
What weāre about
http://www.socialfundation.com for the full calendar.
All the best in one place!
Think of this as Summer Camp for Adults.
In our digital world the more online, plugged in and connected we become the more disconnected we become from others. This group, with intention uses social medial to be Social in Real Life.
The mission of this group is its name.Ā
(quick legal note: this group name and all derivations are ⢠Trademarked/Servicemarked and/or Copyright protected. Unauthorized used is NOT permitted. This group is part of a confederation of groups. You may NOT start a chapter without express permission. There is no charge or fee to be part. The group must be for the most part "non-profit." You may not charge organizers to list events. The group may NOT be a promotional front, or a venue for one person or entity. The group must be diverse and open Chapter Guidelines may be obtained by clicking the "Contact the Organizers" button)
Chicago is vibrant and diverse city. We have the opportunity to explore it and make new friends while doing so. Meetup is one of the few (maybe only) websites dedicated to having it's participants get offline and do things in reality.Ā
There are no strangers here;Ā Only friends you haven't yet met. (William Butler YeatsĀ )Ā
EVERYONE IS WELCOME INTO THE GROUP!Ā
This is a place where everyone can just come as they are, and mingle with people who are like them AND who are NOT like them. We are not limited, restricted or exclusive by age, gender, gender preference, national origin, relationship status, etc. To put it more simply this group is open to all. All ages, all genders, all sexual orientations, all types - And that includes you!!!Ā
There are plenty of meetups that exclude based of one reason or another. Or there plenty meetups where people self segregate. This meetup is neither of those. Diversity is coveted here. People are not monochrome and neither are we. You will fit in perfectly and find a lot of folks who just like you in certain aspect, and differ from you in others. It's the good kind of variety of life.Ā
Some events on this group may specify limits at times. Those will be clearly noted when needed. At times they may be age delineated, or even gender related. Limits are placed often as a means to control size. The event can then be repeated/recycled with a different limit range.Ā If there is an event you really wish to go to with a limit, . . . please contact me.Ā You can be the impetus and the catalyst for the next event in the different limit/range.Ā Other times the limit can be waived or bent as needed.Ā
Challenge yourself and importantly, BE yourself and expand your horizons and comfort zone. Let your hair down! Go wild! Be open minded and be non-judgmental. The group is based off quality events to bring people together from positive social interaction. Anyone who wants to explore an alternative, bohemian, experimental, strange, obscure, weird, wild, absurd, bizarre, avant garde, unconventional, wild-at-heart side of Los Angeles is welcome!Ā
In the interest of making events successful . . . I will spread events across other meetup groups to bump up attendance. For as you know, . . . sometimes people don't show up. Some Organizers get really bent out of shape about that. I do however know that life happens. Even if it's 10 mins before the event. Just change your rsvp. No worries. No harm-no foul. There is not any sort strikes or penalty system, and there is nobody keeping score. The exception will be if it is listed as a "no flake" event. On those you gotta give good notice of changes. It's about fun and community. What I have found is that by being mellow and and having good events more show up. We tend to have 80% or more attendance. I approach with compassion. So if you don't make one event or another. . . try and make it to the next, or the one after that. When you do make it, .. . . we will be glad you are there and all are welcome.Ā
Here are the basics of group rules.Ā
Do NOT contact members who you have not met in real life.Ā
Avoid Put Downs.
Speak For Yourself.
Listen To Others.
You Have The Option To Pass.
Expect Unfinished Business.Ā
While there are flexible attendance rules. There are sex/gender related rules. As a guideline do not message people you have not met in person. This is not an online dating place. Ladies: If a guy messages you please contact me. There have been problems with that happening over meetup in general. It's just not cool. Meetup is about real life and not virtual. Guys, . . . get off your computer and come to an event. Say hello in person. Smile, . . . be personable and decent. And just be there to get to know people and make friends of whatever gender. You can always use new good friends. And this is one way to make/meet them. Wingman tactics and and Pickup artist tactics are similarly not allowed in this group. Organizers of another group that are not an organizer or host here are also not allowed to solicit members.Ā
The rest of the rule are just good ways to live and be.Ā
These rules apply here AND on like-minded sister groups.Ā So it also applies on the following
Photo and Name:Ā You are allowed to join with whatever name and whatever photo. HOWEVER the main organizers may request you change either name or photo a their discretion. Names that are products, promotional, advertisements are red flags that will be requested to change or be removed.Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā If you are using a photo that is not your face, a current face photo may be requested. Here is the rule of thumb. Fake name and fake photo will be requested to change to a real photo and a real name or face removal. Real photo and fake name is usually fine. Fake photo and real name is usually fine.Ā
IF you need to maintain privacy of both then contact the main organizers and just ask. That's all it takes usually.
