Prairie Avenue District Walking Tour: Chicago’s Gilded Age Elite
Chicago, USA
Prairie Avenue District Walking Tour: Chicago’s Gilded Age Elite
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Chicago, USA
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Step off the typical tourist trail, and discover one of Chicago’s oldest and most scenic neighborhoods, on this walking tour of the Prairie District. Meet your guide in the morning at the Chicago Athletic Association, and set off with just a small group for company. The Prairie District is just a short L ride away; you can look forward to seeing the Second Presbyterian Church, Glessner House, Motor Row, and otherwise discovering how Chicagoans lived at the turn of the 20th century.
- Discover the highlights of Chicago’s evocative Prairie District
- This small-group tour will have a maximum of just 8 participants
- Learn all about the district’s turn-of-the-century history and architecture
- Grab a snack and a drink at a unique, neighborhood cafe
What's Included
Meeting and Pickup
Itinerary
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
5.0
based on 24 reviews
Teresa_B, Oct 2025
Tour guide Tom, a native of Chicago, was very knowledgeable. He shared many stories and facts about Chicago. He was gracious and checked in to make sure we were comfortable during the walking. Highly recommend this tour.
Marla_A, Jun 2025
This was a unique “off the tourist” experience. We loved every minute. Our guide Tom was a wealth of information, had an iPad of historic photos to share, and we took the L rail with him and then had docents scheduled as part of the tour at both the Glessner House & Presbyterian Church.
Can’t wait to do another tour!
We have spent many years going to downtown Chicago and this gave us a new perspective.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
We're so glad to hear you enjoyed the tour! Hope to see you for another one.
Debra_S, Apr 2025
Lots of great historical info on Chicago and beautiful area (S. Prairie Ave.) to walk around. Loved the Palmer House brownie at the end of the tour at the gorgeous Palmer House!
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Glad you enjoyed the tour!
Brian_M, Apr 2024
I've lived in Chicago/Chicagoland for 40+ years, and I always wanted a tour of the Prairie Ave. District. Much of the city's history - especially post-Civil War - is linked to this area. The tour did a great job of not only explaining the area, but also other important landmarks along the way (for example, Chess Records, Second Presbyterian Church, the Chicago Athletic Association, and the Palmer House). One of the remaining, original Prairie Ave. District mansions is Glessner House, and the tour here was excellent. BTW, the preservation of Glessner House is impeccable; they have done an excellent job preserving this home. The Prairie Ave. District tour includes a brief ride on the elevated train, which is something you should do while in Chicago. If you are new to Chicago, you are better off starting with a tour of the basics, like an architecture tour. But if you are a local, or a prior Chicago visitor, you should consider taking this tour to broaden your understanding of Chicago's important history.
Nicole_D, Oct 2023
Tom was a wealth of knowledge about Chicago. The meeting location at the Chicago Athletic Association was so cool. Beautiful building, as were the others on the tour. Enjoyed the lesson on riding the L. We had a great time and really enjoyed all the places we visited.
Cecilia_H, Aug 2021
We like to know the history of cities we visit, and this tour gave us a glimpse of Chicago of the 1800s visiting homes, grand hotels and also simply strolling around places with a story. The tour guide was excellent.
Response from Host, Aug 2021
Glad to hear you enjoyed exploring the Prairie District with Tom! Hope to see you again on future tours!
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