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Chicago Neighbohood Tours - Fall 2008

October and November Tours Offered by the City

From , former About.com Guide

The City of Chicago regularly offers a series of official neighborhood tours, including a few special interest ones. These are half-day bus trips that focus on each neighborhood’s residents, history, and traditions. The tour descriptions listed below come from the City of Chicago’s promotional materials. Booking information can also be found below.

Related Reading:
Neighborhoods, Community Areas, and Wards - Overview
Top Walking Neighborhoods in Chicago
Lincoln Park - Top Things to Do

City of Chicago Neighborhood Tours

  • Little Italy, Saturday, October 4
    “Southern Italians and Sicilians settled in Chicago’s Little Italy neighborhood, which boasted the city’s largest Italian population in the late 1800s. Discover this heritage at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii during a short discussion followed by a neighborhood walking tour that includes Taylor Street, the main thoroughfare. A private tour and discussion at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, a national historic landmark, concludes the afternoon.”

  • Hyde Park & Kenwood, Saturday, October 4
    "See the distinct architectural styles of these two neighboring lakefront communities. Tour highlights include a visit to the Oriental Institute Museum, a walking tour of University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus, a visit to St. Thomas the Apostle Church, and a drive past some of the historic mansions and homes in Kenwood.”

  • Wicker Park & Bucktown, Saturday, October 25
    "Wicker Park and Bucktown offer visitors a charismatic, eclectic mix of art, architecture, and culture. At St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church in Bucktown, take a short tour and discuss the church’s architecture. Spend personal time in fashionable boutiques and shops. Then, explore historic Wicker Park on an architectural walking tour highlighting the areas homes and mansions.”

  • South Shore Neighborhoods,Saturday, November 15
    "Take a trip to several African American communities, alive with cultural, historical and architectural treasures. Highlights include a visit to the sprawling South Shore Cultural Center, a visit and discussion at St. Philip Neri Church, and a tour of one of Chicago’s leading African American theaters-the eta Creative Arts Foundation.”

Special Interest Tours

  • Greek Chicago, Saturday, November 1
    "Greek community experts Faye and Harold Peponis explore the history, customs, and religion of Chicago’s Greek citizens. Visit Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, then enjoy a private tour and discussion at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum. After lunch in Greek Town, visit the Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center.

  • Taste of the Neighborhoods, Saturday, November 22
    "Join ethnic food guide Evelyn Thompson on a trip to various communities to sample delectable offerings at a few of Chicago’s ethnic restaurants, bakeries and delis. Learn the differences, similarities and preparation of entrees and desserts on this popular culinary journey.”

How to Book a Chicago Neighborhood Tour

You need a reservation for these Chicago tours. Many sell out quickly. You can do that by calling (312)742-1190 or by visiting their site online here.

Key Points to Know about City of Chicago Neighborhood Tours:
  • These are bus tours that depart from the Chicago Cultural Center
    77 E. Randolph Street
    Chicago, IL
    Map It
  • 9:30 a.m. check-in time and 10 a.m. departure time
  • The tours return at either at 2 p.m. or 2:30 p.m.
  • Neighborhood Tours cost $30 ($25 for seniors and students) and include refreshments.
  • Special Interest Tours cost $50 ($45 for seniors and students) and include lunch.
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