NEW DATE!️‍ Gilded Age Glamour: Prairie Avenue Architecture & History ✨

**RESCHEDULED THE WALK FROM 7/19/25 TO SATURDAY 7/26/25 AT 4PM DUE TO THUNDERSTORMS & STRONG WIND LATER IN THE MORNING & EARLY AFTERNOON!**

🏛️ 🚶‍♀️ Gilded Age Glamour: Prairie Avenue Architecture & History Tour ✨

Stroll through one of Chicago’s most historic neighborhoods on this guided walk exploring Prairie Avenue’s Gilded Age mansions, landmark churches, and architectural gems. Discover stories of Chicago’s elite, industrial might, and stunning design in a district that defined the city’s rise.

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📅 Saturday, July 26, 2025

🕚 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

📍 Start: RR Donnelly & Sons Plant 350 E Cermak

🎯 End: Chess Records, 2120 S Michigan Ave, (~3 blocks away from start)

🚶‍♀️ Distance: Approx. 1.5 miles outdoors

💥 To join this engaging experience, purchase a ticket here on Eventbrite

Prefer to Pay In Person?If you'd rather pay in cash on the day of the tour instead of purchasing a ticket online, please contact me directly in advance.📧 Email: 📱 Text: 312-835-4259

This helps me confirm your spot and ensures you can make your payment in person at the start of the tour.

⚠️ Note: The walk ends about 3 blocks from where we start. Plan parking accordingly—it’s an easy walk back if you park in-between.

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🚶‍♂️ What to Expect

✅ ~1.5 miles of relaxed outdoor walking

✅ Gilded Age mansions & landmark churches

✅ Chicago industrial & business history

✅ Surviving architecture from Prairie Avenue’s golden era

✅ Stories of Pullman, Armour, Field & other Chicago titans

📸 While not a formal photo walk, there will be plenty of incredible architecture and historic spots to snap!

Multi-meetup groups will be attending!

Led by an official, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable guide (that’s me!), this tour will trace Prairie Avenue’s journey from an 1800s frontier to Chicago’s “sunny street that held the sifted few,” packed with fascinating local history.

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🏛️ Stops & Highlights

✨ Wheeler Mansion – 2020 S Calumet Ave

🏠 Harriet F. Rees House

🏛️ Marshall Field Jr. Mansion

🪑 Glessner House (exterior)

⚔️ Battle of Fort Dearborn Park

🌳 Chicago Women's Park & Gardens

🌳 The Battle of Fort Dearborn Park

🏠 Henry B. Clarke House (exterior)

🏭 RR Donnelley & Sons Plant

🚗 BF Goodrich Co Building

⛪ Second Presbyterian Church

🏛️ And more landmark homes & buildings!

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🍽️ Optional After-Tour Bites & Drinks

After our walk, all are welcome to join for food or drinks at one of these nearby spots:

🍺 Fat Pour Tapworks

🍝 Il Culaccino

🍕 Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar

⚠️ Bring cash if joining for lunch—some places don’t do separate checks!

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👟 What to Bring

✅ Good walking shoes

✅ Water

✅ Hand sanitizer

✅ Weather-appropriate clothing for a Chicago summer day

💵 Cost: $20 per person – please pay at the start of the tour (Cash, PayPal, Zelle, Venmo accepted)

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🚗 Parking & Transit Tips

• Street parking on Calumet, Cermak, Indiana & side streets (watch permit signs)

• Remember: The Tour ends ~3 blocks from where we start, so plan parking accordingly

• Easy CTA access—check your route with the CTA Trip Planner

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📌 RSVP & No-Show Policy

✅ Please keep your RSVP up to date.

✅ No-shows without updates make planning harder for everyone.

✅ Cutoff time to update your RSVP is the event start time.

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Come experience the hidden history, Gilded Age architecture, and fascinating stories of Prairie Avenue on this guided summer morning walk.

✨ Space is limited—RSVP now and join us for this unique neighborhood adventure! 🏛️🚶‍♀️✨

📍 How to Find Us – Ticketed Event Meet outside the former RR Donnelley & Sons Plant 350 E. Cermak Rd- Look for the large group gathering near the entrance—we’re hard to miss!

🛑 Note: The walk ends about 3 blocks from the starting point, so plan your parking or transit accordingly.

📞 Lost or running late? Call or text me at (312) 835-4259.

Want to Learn More About the Group? Check out our Meetup page here:🔗 1001 Things to See in Chicago Before You Die

Also check out other Meetups in Chicago, Photography events in Chicago, Sports events in Chicago.