Praire Avenue Walking Tour

Explore over two centuries of history through Prairie Avenue. In the late nineteenth century, this was the most exclusive street in Chicago, including the homes of the city’s wealthiest citizens.

In the late nineteenth century, Prairie Avenue was the most exclusive street in Chicago. Nearly ninety mansions lined the six blocks from 16th to 22nd streets, including the homes of the city’s three wealthiest citizens - department store owner Marshall Field, meat packer Philip D. Armour, and sleeping car manufacturer George M. Pullman. Explore over two centuries of history – from the Battle of Fort Dearborn in 1812 through the neighborhood’s recent transformation into what is once again one of the most fashionable and desirable neighborhoods in Chicago. William Tyre, author of Chicago’s Historic Prairie Avenue, leads this two-hour walking tour which includes viewing the surviving mansions, sharing historic photos of the homes that have been lost, and an interior tour of the National Historic Landmark Second Presbyterian Church with its extraordinary Arts & Crafts sanctuary and collection of Tiffany windows.

*Tickets costs $30 per person / $24 for Glessner House members.