Top Chicago Historical Tours - page 3

Explore one of the country’s great art museums—and discover many of its collection highlights—on this small-group Art Institute of Chicago tour. Meet your guide right out front, and see works from artists the likes of Picasso, Chagall, Seurat, O’Keeffe, and many more. As you go, your guide will share the stories behind the masterpieces, and will help bring the history of the museum and its collection to life.

Discover one of the Windy City’s most spooky, gruesome destinations when you book advance tickets to the Medieval Torture Museum. Perfect for Halloween—or any other creepy-crawly occasion—this museum includes a wealth of information about medieval torture practices and devices, plus realistic models to add a macabre edge. Book tickets before you travel for a seamless visiting experience, and make use of an audio guide and included ghost-hunting app.

The Chicago Murder Mystery Tour is an interactive game and tour. Explore the city and solve a murder at the same time! Play as a detective and a suspect as you navigate one of the richest neighborhoods in the world, and learn about the real legends and crimes of Chicago!

Admire the incredible façades and intricate interiors of the Windy City's 1920s art deco and art moderne buildings during this architecture walking tour of Chicago. Uncover the history of Chicago art deco architectural along with the city's influential role in the development of this iconic artistic style, as you get an up close and personal look at its wealth of gorgeous period buildings. This art deco Chicago walking tour also includes a certified guide.

This tour stands out by offering the chance to explore Chicago on the city’s elevated metro system, known locally as the “L Train.” With your provided metro day pass, you can follow your guide station to station from the Chicago Theatre on a fun route through Chicago’s Downtown and Loop—and take a walk along the Chicago Riverwalk if the weather is good.

Embark on a profound, downtown walk-around, to discover incredible stories and secrets of the city on this not to miss feet on the street experience! During our loop around "Da Loop" we will peel back the layers of this Great Big Onion Town, going in and out of extraordinary buildings, admiring amazing art and architecture along the way as we uncover how it all came to be. Expect an engaging, entertaining and wide-eye-opening tour du jour of my sweet home, Chicago.

Leave behind Chicago’s buzz and see the Windy City as it used to be, some 150 years ago. The Oldtown Triangle—one of the most beloved ‘hoods in the city—survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, and it still stands today as a beacon to history. With your guide at the helm, you’ll witness fantastic architecture, national landmarks, and hear stories of the city’s often wild past.

Buy your Field Museum Discovery Pass in advance to streamline your sightseeing experience in Chicago. With pass in hand, you'll save time waiting in line and get access to all general admission exhibits, as well as one ticketed special exhibition or a 3D movie. Your pass gives you the ability to explore on your own time, spending as long as you like in the Hall of Gems or checking out the titanosaur. Free tours are available throughout the day.

Cruise the river on a less crowed, small historic yacht! When in Chicago, cruising down the Chicago River is a must. Except with us, you’ll be taking in the architecture of the buildings that line the beautiful river. We provide detailed explanations of the construction and history of over 50 significant buildings, wrapping up at the end of the river.

Let our expert local guides share their passion with you for The Art Institute of Chicago on this private 2 hour tour. As you traverse the hallowed halls, you’ll discover an extraordinary collection spanning centuries and cultures, from classical masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary works. Our expert guides will illuminate the stories behind each brushstroke, sculpture, and masterpiece, providing a rich narrative that breathes life into the art.

Book in advance to take this popular tour that details the mob history of Chicago during the Prohibition Era (1920s-1930s). Learn about the exploits of gangsters like Capone, Dillinger, Moran, and others as you travel by minibus to sites like the Biograph Theater, Holy Name Cathedral, and St. Valentine's Day Massacre. Your guide adopts gangster attire and characteristics that add dramatic flair to the historical commentary.

