OUT at CHM Walking Tour | North Side LGBTQIA+ Stories

Schedule

Sat Oct 24 2026 at 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

UTC-05:00
Location

CTA - Belmont (Red/Brown/Purple) | Chicago, IL

Advertisement
Did you know that Chicago is home to the very first LGBTQIA+ rights organization in the US (1924) AND the first Pride Parade in the world (1970)? As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we are also taking time to consider the ways people in the United States make practice democracy through their words and actions.
Led by Mike McMains of Tours with Mike, this tour explores the businesses and organizations in the Northalsted (formerly Boystown) area in Lakeview. Today, it is one of the country’s largest LGBTQIA+ districts and the very first “gayborhood” to be governmentally recognized. It’s home to numerous bars, restaurants, shops, and social services and civil rights organizations. You’ll discover:
- How the architecture evolved along with the neighborhood’s transformation
- The Legacy Walk, which honors LGBTQIA+ leaders and historical events
- Beautiful mosaics, murals, and sculptures celebrating Chicago’s diversity
- Wonderful spaces inside the Midwest’s largest LGBTQIA+ community center
Attendees can enhance their tour experience by using their smartphones to view historical photographs related to the tour topics.
$25, $22.50 members
Tour runs approximately 90–120 minutes and is wheelchair accessible. Meet just outside of the Belmont Red/Brown/Purple Line train station’s southern entrance in front of Dunkin Donuts (945 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL 60657). The tour ends at Center on Halsted (3656 North Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60613)
Tour also includes free admission to the Chicago History Museum, good for one week from tour date.
Advertisement

Where is it happening?

CTA - Belmont (Red/Brown/Purple), 943 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657-4408, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Chicago History Museum
Host or PublisherChicago History Museum

Ask AI if this event suits you