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Presidential Chicago:
Lincoln, Obama, & More
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Photo Credits: Tours With Mike (top) / Chicago History Museum (bottom)
Tour Description
In August 2024, Chicago is hosting its 26th presidential nominating convention, far and away more than any other city! Chicago has amazing presidential history from these political conventions along with many other major events, including:
The 1860 Republican National Convention nominating Abraham Lincoln for president,
The original “smoke-filled room” debuting during the 1920 Republican National Convention,
The infamously contentious Democratic National Convention of 1968, and
The site for Barack Obama’s 2008 election night rally.
These are just a few of the amazing stories featured on the one-of-a-kind Presidential Chicago: Lincoln, Obama, & More walking tour! Stroll through downtown Chicago discovering historical sites politically shaping the country. To help supplement the experience, attendees will have access to a hidden webpage with historical photos and videos they can view on their own mobile devices.
I hope to see you soon on this unique experience! 🇺🇸🗳️
Tour Details
Start Time
Presidential Chicago is currently available as a public tour to get individual tickets on August 17, 22, 23, 24, and 31 starting at 1:00 pm. It can alternatively be booked as a private tour for your group of up to 15 people anytime.
Duration
120 minutes
Starting Point
Next to the Statue of Nathan Hale in front of Tribune Tower
Ending Point
Next to the John Alexander Logan Monument
Walking Distance
Approximately 1.8 miles (2.8 kilometers)
Accessibility
The public tours require going down one flight of stairs, up one flight of stairs, and up a small hill, so it is unfortunately not wheelchair-accessible. This experience can be made wheelchair-accessible as a private tour for your group.
Price
$30 per ticket
Media Coverage
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Watch my Presidential Chicago segment on WGN-TV
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Watch my Fox32 interview about Presidential Chicago
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The Presidential Chicago tour is recommended on City Cast Chicago
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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, 2022, and 2023
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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?
We will have one stop inside of a building
Are dogs allowed on the tour?
Since we have a stop inside a building, 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. The Walgreen’s at 410 S Michigan Avenue just to the southwest of the starting point has a restroom on the second floor. 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 walking tour for up to 15 people. There is more information here.