Experience Chicago's rich Black History on our short and impactful tour! Explore Obama's home, visit Rainbow PUSH Coalition, and pay homage to Muhammad Ali's legacy before ending with a delicious stop at Harold's Chicken Shack. Perfect for families and those short on time, our tour offers bottled water and highlights key historical landmarks. Book now for an unforgettable journey through Chicago's vibrant heritage

Embark on a walking tour of Chicago's more-recent architecture heritage with a 2-hour stroll highlighting the city's modern, postmodern, and international structures. Especially known for its architectural originality, Chi-town boasts everything from the elegant metal and glass tower of One South Dearborn to the Harold Washington Library, with its Beaux-Arts inspired exterior. Your guide will highlight these and other unique buildings, relaying background on their individual histories and construction en route.

Chicago is world-renowned for its architecture—and this small-group walking tour offers the ideal introduction to its iconic buildings, its architectural eras, and the starchitects who have left their impression on the city. Meet your guide at the Chicago Architecture Center and set off on foot: you’ll discover highlights like the Wrigley Building and Marina City, will see works by Renzo Piano and Frank Gehry, and will learn all about Chicago history.

Considered Chicago’s original “Millionaire’s Row,” Prairie Avenue in the Near South Side is renowned for its Gilded Age mansions—and this tour makes exploring easy (and delightfully spooky). In the evening, meet your guide in front of the Glessner House, and set off with ghost-hunting gear to accompany you. In between spotting highlights like the Marshall Field Jr. Mansion and the Henry B. Clarke House, you’ll hunt for specters and hear ghost stories.

Descend below street level to discover Chicago’s famed subterranean Pedway—and pair your adventure with stops at some of the city’s best-known landmarks—on this small-group walking tour. Meet your guide in the afternoon Downtown, and head underground: you’ll stroll the Pedway and learn about its history, will see the city’s famed Tiffany dome, and will finish at one of Chicago’s most iconic sculptures.

Save time upon arrival to the Chicago Architecture Center; with prepaid tickets in hand you won't have to wait in line at the box office. Your tickets guarantee your admission even on sold-out days and give you access to all of the exhibits and galleries.

Follow a self-guided adventure during this special smartphone-based game in Chicago’s Millennium Park. Learn about the city’s iconic works of art and architecture while enjoying views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Play anytime you’d like, seven days a week, with no data or Wi-Fi needed.

Step off the typical tourist trail, and discover one of Chicago’s oldest and most scenic neighborhoods, on this walking tour of the Prairie District. Meet your guide in the morning at the Chicago Athletic Association, and set off with just a small group for company. The Prairie District is just a short L ride away; you can look forward to seeing the Second Presbyterian Church, Glessner House, Motor Row, and otherwise discovering how Chicagoans lived at the turn of the 20th century.

The Field Museum of Natural History is one of Chicago’s most-visited museums—and this package deal offers a way to beat the crowds and see its top exhibitions without stress. Secure your tickets before you travel, arrive an hour before the galleries open to the public, and explore in the company of a museum docent. You’ll see collection highlights like Sue the Tyrannosaurus Rex, the Griffin Halls of Evolving Planet, and much more.

Explore the Loop's famous architecture during this 2-hour walking tour with an expert guide from the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Discover the beginnings of the Chicago School of Architecture through visits to some of the city's oldest skyscrapers, dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This sophisticated, informative tour is a must-do for history and architecture buffs.

Explore Chicago like a local—and visit the city’s distinctive, characterful neighborhoods, in addition to its major landmarks—on this Half-day tour. Set off from downtown with just a small group for company, and leave the driving to your guide—you’ll explore dozens of Windy City neighborhoods, from Hyde Park and Bronze Ville to Lincoln Park and the Gold Coast. Learn all about Chicago culture and history as you go.

Get an insider’s look at the Windy City’s most iconic monuments during this 3-hour private tour. Travel through Chicago aboard a private vehicle as you discover some of the city’s top neighborhoods, including the Loop, River North, the Magnificent Mile (along Michigan Avenue), Streeterville, the Gold Coast and much more. Your private driver-guide and vehicle, bottled water and round-trip hotel transport are all included.