All organizers on the group do have different set of rules.Ā
The rules simplified.Ā
ā¢Ā No Emailing (do not use the bulk email feature in any way)
ā¢Ā No outside linksĀ
ā¢Ā Great CopyĀ
ā¢Ā Great Pix
ā¢Ā 4 weeks notice is best.Ā
ā¢Ā List any money costs in the first 2 or 3 lines.Ā
Not too many rules. Not too complicated. They all have to do with respect for the membership.Ā
Let's talk a little more about age: Are youĀ in your 20s 30s 40s 50s 60s 70s 80s 90s ? (btw some write 20's 30's 40's 50's 60's 70's 80's 90's ). I am often askedĀ "What age range is this group?"Ā 20 40 maybe?Ā 30 50 perhaps?Ā Or even 60 70.Ā Forties ( forty's forty ), Fifties ( fifty's fifty ) of sixties ( sixty's sixty ) or older does matter.Ā 24-39 3000 20+ 30+ 50+ 60+ & underĀ or over. We are just aiming at good community.Ā
Yeah, . . . All that is great, . . . But I still have one question, . . . What age is your group?Ā
Age is a state of mind. And our state (this group) has no borders.Ā
If so then you may be looking for us!Ā
We do NOT discriminateĀ by age, sex or gender, gender preference, origin, religion, belly button lint, etc . . . .
Do you enjoy friendship, activities, key networking, casual socializing, parties learning, sharing, inspiration?Ā You do!?!?!Ā How about personal and professional development with active nerd adult ( adults ) who like adventure ( adventurers, adventures, adventurous ) stuff that may involve silly dance game ( games )Ā and cool nerdsĀ with addicting, amazing fun?Ā Great!!!!Ā There will be sweet things to discover while engaging in retro revival underground unique geeky exploration of fringe play plus speed punk quirky sophisticated spectacular geek socials with high society making savvy friends.Ā It will be an offbeat odyssey of an outing to nerdy paradise and we will party at random places (see locations below). Come and share fine no flake ( flakes ) fun that is free or inexpensive and goes late into the lovely night. Left, right or center, we will live life together and enjoy.Ā
We do some sports related events. Are you interested in teammates players for your sportĀ or hobby? Such as bowling, trivia, camping, biking, hike, hikes, hiking, snowboarder, snowboarding, ski, skiing, kayaking? Or even related to bmi, exercise, fitness, healthy, lock pong, recreation, recreational, outdoor,Ā york Halloween, mammoth mountain, St Patrick's, Ensenada, un scrabbleĀ solitaire poker or more!!!Ā We run the range.Ā Ā
A bigger majority of what we are cultural ( culture ), language, travel, music, arts, festival, performance, crave, dining, exotic, restaurant, food, foodie, architecture, art, artistic, urban, or ballet.Ā But it does not stop there. We also do comedy, concert ( concerts ), cook, cooking, theater, theatre, culinary, cultural, tours, sub-culture, subculture sponge ( sponges ), performances, dances, dancing, museums, musical ( musicals ), bars, foodies, dinner, dinning, bbq, beach, restaurants, trips, cruise ( cruises ), cuisine.Ā Ā And even with all that we still to even more!!! Including, flea n farmer (farmers) market ( markets ), boutique, burlesque, crafting, craft, create, creating, sushi, pho, pizza, tastings, tickets, kim chi, tai kimchi, deserts, eating, festivals, film, films, galleries, games, karaoke, movies, sutra kama karma.And now the important question. Did we miss one? Oh. . . OK then, . . Send that so we can add it to the list.Ā Ā
Aside from the High Brow we do engage in the Low Brow such as wine, beer, drink, bar hopping, dive bars ( dives ), rave ( raver ravers raves raving ), hip-hop hiphop, hole holes-in-walls, crawl crawls, trance techno, dubstep, night nightclub, nightlife, nights.Ā As well as classic club clubbing, clubs eclectic, edm electro electronica, pubs, pub speak, speakeasy, drinks, meet meeting mix mixer mixers mixing, greet, happy hour hours haunts,Ā Did somebody say volunteer mingle?Ā Let's DoLA or make a Timeout and TimeoutLA. LAist anyone?Ā
So the High Brow and the Low Brow get together and make up THE KNOW BROW and that is all about people and who makes us up.Ā Ā
By ethnicity we very much match the instagram ethnic makeup of Los Angeles with Caucasian and Non Hispanic Whites, Latino, Black or African American, Native American,Asian,Ā Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander and others such as Middle Eastern such as Arab or Israeli, and many more from across the global atlas.
