Sometimes you want to see another side of the city—and not only the main tourist attractions. While Chicago may be famous for the Museums, Architecture, Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, and Navy Pier, the destination also has a fascinating history full of stories, different perspectives, and famous personalities. For those who want to stray from standard tourist offerings, venture off-the-beaten-path, and satisfy your curiosity by taking one of these three unique tours.
If you have read the best-selling book by Erik Larson that chronicles two real-life Chicago events, the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 and the terror spread by serial murderer Dr. Henry H. Holmes, then you will no doubt enjoy the Devil in the White City Tour. Offered by the Chicago Architecture Center, the thrilling experience is just under three-and-a-half hours and presents an intriguing account of the circumstances with a bus tour that makes stops to points pivotal to the story including the home of fair critic Ida B. Wells, the fairgrounds in Jackson Park and others.
Back in the day, during the 1920s and 1930s, Al Capone and his cronies ruled Chicago, making their mark on the city. Find out about the shady underdealings that went on during the Prohibition era during the Chicago Crime Tour led by entertaining “gangster” guides who share what really went down at various stops such as the site of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre and the Holy Name Cathedral.
Those in the mood for something lighter should consider the Historic Chicago Walking Bar Tour. The experience offered by Chicago Detours shows guests a different side of Michigan Avenue as they make their way to different pubs to learn all about the city’s jazz, speakeasy, and party past, all while viewing the stunning architecture and enjoying appetizers and drinks along the way.
What Chicago tour would you join on your next visit?