
Walking Tour: Chicago Prairie Ave District - Street of the Elite
Walking Tour: Chicago Prairie Ave District - Street of the Elite
This extraordinary tour of the Prairie Ave District is one not to be missed. Get a sense for how Chicago's wealthiest residents lived around the turn of the century and what remains today. This unique Chicago tour begins with an exploration of one of the city's newly-revitalized spaces: The stunning Chicago Athletic Association Hotel.
A short ride on the Green Line takes us to the Prairie Ave District, home to many historic sites such as Motor Row, the former Chess Records and the oldest house in the city. As we wander along Prairie Ave, we're treated to historic mansions and a beautiful park. The highlights of the tour, however, are TWO private, docent-led mini tours at the national landmark Second Presbyterian Church (with its many Tiffany windows) and the Glessner House.
Book This ExperienceA glimpse of the journey








Your Itinerary
A curated journey through the experience
Chicago Athletic Association - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Meet your guide and kick things off with a tour of this historic hotel.
25 minutesChess Records
Guests will learn about the building that produced some of the most well-known and influential Blues music of Chicago.
Second Presbyterian Church of Chicago
Guests will receive a private docent-led mini tour.
20 minutesClarke House Museum
Guests will see the oldest house in Chicago and learn how elite Chicagoans lived at the turn of the century.
Glessner House Museum
Guests will receive a private docent-led mini tour.
25 minutesSpoke & Bird Cafe (South Loop)
Take a break and enjoy a snack at this unique employee-owned/woman-owned cafe (purchases optional).
45 minutesPalmer House Hilton Historic Lobby
Explore the beautiful interior of this famous building and end with a sweet treat (purchases optional).
20 minutesIncluded
- Transit tickets
- Church and Glessner House donation/fee
- Local expert guide
- Entry/Admission - Second Presbyterian Church of Chicago
- Entry/Admission - Glessner House Museum
Not Included
- Gratuities
- Snacks
Good to Know
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Should be able to climb stairs as not all train stations are equipped with elevators
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
- Masks are optional. Proof of vaccination not required.
Tickets & Cancellation
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.