Historic Old Town Spring Walking Tour

The Chicago walking tour season is here, and it's time to get outside! If you're seeking a unique activity on a spring Saturday afternoon, look no further. Dive into the history of Chicago and its vibrant neighborhoods by joining our latest neighborhood walking tour! This week, we’re exploring the renowned Old Town neighborhood on the north side. This tour is a must for anyone passionate about historic churches, iconic businesses, striking architecture, and the rich history of the area. Don't miss your chance to experience it!

The walk promises to be delightful on this beautiful spring afternoon. It’s an event that brings together multiple meetup groups! Although it's not exclusively a photo walk, there will be plenty of chances to take photos!

Experience the charm and history of the picturesque Old Town District on a private walking tour, guided by an expert in Chicago’s rich cultural heritage. For just $20 per person, immerse yourself in the captivating stories and architectural wonders that define this iconic neighborhood. Don’t miss the chance to explore another meticulously crafted walking tour I offer, showcasing even more of Old Town’s hidden gems!

Starting at the renowned Sedgwick Brown Line station, we will take a walking tour of the Old Town neighborhood. This tour will explore the area’s rich history, its business district, several famous comedy venues, intriguing architecture, artist colonies, and beautiful churches.

The tour involves about 2 miles of walking outdoors, so please wear comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing for the Chicago spring weather.

Please keep in mind that the tour ends about 4 blocks from where we start, so park accordingly if you drive. We start at the Brown Line Sedgwick stop at 1536 N Sedgwick St. and end at the former Carl Street Studios, 155 W. Burton Place, so it is an easy walk back to your car, depending on where you park.

To join this thrilling adventure, a $20 fee is necessary at the start of the tour. Don’t miss out on this opportunity—let’s embark on this exciting journey together!

After the tour, some of us will get lunch at one of the many nearby places:
Woodie's Flat 1535 N. Wells St. https://woodieschicago.com/
Topo Gigio Ristorante 1516 N Wells St. https://topogigiochicago.com/
Adobe Grill 215 W. North Ave. https://www.adobochi.davinci-group.com/
Corcoran's Grill & Pub 1615 N, Wells https://corcoransoldtown.com/

All are welcome to join! BRING CASH IF JOINING FOR LUNCH, AS SOME VENUES DON'T ACCEPT SEPARATE CHECKS!

First settled by German immigrants in 1850, Old Town is popular with architecture buffs who come to admire its Victorian-era buildings, quaint streets and shops. Tree-lined Wells Street features the revered Second City comedy club, old-school pubs, charming eateries and artisanal coffee shops, as well as quirky boutiques. St. Michael’s Church is one of the few structures in Chicago to survive the Great Fire of 1871.
Many of the streets and alleys, particularly in the Old Town Triangle section, predate the Great Chicago Fire and do not all adhere to a typical Chicago grid pattern

The walkable, narrow streets and historic homes of Old Town give way to a string of high-rises lining the open vistas of the lake and parkland. Home to a variety of comedy venues, shops, and mix of old taverns and modern bars, the tiny neighborhood also packs its fair share of entertainment.

No other Chicago neighborhood is like Old Town. Tucked behind high-rises and moments from the vast green space of Lincoln Park, this landmark district has a unique history and diversity. Today, diversity adds richness to Old Town from St. Michael's Church to the Midwest Buddhist Temple.

A few places we will stop are:
1655 N. Sedgwick – Twin Anchors Restaurant
1633 N Cleveland Ave. - St Michael Catholic Church in Old Town
435 N. Menomonee St. Midwest Buddhist Temple
1758 N. Sedgwick – Margie’s Still
1734 N. Wells The Kogen-Miller Studios and Glasner Studio
1710 N. Crilly Court – Henry Gerber House
168 W. Eugenie - Olsen-Hansen Row Houses
1701 N La Salle Dr. - Eugenie Triangle Park
1635 N. Lasalle – Moody Church
1601 N. Clark Street – Chicago History Museum
108 W. Germania Place - Germania Club
230 W. North Ave – The Second City
210 W. North Ave – Pipers Alley
151 W. Burton Place - Sol Kogen and Edgar Miller, architects
155 W. Burton Place – Carl Street Studios

If you are taking public transportation, please check their website for directions or use Google Maps or the CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/

If you are driving, there is street parking along Wells and North Ave, plus surrounding side streets, but pay attention to parking signs, especially permit parking. There are several parking garages in the area, so also check SpotHero or ParkWhiz for the best options!

PLEASE KEEP RSVP UP TO DATE AND DO NOT BE A NO SHOW!