A stroll down Chicago’s historic Logan Boulevard
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About the Tour
About the Tour
Chicago’s historic boulevards tell the story of the city’s transformation, from frontier outpost to metropolitan powerhouse.
On this architectural walking tour, you’ll discover Logan Boulevard, a tree-lined street with some of the city’s finest residential architecture. You’ll also find out how the arrival of the ‘L’ train in 1895 transformed a rural landscape into a thriving urban neighborhood that was shaped by waves of immigration.
This tour starts at the Paseo Prairie Community Garden near the CTA Blue Line. You’ll stroll past significant sites like the Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church, which still offers Norwegian-language services. As you walk, you’ll find out how transportation innovations connected this once-rural area to downtown.
You’ll discover how different immigrant communities – from Norwegians and Germans, to Mexicans and Puerto Ricans – have shaped Logan Square’s character over generations. You’ll also see the neighborhood’s hidden urban wildlife, and find out how this historic district continues to evolve. The tour ends at City Lit Books, a community hub that represents the neighborhood’s current creative energy.
On this 45-minute tour, you’ll have a chance to:
- Visit the Ice House, a magnificent Renaissance Revival mansion built in 1908 for a successful ice manufacturer
- Examine the Art Nouveau details of a 1909 residential masterpiece designed by Frederick Schock
- Learn how Chicago's boulevard system was designed as a network of linear parks connecting major green spaces
- Discover how Milwaukee Avenue began as a Native American trail before becoming a plank toll road
- Marvel at the Illinois Centennial Monument designed by Henry Bacon, who also designed the Lincoln Memorial
This leisurely stroll offers a perfect blend of architecture, history, and neighborhood stories.By the end of the tour, you’ll understand how Logan Boulevard evolved from prairie farmland into one of Chicago’s most architecturally significant and culturally diverse communities.
Tour Producer
Tour Producer
Amy Bizzarri
I’m Amy Bizzarri, a Chicago-based storyteller and educator. I'm also an armchair historian, PADI-certified scuba diver, yogini (and certified yoga instructor), mom, and mermaid (proud graduate of Weeki Wachee Mermaid School), not necessarily in that order.
My deep Chicago roots trace back to an extraordinary family legend: my great‑great‑grandparents met on the night of the Great Chicago Fire, when volunteer firefighter Walter Daker mistook young Catherine’s flowing ginger hair for flames and swept her up in his arms, literally and figuratively. I'm the author of a few Chicago history‑focused books, including Discovering Vintage Chicago, Chicago’s Iconic Dishes, Drinks, and Desserts, and 111 Places in Chicago That You Must Not Miss. I live in a century‑old home in the Logan Square neighborhood.
In my 20s, I lived in Italy, where my family has roots (Felina, RE). I'm an expert in all things Italy.
I speak fluent Italian and French; excellent Spanish and Portuguese.
My love for wine led me to pursue Wine and Spirt Education Trust (WSET) sommelier certification, levels 1-3.
I love a great road trip, too. So much so that my book The Best Hits on Route 66 earned the 2019 Silver Lowell Thomas Award for Best Travel Guide from the Society of American Travel Writers. I followed that bestselling guide with The Best Hits on the Blues Highway, which explores U.S. Route 61, the storied road that shaped American music. My latest book, Route 66 Recipes, celebrates the history behind the diners, dives, and restaurants along the Mother Road as it approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026.
1,000s of children have passed through my classroom doors over the years. I'm a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience, holding a Master of Arts in Education with a focus on bilingual education. I'm Reading Apprenticeship and International Baccalaureate-certified, endorsed in ESL, and I've been awarded several study grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities (2019, 2021, 2022, 2023).
My storytelling has expanded beyond the page: I've hosted local and national television/radio segments, and I've produced interactive smart walking tours with VoiceMap and EAtlas.
Follow my adventures on Instagram at Instagram.com/amybizzarri to see where in the world I am today!
Preview Location
Preview Location
Location 7
3024 W Logan Blvd - Ice House
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It's a Renaissance Revival gem built in 1908 for ice manufacturer William Rustman and his wife Efka.
As we stand before this stately home, designed by architect ... Read More
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How VoiceMap Works
Major Landmarks
Major Landmarks
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Paseo Prairie Community Garden
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St John Berchmans Catholic Church (Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish)
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The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church
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Illinois Centennial Monument
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Mi Tocaya Antojería
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Logan Blvd. Skate Park
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City Lit Books
Getting There
Getting There
Route Overview
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Start location2600 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
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Total distance3km
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Final location2523 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
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Distance back to start location210.86m
Directions to Starting Point
The tour begins at the Paseo Prairie Garden, in the shadow of the Illinois Centennial Monument in Logan Square. The CTA Blue Line is the most direct route from downtown Chicago/the Loop to Logan Square. Board at any downtown station (such as Clark/Lake, Washington, or Monroe), ride northbound toward O’Hare, and exit at Logan Square. From there, it’s about a 5-minute walk west along Logan Boulevard to Kedzie Avenue, where you’ll find the Paseo Prairie Garden, a small green space filled with native plants and wildflowers.
Show Directions
Tips
Tips
Places to stop along the way
During the tour, I make a point to mention Mi Tocaya Antojería, which comes about halfway through our walk. It’s the perfect mid-tour stop—both a chance to rest and an opportunity to experience one of Logan Square’s standout dining spots. Stop by for creative Mexican dishes alongside refreshing seasonal cocktails, Mexican beers, and classic desserts like tres leches cake.
A great way to wrap up your Logan Square tour is with a stop at either Billy Sunday or Webster’s Wine Bar, depending on the mood you’d like to set for the finale. Billy Sunday is beloved for its vintage spirits, and cozy atmosphere, while Webster Wine Bar offers an extensive list of carefully curated wines and small plates in a relaxed, communal setting.
Best time of day
The best time to enjoy a stroll down Logan Boulevard is truly any time of day. In the morning, the tree-lined medians glow with soft sunlight, offering a peaceful start to the day. By afternoon, the boulevard bustles with neighborhood life as families, cyclists, and joggers sharing the wide paths. Evening brings a golden hue as the sun sets behind historic greystone homes, while the streetlights create a warm, welcoming atmosphere at night.
Precautions
It’s wise to take a few simple precautions to ensure a pleasant stroll along Logan Boulevard. Stay aware of traffic when crossing wide boulevards, as cars often move quickly around the square. Use designated crosswalks and keep an eye out for cyclists, since Milwaukee Avenue and Logan Boulevard are popular biking routes. If walking after dark, stick to well-lit areas and consider going with a friend for added safety. As with any urban neighborhood, be mindful of your surroundings so you can fully enjoy the historic homes, leafy boulevards, and fun neighborhood vibe.
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