Different than ethnicity is Nationality, or National Origin. And again . . . from that we run the rangeĀ European, Filipino, Japanese,Ā Korean, Pacific Islander, Indian, Taiwanese (Taiwan), Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese ( China, Cantonese, Mandarin ), Hong Kong Mexican ( Mexico ), and more and more. Even USC or UCLAĀ
AndĀ that makes for sooooooooo many languages. We like language and the culture it is able to unlock It brings English, Spanish second ESL and ELL and ASL are big here. Hebrew, Yiddish, German, French, And the gamut of others to translate ( translation translator ) with class (classes).Ā
Tolerance is a main tenet here as we are Christian ( Catholic, Mormon, etc), Jewish (Jew Jews), Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Buddhist, tech Scientology and more. And even Republican, Conservative, Liberal, Democrat, Libertarian, Bernie / BernieCrat, or even Trump or Trumpian or Scientologist. This is a big tent and since it's decent social we will all be decent.Ā
What it comes down to is we are making new friends ( friend freind freinds ) and to be friendly. Almost like finding your entourageĀ Made up of Men (man men's mens) and women ( woman women's ) and non-binary too.Ā Members may be young or old, married, single ( divorce divorced separated and never married )Ā or coupled (couple as part of a committed relationship / relationships ).Ā Many are likely singles and looking to date in one way or another. Going on dates or dating is fine. But it does NOT happen via using the group like Tinder, Match.com, POF or eharmony.Ā
This group is about real life. So online messaging of people you have not met in real life is not allowed.Ā Why such a rule?Ā
Because it is heterosexist of you to assume that all people are interested in you. Like is says above there are married or those in committed relationships. There is is also the range of sexual preference in the group. Gay, lesbian girls lgbt lgbtq queer bi poly swing swinger swinging and any sort of variation such as transsexual and transgender. We do accept all. Even rs40 and rso40. We do NOT accept SpeedDating or Speedating or whatever you call it. It's forbidden.Ā
Whoever you find cute, hot, sexy or find attraction to that comes in person. Plenty a match and romance or spark may happen. You may find your love (or lover). But you also may just make great friends girlfriend ( girlfriends ). It's just down to good decent social.Ā Conscious communication and engagement that makes for self-improvement and improvement of others. Conversation and network or networking of professionals. That's just smart l33t leet api entrepreneur groupting that will lead to inspirational international consciousness.Ā
We just added Game of Thrones GOT and The Walking Dead viewing parties.Ā
Where do you do events?Ā We do them ALL OVER!!!!Ā I have taken the time to look at past events and the cities they have happened in and near and put it together with the upcoming location too. Our groups IS different, . . . we DO range all over the city. Here are where we HAVE BEEN, and where we are GOING!! All of it is obscure or obscura.
