.com Stroll around the downtown theater district and hear stories from the Golden Age of Chicago theater, a century defined by a pioneering spirit and cataclysmic events. Against this backdrop, colorful personalities forge rivalries, emote passion and vie for audience adulation. Group tours available. Reservation required. 11am, 1pm & 3pm daily.

Foreign Language Tours of Chicgo (773) 276-6683, email: chitourint@aol.com Chicago Tour Guides Institute is an office of many foreign language speaking guides for walking tours, motorcoaches, limousines, museums, tradeshows. Rates vary on language. Our office has been providing tour guides in English and many other foreign languages for 18 years in the Chicago area. Whether it is one person or groups of two hunded. Call and ask for Michael Reis.

Guided Tours of Chicago 773-792-2026, email: ChicagoTour@aol.com Tour Chicago with Beverly Livingston, a CTPA certified guide whose repertoire includes highlights, art & architecture, ethnic neighborhoods, the River, etc. French also available.

Haunted Historic Tours 11500 S. Beloit, Worth, IL 60482 312-208-8333, email: edwardlshanahan@comcast.net You can experience the Historical Locations and their history along with the spirits that have become another historic part of the locations. These are not just bus tours, but the ability to explore many of the haunted historical locations and possibly experience the spirits that are within or surrounding the historical sites you will be visiting.

IIT/Mies Society Architectural Tour 3201 State Street, Chicago, IL 60616 312.567.5014, email: tours@iit.edu Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s influence reaches every skyline in the world, and is seen in every open-plan interior space. He inspired the most prominent architects of our time, and continues that influence today. Nothing better expresses Mies’ philosophy than the campus of the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), which contains his masterpiece, S. R. Crown Hall. A modern icon and National Historic Landmark, Time magazine called Crown Hall “one of the world’s most influential, inspiring and astonishing structures.” Campus buildings by architectural stars Rem Koolhaas and Helmut Jahn, as well as a renewed interest in modernism, have led thousands of visitors to campus each year to experience this living museum of modern architecture, a recent addition to the National Register of Historic Places. IIT’s Mies van der Rohe Society offers architectural tours that tell the story of Mies and IIT. Join us for a docent-led or self-guided audio tour – available Monday through Sunday, except major holidays. $5 per person. Call 312.567.5014 for details.

Millennium Park Tours Learn more about Millennium Park, through one of its many free tour options that begin in May, including guided walks by Chicago Greeters and tours of the Lurie Garden led by volunteer University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners.

Off the Map Chicago Architectural Excursions South Michigan Ave., Chicago, 60605 847-951-5521, email: info@offthemapchicago.com Off the Map Chicago takes you on Chicago architectural tours in the most personal way possible—on private excursions that give you the chance to explore great architecture inside and out. The brilliance of Mies van der Rohe comes alive on our private visit to the Farnsworth House. We also focus on Frank Lloyd Wright with a private tour of the Robie House. And we'll take you to see stunning examples of Prairie houses all over the Chicago area. Visit our website: www.offthemapchicago.com  for information, reservations and rates. Or call Larry Simon at 847.951.5521.

Route 66 Walking Tours in Chicago's Loop Jackson Blvd. & LaSalle St,, Chicago, IL 60602 312-432-1284, email: dave@windycityroadwarrior.com Walking Tours are scheduled daily to help visitors find the path of Route 66 through Chicago’s Loop and to understand the rich history of the city’s highways of the past. Tours last about 2 hours, advance reservation required.

SculpTours: an inside look at outdoor sculpture downtown Chicago phone: 312-805-2625, email: info@sculptours.org In-depth walking tours of Chicago's world class public sculpture. Join professional sculptors & educators, Christine Rojek & Carol Hammerman as they guide you through Chicago's "museum without walls". Discover both the iconic and the hidden treasures of the city's diverse sculpture collection. The Rojek/Hammerman team will draw from their backgrounds in art education, as well as their intimate knowledge of the Chicago sculpture community to engage you in this unique open-air classroom.The tours are informative and accessible to art enthusiasts as well as beginners, providing tips and tales that you won't find in any history book.Tours include Millennium Park, Millennium Park plus Grant Park, Loop and Chicago Sculptor's Studio Tour. Private and custom tours always available.

The Second City Neighborhood Tour (ends Sept. 5th) 1616 N. Wells St, Chicago, 60614 phone: 312-337-3992 The walking tour begins outside The Second City theatre on North Wells Street and winds its way through the historic Old Town neighborhood. The tour ends inside The Second City theatre and gives guests a chance to view the lobby photo display documenting over 50 years of comedy at The Second City.

SeeMore Shopping Tours “See More” of Chicago’s Local Stores, Boutiques and Designers. Chicago is an amazing shopping destination and navigating the local shopping scene can be a bit daunting. SeeMore Shopping Tours can guide you through Chicago’s favorite shopping destinations, while helping you discover a few hidden gems along the way. Choose from our unique destination and themed tours. A different tour every weekend between 9/29 and 12/15. SeeMore Shopping’s 2007 Fall Tour Schedule: Reserve tickets on-line, by phone: 312.902.2135 or email: liz@seemoreshopping.com . Availability is limited. Advance ticket purchase is required

ShopWalk Neighborhood Tours Bucktown Tour departs at Café de Luca: 1721 N Damen Lincoln Park Tour departs at Vosges Chocolate: 951 W. Armitage 773 255 7866, email: info@chicagoshopwalk.com Explore Chicago’s hippest and prettiest neighborhoods for shopping. Your ShopWalk guide will escort you on a walking tour to the neighborhoods’ most unique boutiques that you won’t find back home or on the Magnificent Mile, as well as neighborhood trivia, exclusive discounts, and local treats. Open tours generally run on Monday through Friday 11am-1pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 2pm. Advance ticket purchase is required.

Theatre Hikes Various, including Morton Arboretum & The North Park Village Nature Center At a theatre-hike audiences are taken on a two mile hike and a full play is presented bringing the audience to different outdoor locations for each of the play's scenes.

Tours R Us Chicago 2600 N. Lakeview phone: 773 575 3176, email: toursruschicago@yahoo.com Specialize in personalized tours that meets the special requirements and desires of the client. Those tours may include architecture, sculpture, neighborhoods, history and special attractions.

Urban Shop Guide (312) 533-1256, email: info@urbanshopguide.com Break away from the traditional shopping alternatives to a truly unique Chicago experience. Urban Shop Guide is a full-service shopping tour of Chicago’s fashion treasures buried in its most vibrant neighborhoods. Your party will be chauffeured in a luxury vehicle, be provided shopping itineraries for local boutiques, offered drinks and food of Chicago heritage and a personal guide for their shopping experience. Walking tours also available

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