Monthly Archives: February 2023

The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Perfect Chicago Walking Tour

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Free Chicago Walking Tours has been designing, writing and delivering walking tours in Chicago since 2015. We want each of our guests to have an amazing time when they take a tour with us. Our reviews speak for themselves, guests enjoy our tours. But we are a small company and our Free Chicago Walking Tours calendar doesn’t always align with our guests schedule. if our tours do not work out for you here is what to look for when trying to find the next best walking tour in Chicago, whether the tour is a free tour or a paid tour.

When looking to book a walking tour in Chicago, it’s important to consider the length of the tour, the number of stops along the way, and the themes that will be covered. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find and book a tour that is not only enjoyable but also informative.

Length of Tour

The ideal length for a walking tour in Chicago is around 2-3 hours. This allows enough time to cover several areas of the city without overwhelming guests with too much information or walking. The tour should be no longer than 3 miles or 5 kilometers, and the pace should be slow enough to allow everyone to keep up comfortably.

Number of Stops

A walking tour in Chicago should include at least 5-6 stops along the way, each highlighting a different aspect of the city. These stops could include iconic landmarks, historic sites, and hidden gems that tourists may not know about. It’s also a good idea to include a few rest stops along the way to give guests a chance to rest their legs and take in the sights.

Themes

There are many different themes that can be explored during a walking tour of Chicago. Some popular themes include the city’s historic neighborhoods, its stunning architecture, and its rich history. Tours could also focus on specific time periods or events, such as the Chicago World’s Fair or the Great Fire of 1871. Whatever theme you choose, it’s important to have a clear focus and to provide interesting and informative facts and stories along the way.

Before and After the Tour

Before the tour begins, guests should be given a brief overview of the tour and what they can expect. They should also be advised on what to bring, such as comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. After the tour, guests should be given the opportunity to ask any questions they may have and to receive recommendations on what to do next. This could include suggestions for nearby restaurants or attractions.

In summary, the perfect Chicago walking tour should be around 2-3 hours in length, cover at least 5-6 stops, have a clear and interesting theme, and provide opportunities for rest and exploration along the way. By following these guidelines, you can create a walking tour that is both enjoyable and informative for your guests.

10 Chicago Area Parks to Visit

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Chicago is a city known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. However, what many visitors and locals may not realize is that the city is also home to an incredible array of public parks, from large urban greenspaces to beautiful beachfront areas. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax, explore, or simply take in the beauty of nature, Chicago’s parks have something for everyone.

In fact, Chicago has a long history of valuing public greenspaces, with nearly 600 parks and over 8,000 acres of parkland throughout the city. This dedication to preserving and enhancing the city’s natural beauty has resulted in some truly spectacular parks, many of which have become beloved landmarks and attractions in their own right. From the stunning views of Grant Park and Millennium Park to the historical significance of Jackson Park and Washington Park, Chicago’s parks are an essential part of the city’s identity and a must-see for anyone visiting the Windy City.

  1. Grant Park (337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601): One of the largest and most popular parks in Chicago, known for its many attractions and hosting major events and festivals.
  2. Lincoln Park (2045 N Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614): A large park with a zoo, conservatory, beach, and numerous other attractions, as well as many historic landmarks.
  3. Jackson Park (6401 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60637): A historic park created for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, featuring attractions such as the Museum of Science and Industry and the Osaka Garden.
  4. Millennium Park (201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602): A popular park in the heart of downtown Chicago, featuring attractions such as the Cloud Gate sculpture and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
  5. Maggie Daley Park (337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601): Located near Millennium Park, this park offers a variety of attractions for children and families, as well as stunning views of the Chicago skyline.
  6. Washington Park (5531 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60637): A historic park created for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, featuring attractions such as the DuSable Museum of African American History and the Washington Park Refectory.
  7. Garfield Park (300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624): Home to the Garfield Park Conservatory, one of the largest and most impressive conservatories in the country, as well as a variety of recreational amenities.
  8. Humboldt Park (1440 N Humboldt Dr, Chicago, IL 60622): Known for its large lagoon, this park is home to the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture and offers a variety of recreational activities.
  9. Burnham Park (5491 S Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60615): A large park along the lakefront, featuring attractions such as the Museum of Science and Industry and Soldier Field, as well as a variety of recreational amenities.
  10. Montrose Beach (4400 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60640) One of the largest beaches in the city, offering stunning views of the lakefront and skyline, as well as a variety of recreational activities.

Each of these parks has its own unique history and significance to the city of Chicago. They offer a wide range of attractions and amenities, from museums and conservatories to beaches and golf courses. Whether you are a visitor or a local, these parks are must-see destinations that showcase the beauty and diversity of Chicago’s public spaces.