Near South Side Walking Tour

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE BEGINNING JUNE 29TH

Chicago for Chicagoans returns to the South Side for a newly updated 2-hour walk exploring Chicago's Near South Side! Led by area native and urban planner Debbie Liu, alongside Patti Swanson, this adventure will help you dive into the influential history of the diverse neighborhood's many eras.

Beginning at the Cermak-McCormick Place Green Line stop, the tour will cover the architecture, landmarks, and stories of Motor Row, the Hillard Homes, our 19th-century vice district, famous churches, the Chicago blues, and even legendary fast-food establishments. End your afternoon with a drink at 16th Street Bar & Coffee Lounge, a South Loop women-owned business known for serving tasty cocktails and locally-roasted Stivers Coffee. Come learn something new about your place in space!

To view our tour route maps, click here! Please note: this tour is new for 2024, and the route is still in development. Routes are subject to change at any time.

​Chicago for Chicagoans happily exists as a "pay-what-you-can" tour service. A suggested tip of $10-20 per person is always appreciated, but reviewing us on Yelp, liking us on Facebook, spreading the word, and attending future tours tells us how much you love us too! We are a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit that creates inclusive walking tours by & for Chicago residents, designed to represent the histories of all Chicagoans. Donate online fee-free at chicagoforchicagoans.org.

Host or Publisher Chicago for Chicagoans