Autumn Walking Tour of the Scenic Bucktown Neighborhood

DATE CHANGE! MOVED FROM 10/13/24 to 11/10/24!

Searching for a distinctive activity this fall Sunday afternoon? Interested in delving into the history of Chicago and its diverse neighborhoods? Join us for our newest neighborhood walking tour! We're venturing into a new area on the northwest side, highlighting the Bucktown neighborhood. Bucktown is sure to captivate those who are passionate about small businesses, architecture, and history.

Discover the architectural and historical gems of Bucktown on a walking tour that brings the past to life. Explore the vibrant streets, marvel at the intricate designs, and dive into the stories that shaped this unique Chicago neighborhood.

The walk promises to be delightful on this beautiful early autumn afternoon. It's an event that brings multiple meetup groups together! Although it's not exclusively a photo walk, there will be ample chances to snap photos!

There is a $20 fee per person. THIS IS A PAID PRIVATE NEIGHBORHOOD WALKING TOUR OF THE BEAUTIFUL & HISTORIC BUCKTOWN DISTRICT WITH AN EXPERT CHICAGO GUIDE. Please check out another walking tour that I have developed for the Bucktown neighborhood.

Beginning at Saint Mary of the Angels School, the tour will feature a collection of majestic Polish Churches, historic vintage residences, and contemporary modern condominiums. Additionally, it will encompass numerous parks and a variety of charming local pubs, as well as businesses that are no longer in operation.

The tour is approx. 2.3 miles of walking outside so wear good walking shoes and proper outdoor clothing for the Chicago fall weather.

Note that the tour ends about 8 blocks or 1 mile from where we start, so park accordingly if you drive. We start at the Saint Mary of the Angels School at 1810 N Hermitage Ave, and end at Margie's Candies at 1960 N Western Ave, so I suggest parking somewhere in the middle

IF YOU WISH TO PAY IN CASH IN PERSON INSTEAD ON THE DAY OF THE WALK, PLEASE MESSAGE ME DIRECTLY AT [email protected] or TEXT ME at 312.835.4259, SO I CAN ARRANGE FOR YOU TO PAY AT THE START OF THE TOUR.

After the walk, some of us may grab a bite at wonderful Mexican Restaurant, called Manchamanteles https://www.manchamantelesrestaurant.com/ All are welcome to join! BRING CASH IF JOINING FOR LUNCH AS VENUES WON'T DO SEPARATE CHECKS!

Some stops featured on the walk:
Saint Mary of the Angels School
St Mary Of the Angels Catholic Church
Lottie's Pub (aka Molly's Pub on Chicago Fire)
Churchill Park Ball Field
Map Room
Covenant Presbyterian Church formerly All Saints Cathedral
Manchester Lofts formerly the Manchester Building
St Hedwig Catholic Church (Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish)
Condos Formerly Wojciechowski Funeral Home
Formerly John & Lor's Variety Store
Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast
Apartment Formerly Sheilka’s Funeral Home & Korean Church
Senior Citizens Memorial Park
Holstein Park
Margie's Candies

Part of the West Town and Logan Square Community Areas. Roughly bounded by North, Ashland, Western, and Fullerton Avenues, Bucktown, is a vibrant neighborhood in Chicago, has a rich history that dates back nearly 200 years, even before Chicago was officially incorporated as a city. Bucktown gets its name from the large number of goats raised in the neighborhood during the 19th century when it was an integral part of the city's famed Polish Downtown. The original Polish term for the neighborhood was Kozie Prery (Goat Prairie).

Bucktown is primarily residential, with a mix of older single-family homes, new builds with edgy architecture, and converted industrial loft spaces. The neighborhood's origins are rooted in the Polish working class, which first began to settle in the area in the 1830s. A large influx of Germans began in 1848 and in 1854 led to the establishment of the town of Holstein, which was eventually annexed into Chicago in 1863. In the 1890s and 1900s, immigration from Poland, the annexation of Jefferson Township into Chicago and the completion of the Logan Square Branch of the Metropolitan Elevated Lines contributed to the rapid increase in Bucktown's population density. Three of the city's most opulent churches designed in the so-called "Polish Cathedral style" - St. Hedwig's, the former Cathedral of All Saints and St. Mary of the Angels - date from this era and all located within Bucktown

Originally a primarily Polish working-class area of small homes, saloons, and churches, it has experienced significant gentrification in recent years. Today, Bucktown is known for its trendy shops, bars, and vibrant arts scene, reflecting its dynamic history and diverse cultural influences

If you are taking public transportation, please use google maps or CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/

If you are driving, there is metered street parking along main streets plus free on surrounding side streets but pay attention to parking signs especially permit parking! REMEMBER WALK DOES NOT END WHERE WE START!

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

How to find us: *TICKETED EVENT* Meet outside the Saint Mary of the Angels School at 1810 N Hermitage Avenue- look for the large group gathered, Remember the walk ends about 8 blocks from where start! Call me at (312) 835-4259 if lost or late

For more info about my meetup group, click on the links below:

https://www.meetup.com/1001-things-to-see-in-chicago-before-you-die/

Host or Publisher 1001 Things to See in Chicago Before You Die