Portage Park West Walking Tour

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE BEGINNING JUNE 21

Chicago for Chicagoans is thrilled to announce a 2.5 hour excursion through West Portage Park! Led by local resident, Giovina Romandine! This walk will help you explore the rich history and architecture of this incredible northside neighborhood.

Beginning at the Southeast corner of Portage Park, the tour will wind past the namesake park's historic fieldhouse, Olympic size swimming pool, lush trees, and nature & wildlife garden. From there, we'll explore the western section of the neighborhood — diverse churches, shuttered schools, a 1920s movie palace, the former site of Cook County's poorhouse, and century-old cemeteries are just a few of the highlights. In keeping with Portage Park's rich Polish history, we end the tour at the Jolly Inn, a delicious all-you-can-eat Polish buffet with some of the best pierogis in town.

​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.

To view our tour route maps, click here! Please note: routes are subject to change at any time.

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