Turn to the experts and discover Chicago's treasures with our popular Special Interest Tours. Learn about the Great Chicago Fire, take a Literary Chicago tour, or taste your way through Chicago's neighborhoods on a mouthwatering Taste of the Neighborhoods Tour.

Cemeteries and Monuments - July 15

Many of the great monuments located throughout Chicago play a significant role in commemorating history. Hear all about it on this unique tour that begins at the Chicago Cultural Center's memorial dedicated by the Grand Army of the Republic and continues to the Stephen A. Douglas Tomb and Memorial, and the Oak Woods Cemetery Confederate Mound, the final resting place of hundreds of Civil War-era Confederate soldiers.

Great Cemeteries of Chicago - June 17, August 12, September 9

Venture to the North Side of the city for a special opportunity to visit these magnificent cemeteries, and view the final resting places of many of Chicago's past social leaders, politicians and business leaders with cemetery historian Albert Walavich. As with all Chicago Neighborhood Tours, comfortable shoes are recommended for walking portions of the tour. (Graceland Cemetery - June 17, Rosehill Cemetery - August 12, Bohemian National & Montrose Cemeteries - September 9)

Great Chicago Fire - October 14

Learn about the myths and facts of one of the most celebrated disasters in American history, the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The tour begins at Mrs. O'Leary's homestead, now the home of the Chicago Fire Academy. Continue north along the inferno's path and stop at the only public building that survived the fire, the Historic Water Tower, and visit the Chicago Historical Society's permanent Great Chicago Fire exhibit.

Greek Chicago - March 18, November 4
Delve into the history and heritage of Chicago's Greek citizens, including early immigration, customs and religion, during this half-day excursion led by Harold and Faye Peponis. Enjoy a guided tour of the Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center in the heart of Greek Town, and visit Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church and Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, when available. The day ends with a guided private tour of Jane Addams Hull-House Museum.

Literary Chicago - October 21

Celebrate Chicago's October Book Festival Month by discovering how several of Chicago's well-known authors, playwrights and poets forever changed American literature. The tour travels through a few of the neighborhoods that helped influence their literary impressions. Join guide Albert Walavich to learn about the lives of some of the nation's most accomplished literary legends.

Polish Chicago - April 8, August 26, September 30

Join guide Jan Lorys, Executive Director of the Polish Museum of America, to learn what drew so many Polish immigrants to Chicago. Visit St. John Cantius Catholic Church, built in 1893 by recently settled Polish immigrants, for an in-depth tour and discussion. Travel along Milwaukee Avenue to see Chicago's established "Polish Triangle," before a guided tour and discussion at The Polish Museum of America.

Taste of the Neighborhoods - January 28, February 18, March 11, April 29, May 27, June 10, July 1, August 5, September 2, October 7, November 11

Chicago's numerous ethnic restaurants throughout the city feature cuisine from Europe, Asia, Central and South America, the Middle East, India and beyond. Join ethnic food guide Evelyn Thompson on this unique monthly tour that travels to various communities to sample delectable offerings at restaurants, bakeries and delis. Learn the differences, similarities and preparation of entrees and desserts on this popular tour.

Threads of Ireland - March 4
Join author Tom O'Gorman for an enlightening exploration of Chicago's Irish immigration history, legends and more. Stop at Holy Name Cathedral, and later visit Holy Family Church, when available, located in Chicago's Near West Side community. Tour the Irish American Heritage Center, and enjoy a drive through the historically Irish Bridgeport neighborhood to learn why and how Irish immigrants settled in the area.

The White City - February 11, April 15, August 19
Inspired by the best-selling book The Devil in the White City by Erik Larsen, this Special Interest tour is led by noted historian Bill Hinchliff. Following a photographic slide presentation and discussion of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, the tour continues to Midway Plaisance in Jackson Park, the Fair's original site, for a visit to Wooded Island, now the home of the lovely Osaka Garden. Later, travel to the site of the infamous H.H. Holmes house.

Special Interest Tours depart at 10:00 AM from the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph Street at Michigan Avenue.
$50 per person ($45 seniors/students)
Lunch included

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