So I have gone in great detail to cover who we are and what we do. This is accurate and verifiable by going to our past events and looking that what we have done. This is all fact based on the breadth, scope and mission of this group.Ā
If you have made it this far. Then watch thisĀ and then, . . .get off social media and on meetup. The social part of social media.Ā https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEWnXmDfVZg
This group is also very Reddit and Redditor affiliated.Ā As such redditors events will be doing activities that do involve meme memes dank redidit subeddit snu snoo lurker boardgames board gaming gamer video cardgames card cards against humanity computers anime internet upvote downvote vote secret santa harry potter wow world warcraft karma programming digg cheap low cost nsfw league legends wtf youtube hearthstone twitch csgo narwhals bacon bacons midnight overwatch lol bernie sanders front page reddiyt r/all homepage android apple iphone mac samsung s6 s7 s8 r mobile funny dota dota2 nba politics discussion pokemon aww askreddit app apps comicon comic con convention disneyland disney diy diablo rams dodgers raiders cosplay star trek wars trekkie scifi sci-fi science fiction gif troll thrones got comment comments ama til today i learned ask me anything steam pc independent yorker independents artemis jackbox jack box com firefly serenity citizen& something comedy urban nightlife foodies friendship sierra wine food drinks dining american ny karaokeĀ Ā
And the other members will have events involving cuisine recreation organizations snowboarding recreational fitness pubs eating culinary consciousness psychology philosophy growth conversation snowboarder theatre theater performances movies films creating galleries museums speak easy speakeasy opening nights music film festivals dancing street performance literature hikes greet tastings tours crawls outdoor activities beer * " ! +Ā Ā
left eclectic couple couples mel town mixing jason la professionals business lovers lover exercise referral hike boating boat hollywood adventurers ballet eow tips asian downtown dtla ladies lady socal oc orange county english esl korean strategy jewish yid yiddish jew hebrew catholic healthy california connect hot christian cute beach wednesday ivy south bay pasadena woodland hills men man male gay european realities parents americans newly inland empire southern thai japanese chinese vietnamese filipino service empowerment females female law badminton mountain biking cooking book zandra sub-culture holes-in-walls hidden haunts seminars art classes, 3,000 jan 2017 boutique twist organized welcome boxing line camping archery trivia architecture classes burlesque baseball beat flee kyaking chi early morning adventures skin walls deserts small venues farmers trips written spoken word soooo losangeles los angeles ucla usc cantonese westside west ass artistic arts citizen cook crafting dances dinning learning festival foodie girl jews mens organization snowboardingsocal tip wall hong kong
Social FUNdation is all about helping people build fun, platonic friendships on the cheap, enjoying Chicago culture and building an open accepting community to help foster the fun. We encourage an entertaining, laid back, open environment where people can come hang out, escape the voracious singles scene, and just be themselves. Obviously, if members develop something more than friendships, that's awesome, but we encourage members to think of this as an escape from the dating and networking scenes.
(quick legal note: this group name and all derivations are ⢠Trademarked and protected. Unauthorized used is NOT permitted. This group is part of a confederation of groups. You may NOT start a chapter without express permission.  There is no charge or fee to be part. The group must be for the most part "non-profit." You may not charge organizers to list events. The group may NOT be a promotional front, or a venue for one person or entity. The group must be diverse and open Chapter Guidelines may be obtained by clicking the "Contact the Organizers" button)
