South Side LGBTQ Stories
by Trolley
When people think of Chicago’s LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) neighborhoods, North Side areas, like Northalsted (Boystown) and Andersonville, commonly come to mind first. The city’s South Side, however, had lively LGBTQ activity generations before any North Side neighborhood and frequently shaped culture across the nation. This tour puts a spotlight on the South Loop’s and Bronzeville’s fascinating neighborhood evolutions along with their hidden LGBTQ histories, including the:
“Mother of the Blues” and the “Godfather of House Music,”
Drag ball scene drawing diverse crowds from across the city,
First Black woman playwright to have a show on Broadway,
City’s most notorious former vice districts, and
Legendary sites shaping House Music.
This tour takes place entirely on a fun trolley starting and ending at Millennium Park’s Harris Theater making it very easy to get to. Supplementing the experience, attendees can view on their smartphones a hidden webpage referencing historical photos and videos linked to the tour topics discussed.
I hope you can join as we celebrate South Side LGBTQ Stories!
🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Tour Description
Tour Details
Start Time
Public tours are available this Pride Month on June 22, 2024 starting at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. Please aim to arrive 15 minutes before the start time so that you do not miss the trolley. You can alternatively book this as a private tour anytime you want if you also arrange the transportation for your group.
Duration
120 minutes
Starting/Ending Location
The tour starts and ends outside of Millennium Park’s Harris Theater at 205 E Randolph Street.
Parking
If you need nearby parking for your car, you can get a discounted rate by ordering in advance here. The closest of the four garages listed on that site is the Millennium Park garage.
Walking Distance
The entire tour takes place on a trolley, so no walking is required
Accessibility
The trolley is not wheelchair-accessible and requires a few steps to get in and out of it.
Price
$40 per ticket
What to Bring
If you bring a smartphone, you will have access to a webpage referenced throughout the tour that includes photos, sites to check out, and more.
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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?
No, the entire tour is on the bus.
Are dogs allowed on the tour?
Since the entire tour is on a trolley, dogs are not allowed.
Is there a restroom stop on the tour route?
Tourees are encouraged to stop at the restroom in Millennium Park beneath Cloud Gate (aka, The Bean) before the tour begins. A restroom stop in the middle of the tour can potentially be made available in the middle of 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?
The entire tour takes place inside a trolley, so you’ll stay dry.
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 if you arrange your own transportation for your group. There is more information here.