Bus Tours
Experience the heritage and excitement of Chicago by
motorcoach with these special guided tours.
Bus tours occur on select Saturdays from 1:00–5:00 p.m. and meet at the Museum.
If the tour you are interested in is sold out, contact us at Public Programs to request a place on our waiting list or inquire about our private bus tours.
Cost:
$45, $40 Members; $115 for three tours, $100 Members. For the three
tour discount, please call 312.642.4600; this discount is not available
online.
Devil In The White City
Saturdays, March 10 and April 21, 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Experience the excitement of life in 1893 Chicago on this unique tour based on Erik Larson’s best-selling book. Follow the trails of Daniel Burnham and learn about the devilish doings of H.H. Holmes as you learn about the 1893 World’s Fair.
Saturday, March 10
Saturday, April 21
Sweet Soul Music: Chicago Soul of the 60s and 70s
Saturday, March 24, 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Although Chicago doesn't get as much credit as Memphis or Detroit for being a major outpost of soul music during the Civil Rights era, the talent and hits that emanated from this area were indispensable and quite influential. Writer, musician, and DJ, James Porter will be your host on this journey that looks at artists like Major Lance, the Chi-Lites, Otis Clay, and Curtis Mayfield, and explains why the Windy City was an important center of soul.
Cost: $45, $40 members
Chicago’s Music Scene: The 1970s
Saturday, March 31, 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Join music writer, Stu Shea, for a ride down memory lane to learn who played rock and roll, jazz, and blues in Chicago during the 1970s and where they played it. In addition to learning about bands like Chicago, the Ides of March, and Cheap Trick, you'll visit the Lincoln Avenue corridor, the triad of theaters at Lawrence & Broadway, and find out where Chicago’s manager fed thousands of DePaul students.
Cost: $45, $40 members
The True Rock Alternative: 1980-2005
Saturday, April 7, 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Starting in 1980, Chicago became the home of truly “alternative” rock. Punk’s Do-It-Yourself ethic inspired fans to launch record stores, record labels, and music clubs that gave birth to internationally acclaimed artists, from industrial and post-punk pioneers Ministry and Big Black to alternative rock icons Smashing Pumpkins, Liz Phair and Wilco. Along the way, Billboard magazine declared Chicago “the new capital of the cutting edge” and Spin magazine dubbed us “The Indie City.” Phil Rockrohr, founder of the Chicago Rocks tour, guides you on this edgy adventure.
Cost: $45, $40 members
Tour of Duty
Saturday, April 14, 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
As a crossroads for transportation throughout its existence, Chicago has played a key role in all of the military conflicts and triumphs in U.S. history. Join us on a very special tour of Chicago landmarks that honors President Lincoln, the legacy of the Civil War, and the special contributions of American military men and women.
Cost: $45, $40 members
Journey to the Center of the Chicago House Sound
Saturday, April 14, 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
The Chicago House sound is synonymous with its urban topography. Chart-breaking dance tracks materialized from modest recording studios, attained prized positions in local disk jockeys’ milk crates, and eventually influenced the shape of dance music across the globe. DJ, producer, and longtime SmartBar resident Justin Long leads this expedition exploring the physical landscape of Chicago House, from specialty record shops to the sites of legendary musical events.
Cost: $45, $40 members
Beverly Hills
Saturday, May 5, 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Beverly is located as far South and West as you can go and still be in the City of Chicago! Following the Great Chicago Fire and with the arrival of the commuter service, housing boomed. This architecture-rich neighborhood boasts every American house style built between 1844 and World War II including homes by Frank Lloyd Wright, Walter Burley Griffin, and the Givins Castle -one of the icons of the neighborhood. Join Sharon Sylvester as you take a tour of this beautiful, tree filled, architecturally significant and wonderfully diverse community.
Cost: $45, $40 members
The Haymarket Affair
Saturday, May 19, 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
To commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Haymarket Affair, Paul Durica leads this bus and walking tour and will take participants to sites connected to the Haymarket Tragedy, its prelude, and its aftermath. Sites include Haymarket Square, Zepf's Hall, the former Cook County Courthouse, Union Park, Germania Club, Washington Square Park, McCormick Reaper Works, former homes of Albert Parsons and August Spies, and many more! Participants will have the option to end their tour at Haymarket Pub & Brewery at Randolph & Halsted.
Cost: $45, $40 members
Exclusive sponsor:
Discount:
These tours are eligible for a special discount. Purchase tickets for
any three tours for only $100! To make a reservation, please call
312.642.4600. This discount is not available online.
Refund Policy:
Refunds for a tour will be given in the form of tour credit which can
be applied to another tour. Credit will be given with a minimum of two
weeks notice prior to the day of the tour. No exceptions.
Weather Hotline:
The Museum maintains a Weather Hotline to provide updates about
weather-related delays or cancellation. If you think your program or
tour may be affected by inclement weather, please call 312.799.2002 for
the most current information about your tour.