🏙️ Goat Trails & City Tales: Bucktown Walking Tour! 🐐✨

🏙️ Goat Trails & City Tales: Bucktown Walking Tour! 🐐✨
Stroll through one of Chicago’s oldest neighborhoods and uncover stories of immigrants, industry, and art in this vibrant, ever-evolving community.

📅 Sunday, June 22, 2025
🕚 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Start Location: Saint Mary of the Angels School, 1810 N Hermitage Ave
🎯 End Location: Margie’s Candies, 1960 N Western Ave
💥 To join this engaging experience, a $20 fee is due at the start of the tour (Cash, PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo accepted)
🚶‍♀️ Distance: Approx. 2.3 miles outdoors

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### 🔍 About the Tour

Looking for a distinctive way to spend your Sunday afternoon? Curious about Chicago’s neighborhood stories, immigrant heritage, and evolving architecture? Then join us for a private walking tour through Bucktown, one of the city’s most dynamic and architecturally rich neighborhoods!
Whether you're passionate about historic churches, quirky old businesses, converted lofts, or just love Chicago lore—this is a walk you don’t want to miss.

This event brings multiple Meetup groups together for a fun and educational experience. While it’s not officially a photo walk, there will be plenty of photo-worthy moments!

Experience Bucktown like never before on this private walking tour through one of Chicago’s most architecturally rich and historically intriguing neighborhoods. You’ll uncover the stories behind churches, former factories, hidden gems, and iconic local spots that have shaped this vibrant community.

Led by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide, you’ll trace Bucktown’s journey from immigrant roots to creative hub. Spots are limited—reserve yours today and get an up-close look at the history, charm, and character of Bucktown!

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### 🏘️ What You’ll See

We'll kick off at Saint Mary of the Angels School, and explore a variety of sites, including:

• 🕍 St. Mary of the Angels Church
• 🍻 Lottie’s Pub (*aka Molly’s on Chicago Fire)
• ⚾ Churchill Park Ball Field
• 🗺️ Map Room
• ⛪ Covenant Presbyterian Church (former All Saints Cathedral)
• 🏢 Manchester Lofts (former Manchester Building)
• ⛪ St. Hedwig Catholic Church (Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish)
• 🏚️ Former Wojciechowski Funeral Home, John & Lor’s Variety, Sheilka’s Funeral Home
• 🛏️ Ray’s Bucktown B&B
• 🌳 Senior Citizens Memorial Park & Holstein Park
• 🍨 Margie’s Candies (final stop!)

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### 📜 A Bit of Bucktown History

Part of the West Town and Logan Square community areas, Bucktown is a former Polish and German enclave nicknamed “Kozie Prery” (Goat Prairie) for the many goats raised there in the 1800s.
First settled in the 1830s, Bucktown boomed in the 1890s and early 1900s thanks to waves of Polish immigrants, elevated rail access, and Chicago’s rapid expansion. The area became known for its majestic Polish Cathedral-style churches, some of the most ornate in the city.
Once a blue-collar district of homes, saloons, and churches, Bucktown has undergone major gentrification and is now home to sleek architecture, lively bars, stylish boutiques, and a vibrant creative scene.

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### 🛑 Important Info

• 💵 Cost: $20 per person – please pay at the start of the tour
• Tour ends ~1 mile from where it begins – please park accordingly - we start at St Mary of the Angels School 1810 N Hermitage Ave, and end at Margie's Candies 1960 N. Western Ave
• Wear comfy shoes and dress for the weather – this is all outdoors!
• 📸 Bring a camera or phone—there’s a lot to capture
• Bring cash if you plan to join for lunch afterward

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### 🌮 Optional Lunch

After the tour, some of us will head to the fantastic Mexican restaurant Manchamanteles.
Heads up: some venues won’t do separate checks, so bring cash if you’re dining with us!

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### 🚇 Getting There

Public Transit:
Use the CTA Trip Planner or Google Maps.
Driving:
Metered and free street parking available nearby—pay attention to signs, especially for residential permits!

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### ➡️ RSVP here and keep your status up to date. No-shows hurt the planning process, so please update if your plans change.

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📸 Ready to explore a neighborhood where goats once roamed and architectural beauty still reigns?

Join us as we discover Bucktown’s past and present on this fun and informative summer stroll!