Social Events, Networking, Business Meeting New People, Food Lovers, Exercise, Fun, Referral, Active Singles, Adventurous , Dancing, Night Life, Hikes,Clubs, Chicago Mix Professionals with Fun Foodies, Party Mixers, Friendship,Amazing Event, Chicagou Friends, åé,tomodachi, Savvy, Spectacular, Good Wine Food, Drinks, Parties, Stuff, Events Group, English as a Second language, Dining Out, American, Adventurers, Karaoke, Strategy, In Town, Making Friend, Odyssey, Outdoor Healthy, men, women, Connect 20s, 30s, 40s, 30ās 40ās, 20ās 30ās, Asian, Random Adventures, Culture, Cuisine,yesChicago,Ā Chinese,Chicagoese,American,Indian,Russian, Young, Men, night,Downtown, Beach, Roppongi, Shibuya, Ginza, Shinjuku, Meetup Professional ,Culture,English, Men's Culture, Women's Social, Community Service,Male,Female, Strategy,Bars, Sports Recreation, Organizations, Fitness, Mountain Biking, Times, looking to Meet other Dinning Show, Hiking, Pubs, Salsa, Merrengue, Bachata, Reggaetone, Hip-hop, Jazz, music, Bars, eating out, Ethnic Dining, Cooking, Culinary Consciousness, Book Club, Psychology, Philosophy, Personal Growth, Conversation, Self-Improvement,Gakusei,Fun,Love, International Friends Ā· Culture Exchange Expat Language & and Students Town Travel Young Singles Nightlife Times 30's Entrepreneurship Happy Hour Pubs Bars, Salsa, Merengue, Latin Dance, Lessons Dancing, Music Ballroom DancingĀ· Swing Fitness Ā·ZumbaĀ Classes Group Training Exercise Weight Loss Healthy Living WellnessĀ· Drinking Craft BeerĀ· Beer Tasting Ā·Community Building Organizations Volunteering Self-Improvement Service Spirituality Exploration Self-EmpowermentĀ· Social Coffee Tea Ā·CookingĀ· Cocktails Foodie Exploring Restaurants SinglesĀ·Ā Vegetarian Vegan Potlucks Dineouts Organic Foods Wellness PotlucksĀ·Board Games Card Strategy Gaming OutĀ· Billiards Pool PlayersĀ BAR POOL Club Ā· GamesĀ· Yoga Meditation Ā·Ā Asian EntrepreneursĀ·Expat British Expatriate of ExPats Comedies Television ScottishĀ·Expat Ā· ESL practice English Spanish Ā·Canadian Expats ExchangeĀ· French Francophone Francophiles World Speaking Community, TeachersĀ· FoodĀ· Chicagoese Chicagoese Anime Manga PopĀ·AnimationĀ·Singles Hiking Outdoors OutĀ·Walking Tours Historical Adventure WeekendĀ· TravelĀ·ActivitiesĀ·Arts CultureĀ·Career BusinessĀ·Community EnvironmentĀ·DancingĀ·Education LearningĀ·Fashion BeautyĀ·FitnessĀ· GamesĀ·Health WellbeingĀ·Hobbies CraftsĀ·StudentsĀ·LifestyleĀ·MusicĀ·Outdoors AdventureĀ·SinglesĀ·RecreationĀ· Socializing
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- $5 First Fridays Stand Up Comedy Shows at Chicago's best venue!Laugh Factory, Chicago, IL
The Laugh Factory in Lakeview (Broadway & Belmont) is open for comedy and we all could use some laughs! We always get A LOT of people to attend these shows. Often times over 100 Meetup members!
If you attend by yourself or with friends and want to be seated in the Meetup group section, simply request this when you check in at the ticket booth! Then just say hi to those around you :)
Every First Friday of the month we get $5 TICKETS to their shows at 7:00, 9:15 & 11:30 pm. They're ALWAYS hilarious!
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Get your $5 tickets ASAP before the quantity they give us get sells out. And with our "laugh or get a refund" policy (that has never in 4 years been requested), I know you'll enjoy your MUCH NEEDED night out! This event is posted in lots of different Meetup groups, so the RSVP # won't show how many are actually attending.
READ THE DESCRIPTION OF EACH SHOW AND GET YOUR $5 TIX HERE: https://tinyurl.com/firstfridayslaughfactory
*You can purchase tickets for several people and multiple shows this night through the link. No physical tickets will be issued. Your name will be on a list at the door and all tickets will be under the purchaser's name. Groups of up to 6 people can be sat together if arriving together.
Please Note: These shows are for ages 18+ w/ ID. If you show up after start time you will not be able to enter. There is a 2 drink minimum per person per show (non-alcoholic or alcoholic). Drinks are reasonably priced, and a comedy show is funnier with a few drinks, so this shouldn't be an issue with how cheap our tickets are :) Also, an 18% service fee (aka gratuity) will be applied to all drink tabs at payment to be given directly to service staff.
