Chicago’s Gold Coast Hidden History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Overview

Itinerary

• Your tour starts outside Chicagou2019s oldest cultural institution, at the edge of Lincoln Park. Amy Bizzarri introduces the Gold Coast, the lakefront neighborhood that became the cityu2019s most glamorous address after the Great Fire of 1871. Itu2019s easy to reach by CTA bus or the Red and Brown Lines.nPLEASE NOTEL Any entrance fee is not included.

• This is Lincoln Parku2019s eeriest secret. The park was once the city cemetery, and thousands of bodies are still believed to lie beneath it. One tomb survived: the limestone vault of early millionaire Ira Couch. Its huge stones are riveted together with copper, which made it far too costly to move.

• The Standing Lincoln Stature - Pass Augustus Saint-Gaudensu2019 larger-than-life bronze of Abraham Lincoln, unveiled in 1887 and considered one of the finest statues of the 16th president in the country. Itu2019s a fitting landmark as you head out of Lincoln Park toward the mansions of the Gold Coast.

• Built in 1885 for Chicagou2019s first Catholic archbishop, this red-brick Queen Anne residence is one of the oldest buildings in the Astor Street District. Seven archbishops have called it home. Try to count all 19 chimneys from the sidewalk. Only three of them still work.

• Stroll the lakefront boulevard that Potter Palmeru2019s money helped create from swampland. Hear the story behind the u201970s hit song u201cLake Shore Driveu201d and the double meaning in its lyrics that the songwriter always denied. Keep an eye on Lake Michigan as you walk.

• This 1917 lakefront mansion was modeled on the Petit Trianon at Versailles. Inside are four floors of medical history, from bloodletting tools to a gallery of trephined skulls with holes drilled to release u201cevil spirits.u201d Itu2019s ghoulish and fascinating, and worth a visit inside if you have time.

• Learn how the Gold Coast was born. In 1882, hotel tycoon Potter Palmer built a castle-like mansion on swampy land beside the lake, and Chicagou2019s wealthiest families soon followed him north. Today the neighborhood is still one of the richest in urban America.

• Walk down what many call Chicagou2019s most beautiful residential street. Itu2019s lined with 19th-century townhouses and mansions in a mix of grand revival styles. Look up at the carved stone, turrets and ironwork, and imagine the cityu2019s elite arriving home by horse and carriage.

• Step onto a street surface that hasnu2019t changed since horse-drawn days. In 1871 Chicago had 37 miles of wooden block paving, which was quieter under hooves than stone. Only a few stretches survive, and this is the best of them. Hear why it was slippery and smelly, and why it didnu2019t burn.

• Hugh Hefner bought this 70-room 1899 mansion in 1959. The door once read u201cSi Non Oscillas, Noli Tintinnareu201d (u201cIf you donu2019t swing, donu2019t ringu201d), and the basement had a pool with a glass wall. Find out why Hefner suddenly left Chicago for Los Angeles in 1974.

• Jane Addams co-founded this Byzantine-style building in 1912 as a safe, affordable home for young women studying music, painting and drama. More than 13,000 artists lived here. Today itu2019s a Restoration Hardware gallery. Step inside to see the sunlit central courtyard, now a cafu00e9.

• An outstanding Chicago night out on the town always ends piano side, sipping Lemondrops and singing along with the piano man into the wee hours at the Zebra Lounge. Hidden in the lobby of a vintage apartment building in the glam Gold Coast, the Zebra Lounge has been swinging with live piano players seven nights a week since 1929.

Good to know

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

• Service animals allowed

• Public transportation options are available nearby

• Infants are required to sit on an adultu2019s lap

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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