🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
North Side LGBTQ Stories
🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️
Tour Description
LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) businesses and organizations first started opening in the Northalsted (Boystown) area in the mid-1970s. Today it is one of the country’s largest LGBTQ districts and the first one formally recognized by its city government. On this walking tour, you’ll discover:
Stories about the area’s exciting bars, restaurants, and shops,
Architecture evolving along with the neighborhood’s transformation,
The Legacy Walk honoring LGBTQ leaders and historical events,
Beautiful mosaics, murals, and sculptures celebrating Chicago’s diversity, and
Wonderful spaces inside the Midwest’s largest LGBTQ community center.
I hope to see you soon as we explore North Side LGBTQ Stories together! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Tour Details
Start Time
Public tours are on the schedule on weekends during June’s Pride Month. You can alternatively book a private tour anytime you want.
Duration
120 minutes
Starting Point
Just outside of the Belmont Red/Brown/Purple Line train station’s southern entrance in front of Dunkin’ Donuts (945 W Belmont Ave.)
Ending Point
Center on Halsted (3656 N Halsted St.)
Walking Distance
Approximately 1.2 miles (1.9 kilometers)
Accessibility
The tour route is wheelchair accessible
Price
$30 per ticket
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Among Tripadivsor's top 10% of reviewed experiences
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Runner-up for the Chicago Reader's Best Tour of 2021
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Watch Mike’s discuss some of his unique tours on WGN TV
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WTTW’s Geoffrey Baer: “He is a tour guide’s tour guide.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the tour guide?
Mike McMains creates and delivers all Tours With Mike experiences, so you know you are getting a professional, passionate guide.
How do I find Mike?
He will be at the aforementioned starting point wearing a Tours With Mike polo, hat, or some other type of branded attire or accessory.
Do we go inside buildings?
Yes, we go inside the Center on Halsted and potentially other buildings.
Are dogs allowed on the tour?
Since the tour goes inside of buildings, dogs are not allowed.
Is there a restroom stop on the tour route?
Tourees are encouraged to stop at the restroom before the tour begins. There are several neighboring retail establishments that may have a public restroom available. A restroom stop can be made available during the tour upon request.
Can I buy my ticket in-person immediately before the start of the tour?
Tickets need to be purchased through this website in advance, because capacity is limited.
What is the cancellation/refund policy?
Tickets are fully refundable with at least 48 hours notice. Refund instructions are provided in the confirmation email.
What if it is raining?
All tours go out rain or shine, so please dress appropriately for the weather.
Are there any COVID-19 considerations in-place?
All tours follow guidelines laid out by the State of Illinois’s and City of Chicago’s health departments. Currently masks and proof of vaccination are not required. Your tour guide, Mike, has been fully vaccinated and boosted.
Can I book this as a private tour?
Absolutely! You can book this as a private in-person tour for up to 15 people or an interactive, live-streamed experience for up to 1,000 attendees. There is more information here.