No refunds or exchanges but tickets can be transferred.
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Is there parking? Street parking and some garages are available throughout the area. However, public transit, ridesharing apps, and taxi services are highly encouraged.
What is the dress code? There is no dress code. Be comfortable!
READ THE DESCRIPTION OF EACH SHOW AND GET YOUR $5 TIX HERE: https://tinyurl.com/firstfridayslaughfactory
Enjoy the laughter!
-Ben
- šļøš°ļø Strolling Through Kenwood: Mansions, Myths & Megastars š¶āāļøš©Blackstone Branch, Chicago Public Library, Chicago, IL
šļøš°ļø Strolling Through Kenwood: Mansions, Myths & Megastars š¶āāļøš©
š šKenwood Treasures: A Walk Through Chicagoās Historic South Side
Step into one of Chicagoās most elegant and storied neighborhoods! From Gilded Age mansions and Prairie School gems to Civil Rights icons and President Obamaās former home, this walking tour reveals the rich legacy of Kenwood through architecture, activism, and culture.
š Saturday, August 2, 2025
š 12:00 PM ā approx. 2:00 PM
š Start: Blackstone Branch Library, 4904 S. Lake Park Ave
šÆ End: Isidore Heller House, 5132 S. Woodlawn Ave (approx. 6 blocks from start)
š° Cost: $20 (cash preferred; Zelle, Venmo, PayPal accepted)
š¶āāļø Distance: About 2.5 miles outdoors
ā ļø Tip: Walk Ends about 6 blocks from the start ā if driving, consider parking midway
***š What Youāll See & Learn:
ā Stately Gilded Age homes & early Prairie-style architecture
ā Sites tied to Barack Obama, Muhammad Ali, and Julius Rosenwald
ā Hidden gems by Frank Lloyd Wright, Shaw, and other local legends
ā Historic houses of worship, activists, educators & entrepreneurs
ā Insightful storytelling and great company across multiple meetup groups!šø Itās not a photo walk but trust usāyouāll want your camera!
š¤ Led by a passionate, knowledgeable guide (thatās me!), this walk is perfect for architecture buffs, history lovers, and curious Chicagoans.
***šļø Featured Stops & Highlights Include:
šļø Blackstone Branch Library
š§± George Blossom House (FLW)
š§± Warren McArthur House (FLW)
š Former Elijah Muhammad House
š” Howard Van Doren Shaw House
š„ Former Muhammad Ali Residence
š Charles Adams Goodyear House
š Ezra S. Brainerd House
š¢ Rainbow PUSH Coalition HQ
šļø Julius Rosenwald House
š§± Gustavus F. Swift Mansion
š§± Moses Born Residence
šļø Martin A. Ryerson House
š§± McGill House
š¦ šļøFormer Obama Family Home
š KAM Isaiah Israel Congregation
š Isidore Heller House (FLW)
***š½ļø Optional Lunch After the Tour
Stick around and grab a bite at one of these local favorites:- š„ Canāt Believe Itās Not Meat (vegan)
- š„Ŗ Cafe 53
- š The Sit-Down Cafe
šµ Bring cash for lunchāsome spots donāt split checks!
***š What to Bring:
⢠Comfortable walking shoes
⢠Water bottle
⢠Weather-appropriate attire
⢠$20 tour fee (exact change appreciated; cash preferred but Zelle, Venmo, PayPal accepted)š Transit & Parking Tips:
⢠Free & metered street parking available on Lake Park, Woodlawn & side streetsāwatch signs
⢠Park midway if youād like to be close to both start & end
⢠CTA-accessible ā use the CTA Trip Planner for the best route
***š RSVP & No-Show Policy
āļø Please keep your RSVP current
š« No-shows make future planning tough
š RSVP updates close at the tour start time
***⨠Discover Kenwood ā where elegance, activism, and architectural beauty converge. Come explore the stories behind the stones on this engaging neighborhood walk! šļøš³š
- šļøš¤ļø Milwaukee Ave Uncovered: Trails, Towers & Treasures š¶āāļøšGermain House, Chicago, IL
šļøš¤ļø Milwaukee Ave Uncovered: Trails, Towers & Treasures š¶āāļøš
A Sunday stroll through River West, Noble Square & Wicker Park
Walk the old Native path, check out iconic Polish churches, and discover stories of long-gone shops that made this street famous.
