Uptown History Tour with Brick of Chicago
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour 45 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires walking city sidewalks with some stops.
Overview
Step into Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood and uncover its vibrant past, from roaring 1920s glamour to its evolution as a dynamic cultural crossroads. Brick of Chicago’s Uptown Tour delivers architectural highlights and compelling stories in just under two hours.
Uptown Tour
For all ages! • 105 min
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Discover the rich history of Chicago's Uptown on this captivating 105-minute tour. Explore its vibrant past, from the roaring 1920s to its evolution as a cultural hub. Marvel at stunning architecture and uncover the stories that make Uptown a unique gem in the city. Experience Chicago like never before!
See What Chicago Is Made Of
Duration
105 mins
Ticket pricing
I want to make sure my tours are accessible and affordable to those who want to attend. If the $25 price is too expensive for you, use the promo code BRICKSFORALL for a $17 ticket.
About
Once called Chicago's "Other Loop", Uptown was home to the heights of entertainment and excess in the 1920s. Architects used the newest technologies to make sparkling buildings in historic styles as Chicagoans flocked to Uptown to drink, dine, and take in a motion picture before the crash of 1929. Uptown's story didn't end there, however - after the Depression, Uptown became a landing place for new Chicagoans from around America and the world and architects in the mid-century and today continue to bring gorgeous, innovative buildings to the neighborhood. Go beyond the 1920s with this tour that celebrates the stories and the stuff that have made Uptown one of the most beautiful and unexpected places in Chicago.
After this tour you’ll never look at Chicago or the humble brick in the same way again!
More info
The tour will run, rain or shine (barring extreme weather). I recommend bringing a water bottle, sunscreen, and maybe a trusty hat!
Adventure Tips
Bring a water bottle
Stay hydrated during the 105-minute walking tour through Uptown’s streets.
Wear comfortable shoes
Expect moderate walking on sidewalks and uneven pavement in some areas.
Pack sunscreen and a hat
Tours run rain or shine, so plan for sun protection during summer outings.
Check the weather forecast
Extreme weather may cancel the tour; dress appropriately for conditions.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban songbirds like sparrows
- Squirrels frequent neighborhood parks
History
Uptown thrived as a nightlife hotspot in the 1920s before becoming a welcoming landing place for diverse communities through the 20th century.
Conservation
Local preservation efforts focus on maintaining Uptown’s historic buildings while supporting sustainable urban growth.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Chicago
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
A solid pair helps navigate city sidewalks and uneven pavements safely.
Water bottle
Staying hydrated is key during warmer months and extended walks.
summer specific
Sunscreen
Protect exposed skin from urban sun exposure along the tour route.
summer specific
Light rain jacket or umbrella
Rain gear prepares you for spring showers without interrupting your tour.
spring specific