Albany Park - New Tour!
May 30 August 15 10 a.m. –2:30 p.m.

Make a wonderful discovery—Albany Park, where proportionately more residents were born abroad than in other Chicago communities. Besides international restaurants and groceries, there’s the Cambodian American Heritage Museum and River Park dam complementing the Chicago River. Find urban wildlife roaming North Park Village’s 155 acres (the former Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium). Enjoy refreshments at the Superdawg Drive-In.

Beautiful Beverly    
March 7 May 2 October 10 10 a.m. –2:30 p.m.

Trees galore, historic homes, beautiful parks and lovely churches distinguish Beverly Hills. With the country’s largest enclave of Walter Burley Griffin–designed homes, this genre-defying Far South Side gem wows at every turn. Join a discussion at the Ingersoll-Blackwelder House, a privately owned historic residence. Delight in refreshments at a local restaurant in Beverly’s shopping district, and catch the Beverly Arts Center’s current exhibits.

Devon Avenue
June 6 August 8 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Check out Devon Avenue’s Indian and Pakistani communities. The traditional welcome at the Indo-American Center sets the tone. Along Devon Avenue, fulfill your wish list for exotic delicacies in international delis and groceries. Browse sparkling jewelry stores and colorful sari shops. Back at the Indo-American Center, discuss Indian culture while sampling the cuisine. It’s a “wrap” with a delightful classic Indian dance and a sari-wrapping demonstration.

Great Parks of Chicago    
April 4 October 3 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Early greening and public art efforts sprouted at Garfield, Hamilton and Sherman parks, designed by the renowned Olmsted Brothers. At Hamilton and Sherman’s field houses, appreciate the architecture and recently restored Progressive-era murals. Hear Garfield Park’s history while riding over its winding roads. Tour the striking, gold-domed field house and one of the world’s largest, moststunning gardens under glass, Garfield Park Conservatory.

Historic Bronzeville
April 25 September 12 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Join in Bronzeville’s modern-day renaissance. It’s happening in this African American community—among the 20th century’s most influential—through commitment and cultural initiatives. Tap into past and present at DuSable Museum, a major independent institution. Observe youths and adults in action at Little Black Pearl, offering opportunities through cultural entrepreneurship. Finish up at the lovely Gallery Guichard.

Hyde Park & Kenwood
April 18 July 18 September 19 
10 a.m.–2:30p.m.

Here’s where lakefront vistas, ancient history, architecture and Nobel Prizes meet. Admire distinctively designed dwellings in President Obama’s Kenwood neighborhood. Explore Hyde Park’s St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, by noted architect Barry Byrne. Enjoy Egyptian and Persian antiquities at the world-famous Oriental Institute Museum. Take in nearby Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, part of the University of Chicago campus. At tour’s end, stroll Jackson Park’s enchanting Osaka Garden.

Land of Lincoln - New Tour!   
April 4 August 1 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s Bicentennial. View Lincoln, The Orator near Union and Confederate, Civil War gravesites in Oak Woods Cemetery. Reach Stephen A. Douglas Tomb and Monument for a friendly talk on the Lincoln-Douglas Debates. Locate Lincoln, Head of State; Lincoln, The Good Neighbor; and other monuments. View the Chicago History Museum’s Lincoln memorabilia, concluding in Senn Park, where Lincoln spoke during the 1860 presidential campaign.

Little Italy    
May 16 August 29 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

When Southern Italians and Sicilians settled this Near West Side jewel in the late 1800s, it hosted Chicago’s largest Italian population. Muse on early Italian heritage during the private tour-discussion at a national landmark, Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, and the short talk at Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii. Proceed by foot through quiet, tree-lined streets, winding up on Taylor Street for savory refreshments and time on your own. 

Pilsen & Little Village
June 6 September 26 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Viva, Pilsen and Little Village! One of the country’s largest Mexican communities. Scope out Little Village’s 26th Street. This top-shopping destination includes authentic restaurantes, panaderías (bakeries) and boutiques. In Pilsen, discuss bold, expressive murals and mosaics en route to the largest, and only U.S. Latino museum accredited by the American Association of Museums, the National Museum of Mexican Art.

Pullman Historic District             
May 9 August 22 October 17
10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Pullman Historic District—the first planned industrial town, created by George M. Pullman of Pullman Palace Car Company—is a city, state and national historic landmark. Architect Solon Beman designed this 1896 World’s Most Perfect Town. The exploration is afoot with a short historical presentation inside the Pullman Visitor Center. On a comprehensive walking tour, visit Greenstone Church and the celebrated Hotel Florence for a restoration update and tour.

South Shore Neighborhoods
February 21 November 14 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
                                     
Following the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, South Shore boomed into a prosperous middle-class neighborhood. It’s alive with cultural, historical and architectural landmarks including the intriguing South Shore Cultural Center. Hear about Saint Philip Neri Catholic Church, and glimpse the restored New Regal Theater. Expect more pleasurable viewing at the award-winning Gary Comer Youth Center, whose John Ronan Architect design supports local children’s activities.

Wicker Park & Bucktown   
May 2 June 20 October 24
10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
 
You’ve hit upon two of Chicago’s liveliest, trendiest neighborhoods. Wicker Park’s towering Victorian-era mansions and the quaint workman’s cottages in Bucktown hint at divergent origins. In Bucktown, a short discussion at Saint Hedwig Church, built in 1899 by Polish immigrants, clues you in. Shop fashionable boutiques in the heart of Wicker Park, along Damen and Milwaukee avenues. Meet afterwards for a revealing, walking exploration of area architecture.