Walk through the Prairie Avenue Historic District and see remnants from the city's past on this fun Chicago walking tour. You and your small group will make your way through the historic district and see how this area transformed from a simple horseback trail into one of Chicago’s most upscale neighborhoods. This is one history lesson you don’t want to miss, so book your Chicago Historic District Tour today.

This Chicago tour lasts about 2.5 hours and covers just under two miles. Prairie Avenue was once home to some of the wealthiest families in Chicago during the late 19th century and early 20th century; it even had its own “Millionaire’s Row.” Notable men like George Pullman, designer of the Pullman sleeping car, and Marshall Field, founder of the department store Marshall Field and Company, have called this place home. You’ll meet your guide at Battle of Fort Dearborn Park to begin your tour. The park is located on the site that is traditionally associated with the famous conflict between U.S. troops and Potawatomi Indians during the War of 1812; the battle lasted only 15 minutes, during which time the Potamatomi tribe won and subsequently burned down the fort.

From the park, you’ll pay a visit to famous homes like the Glessner House and Wheeler Mansion. The Glessner House was the residence of John J. Glessner, a partner of the farming machinery firm Warder, Bushnell, and Glessner. The house is notably different from other homes in the area; it contains a private courtyard in the center that allows for more natural lighting to come through than the average home. Wheeler Mansion is one of the few remaining mansions that survived the Great Fire of 1871. The house belonged to Calvin Wheeler, a successful banker who was particularly fond of French architecture; you can see this reflected in the house’s ornate façade. In addition to these two homes, stops include Clarke House, Marshall Field Jr. House, Chess Records, Motor Row Historic District, Second Presbyterian Church, and Kimball House. This historic Chicago district is a must-see while in Chicago. Book your Historic District Tour today for a look at the life of Chicago’s wealthiest former residents.