Walking tour of the Loop, River North and Chicago’s Theater District

Take in Chicago’s concrete giants while I share fascinating stories about quirky artworks, local tragedy, and the city’s journey to revitalisation. This walking tour around the city’s Loop and River Northstarts smack-dab in the middle of the city, in front of one of the most prestigious galleries in the world, the Art Institute of Chicago. The institute is well-known for its excellent collection of French impressionist paintings, but you’ll see plenty of artwork outside its confines, too. There are the bronze lions that frame the institute, and, of course, the famous Cloud Gate in Millennium Park which we locals affectionately call “the Bean”. This will probably be your first selfie pic of the day (and for good reason)!

As you continue your journey across the Dusable Bridge and along the Chicago Riverwalk, you’ll come face to face with the impressive skyscrapers that frame Michigan Avenue. Stroll down the Magnificent Mile and crane your neck upward, there’s a lot to see up top! Along the way, I’ll show you the 24-carat gold-capped Carbide and Carbon building and the Wrigley Building, the first office block to be built north of the Chicago River. At the Tribune Tower, you’ll get the chance to lay your hands on rocks and stones from over 120 locations in the world, including the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, and the Parthenon. You’ll also see the city within a city known as Marina City Towers, the Chicago Theatre with its iconic neon sign, and Block 37 where the city’s first skyscrapers were built.

This two-hour-long walk takes you from the Art Institute to the landmark “Begin” sign at the start of Route 66. En route, I’ll tell you about:

• The Jean Baptiste Pointe Dusable Statue and the mysterious life of the city’s founder
• “Death Alley,” where theatregoers met their grim fate following a fire and poor building planning
• “Untitled” by Picasso, the gigantic baboon sculpture in Daley Plaza
• The First United Methodist Church of Chicago on top of the Chicago Temple Building, purportedly the highest place of worship in the world
• Palmer House Hilton Hotel, the world’s first hotel to use light bulbs, a telephone system and fire-proofing
• Miller’s Pub, the bar frequented by Marilyn Monroe

By the end of this tour, you’ll know the answers to questions like:

• How did the Chicago Cubs get cursed by a goat?
• Who caused the Great Fire of Chicago?
• What was the Columbian Exposition and what impact did it have on the city?
• Where was the chocolate brownie invented?
• Why do people from Chicago say crazy things like “pop”?
• When was the city first inhabited, and by whom?

Water? Check. Sunglasses and sunblock? Check. Mentally prepared for how awesome Chicago is? Double check. Right, what are you waiting for, let’s go!