Spring Walk of Old Irving Park's Historic District

Spring is here, and so is Chicago walking tour season—time to step outside and explore! If you’re looking for a fresh and engaging way to spend a Sunday afternoon, join us for our latest neighborhood walking tour. This week, we’re heading to Old Irving Park’s Historic District, where a knowledgeable local guide will lead you through the area’s charming streets. You’ll uncover hidden gems, admire stunning architecture, and learn about the rich history behind the neighborhood’s homes, schools, businesses, and churches. It’s the perfect way to soak up the spring sunshine while discovering a new side of Chicago.

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 Chicago’s picturesque Old Irving Historic District on a private walking tour led by an expert in the city’s cultural heritage. For just $20 per person, you’ll be immersed in captivating stories, striking architecture, and the unique character that defines this iconic neighborhood. This thoughtfully curated tour reveals hidden gems and little-known details that bring Old Irving to life. Don’t miss your chance to explore one of Chicago’s most beloved areas—

Beginning on the famous Irving Park Road we will walk throughout the historic older section of the Irving Park neighborhood. The tour will take you through the rich history of the area, beautiful boulevards, turn-of-the-century architecture, schools, and churches

The tour involves about 2.1 miles of walking outdoors, so please wear comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing for the Chicago spring weather.

Please note that the tour ends about one block away from the starting point, so plan your parking accordingly if you are driving. We begin at 4200 W. Irving Park Rd and finish at Eris Brewery & Cider House, located at 4240 W. Irving Park Rd. It will be a short walk back to your car, depending on where you park.

To join this engaging experience, a $20 fee is due at the start of the tour (cash, PayPal, Zelle or Venmo accepted). Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see Old Irving in a whole new light—let’s embark on this exciting journey together!

After the walk, some of us will get dinner at Eris Brewery & Cider House, a lovely women-owned business in OIP inside a historic building.
https://www.erischicago.com/

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

Old Irving Park is a neighborhood within Chicago’s Irving Park community. Many who live in OIP will tell you they feel like they have the best of both worlds—the conveniences of the city combined with the charm of the suburbs. Iconic Chicago architecture lives in Irving Park, from Victorian mansions to turn-of-the-century bungalows — some buildings predate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

The original name chosen for the suburb was “Irvington” after author Washington Irving, but it was discovered that another town in Illinois had already used the name, so the name “Irving Park” was adopted. The original developers built substantial mansions along Irving Park Boulevard between 1870 and 1874.

Initially, Irving Park attracted Chicago's moneyed families seeking large parcels on which to construct mansions. The Great Chicago Fire of October 1871 proved a boon to Irving Park development, as Chicago residents moved in droves to areas outside the city that had not been ravaged. In 1889, Irving Park was annexed into the city of Chicago as part of Jefferson Township. City streets, streetcar service, and waterlines lured more residents. Between 1895 and 1914, new owners erected more than 5,000 buildings.

A few places we will stop at:
· 4200 W Irving Park Rd – The Whistle Stop Inn
· 3926 N Keeler - Charles Loucks House
· 3900 N Keeler - C.O. Loucks House
· 3945 N Tripp - The Race House
· 3916 N Tripp - Nuveen House 1892
· 3850 N Tripp - Mt Olive Church
· 3801 N Keeler – Irving Park Methodist Church
· 3601 N Milwaukee - Carl Schurz High School,
· 4362 W Grace - John Gray Mansion
· 3854 N. Kostner – John & Clara Merchant House
· 3857 N Kostner - St John's Episcopal Church
· 4041 N Lowell - Emeril Jensen House
· 4251 W Irving Park Rd. - Irving Park YMCA
· 4240 W Irving Park Rd - ERIS Brewery and Cider House

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 plenty of street parking along Irving, Keeler, Pulaski & surrounding side streets, but pay attention to parking signs, especially permit parking

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