Ready to step off the grid and onto one of Chicagoās oldest, boldest streets? Join us for a guided walk down Milwaukee Avenue ā a diagonal slice of city life with layers of history. From Indigenous trails and Polish cathedrals to long-lost department stores and reborn landmarks, weāll explore how this vibrant corridor keeps reinventing itself.
***šļø Sunday, August 3, 2025
š 11:45 AM ā ~1:45 PM
š Start: Germain House, 729 N. Sangamon St.
šÆ End: The Robey Hotel, 2018 W. North Ave. (~2.5 miles total)
š° Cost: $20 (cash preferred; Zelle, Venmo, PayPal accepted)
š¶āāļø Casual pace | Outdoors |
ā ļø Note: Walk ends 2.5 miles from the starting point ā if driving, consider parking near the midpoint! Or take the bus or L train backāļø A casual, curiosity-filled outing for lovers of Chicago stories, old and new.
***š What Youāll See & Learn:
ā One of Chicagoās oldest trails ā from Native path to Polish main street
ā Grand churches, vanished businesses, reborn banks, and funky artist spaces
ā A mix of architectural eye candy and deep neighborhood stories
ā The ever-evolving story of immigrant hustle, urban reinvention, and civic pridešø Not a photo walk, but youāll want your camera
š¤ Led by your passionate, ever-curious guide (thatās me!) ā this oneās for architecture buffs, history lovers, and anyone who wants to be a tourist in their own city.
***šŗļø Route Highlights:
š Germain House ā Queen Anne gem
āŖ St. John Cantius ā A Polish baroque beauty
āŖ St. Boniface ā Towering twin-spired ghost
š³ Eckhart Park ā A community anchor
šļø Polish Museum of America ā A cultural time capsule
š Holy Trinity ā Where grandeur meets grit
āŖ St. Stanislaus Kostka ā The original Polish cathedral
šæ Pulaski Park ā WPA charm in a leafy square
š§ National Alliance ā Mid-century mission hub
š¦ Home Bank & Trust ā Financial strength in stone
š¬ Wieboldtās (former) ā Lost department store legend
šØ Indigo Lofts ā Wallpaper meets art lofts
š Flatiron Arts ā Boho central
šļø Noel State Bank ā Walgreens with a dome
šØ The Robey ā A tower of transit turned trendy hotel
***šļø Fun Facts Along the Way:
š¬ Milwaukee Ave started as a Native trail, then a plank-lined toll road
š Streetcars once zipped through whatās now rush-hour traffic
šØ Wicker Parkās art scene exploded here in the ā80s
šŗ Expect tales of beer barons, preservation fights, and colorful characters
***š Quick Logistics:
āļø Start near Grand Blue Line
āļø End near Damen Blue Line
āļø Wear good walking shoes & bring water
āļø DM or email with any questions
āļø Tour runs rain or shine š¦ļø
***š What to Bring:
⢠Comfortable walking shoes
⢠Water bottle
⢠Weather-appropriate attire
⢠$20 tour fee (exact change appreciated; cash preferred but Zelle, Venmo, PayPal accepted)š½ļø Optional Lunch After the Tour
Stick around and grab a bite at one of these local favorites after the walk:
⢠š„ Sultanās Market (Wicker Park) ā casual Middle Eastern eats
https://www.sultansmarket.com/
ā¢ š„Ŗ CAVA (Wicker Park) ā build-your-own Mediterranean bowls
https://cava.com/locations/1611-n-damen-ave-chicago-il
⢠š Paradise Park ā funky patio vibes + pizza
https://www.paradiseparkchi.com/
⢠š® Big Star ā beloved taco + whiskey joint
https://www.bigstarchicago.com/šµ Bring cash for lunchāsome spots donāt split checks!
š§ Come walk where the old city still hums ā Milwaukee Ave is calling.