History Pub Crawls
These monthly walking or trolley tours
allow you the chance to get a taste of Chicago in a unique way by
visiting four or five historic watering holes. Inside each location,
you’ll have time for a drink as your guide recounts the history of the
establishment and its surrounding neighborhood.
Participants receive drink specials at each location. Meals and beverages are not included in the ticket price.
Meeting Location:
Unless otherwise noted Meeting points announced the week of the
tour.
Pub crawl sold out? Please contact us at Public Programs to request a place on our waiting list or inquire about our private pub crawls.
Chicago’s Greatest Dives
Fridays, February 10, March 2, and May 4, 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m..
Feeling a bit in the poor house? Join us as we pour into some of Chicago’s best dive bars. We’ll learn about the history behind each drinking den we visit and discuss the history behind moonshine, bathtub gin, and other historic homemade drinks.
Cost: $30, $25 members
Friday, February 10
Friday, March 2
Friday, May 4
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Sunday, February 12, 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join us for a visit to some of the city’s best Bloody Mary bars! Whether the subject is Valentine’s Day or the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, we’ll discuss a potpourri of history and gain insight into the storied past of each tavern we visit.
Cost: $30, $25 Members
Out in Chicago
Thursday, February 23, 7:00 p.m.–10:00 pm.
Join us on a colorful adventure as we visit historic LGBT bars throughout the city. Learn about the history of LGBT Chicago and other fun facts in conjunction with our exhibition Out in Chicago.
Cost: $30, $25 Members
Booze, Bars, and Bootlegging! Prohibition Era Chicago
Sundays, February 26 and April 29, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Find out what makes Chicago untouchable. Get a taste of infamous speakeasies frequented by some of Chicago’s infamous gangsters like Capone, Moran, and Dillinger. On this trolley tour, learn how prohibition came to be, some fascinating facts about the era, and how it ultimately shaped the city and its image.
Cost: $30, $25 members
Sunday, February 26
Sunday, April 29
Erin Go Beer! Irish Pubs of Chicago
Thursdays, March 8 and March 15, 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; and Sunday, March 11 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
St. Patty’s Day begins with the Chicago History Museum! Explore your inner leprechaun on this trolley tour that visits various Irish pubs. We’ll chat about each pub and hear about the Irish in Chicago and the history behind St. Patrick’s Day. Slainte!
Cost: $30, $25 Members
Thursday, March 8
Sunday, March 11
Thursday, March 15
Drink To The Music!
Tuesday, April 10, 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Windy City bars have historically been a hotbed for the city’s often edgy music scene. Chicagoans have been jammin’ to an assortment of tunes in various taverns ever since we blew out this town’s first birthday candle. Join us on this trolley excursion to local bars that have played pivotal roles in Chicago’s rich music scene.
Cost: $30, $25 Members
The Village People
Thursday, May 17; 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Young man, there’s a place you can go and it’s called Roscoe Village! Yep, located near the YMCA and right outside the reach of rowdy Wrigley, Roscoe Village is known for its tree-lined streets and unique boutiques. Once home to the historic and playful Riverview Park, this walking tour of Roscoe Village pubs will provide amusement for all!
Cost: $25, $20 Members
Magical Whiskey History Tour
Thursday, January 12, 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Get frisky on this multi-sensory journey of whiskey. Mixologist Angie Jackson educates us about the history and distillation of this exciting elixir as we sip our way through four bars dedicated to the wonderful world of whiskey. We’ll also learn about each saloon’s past! Includes four whiskey tastings, one at each tavern.
Cost: $45; $40 members
Thursday, January 12
This tour has been cancelled due to inclimate weather. Call (312) 642-4600 for more information.
Exclusive sponsor:

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.
