Chicago’s captivating history comes alive on the ‘Gangsters and Ghosts‘ walking tour. Visitors explore the South Loop’s notorious past, uncovering the dark deeds of infamous mobsters like Al Capone. Along the way, they encounter eerie tales of haunted hotels and speakeasies. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, this 2-hour experience blends the city’s shadowy history and supernatural lore. From iconic landmarks to hidden alleyways, each stop on the tour unveils a new layer of Chicago’s intriguing past, leaving participants eager to discover more.
Key Points
- This 2-hour walking tour explores the dark history of Chicago’s South Loop, including notorious gangster activities and haunted landmarks during the Prohibition era.
- Highlights include visits to the Chicago Riverwalk, Palmer House, Chicago Theatre, and the Congress Plaza Hotel, known for its paranormal occurrences.
- Participants will learn about underground speakeasies, bootlegging operations, and the influence of gangsters like Al Capone in the area.
- The tour features eerie tales and ghost stories linked to historic landmarks, including the Congress Hotel’s 12th floor.
- Travelers can enjoy a brief respite at a former speakeasy, now a cafe, to enjoy the Prohibition-era ambiance.
Tour Overview and Details
The Chicago: Gangsters and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour typically starts at the Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Tours meeting point, located outside Hoyts Tavern adjacent to the Royal Sonesta hotel.
This 2-hour English-language tour costs Kč808 per person and is wheelchair accessible. Participants can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, which allows them to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour explores the dark history of Chicago’s South Loop, delving into tales of notorious gangsters like Al Capone and eerie ghost stories associated with landmarks such as the Chicago Riverwalk, Palmer House, Chicago Theatre, and Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins at the Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Tours meeting point, taking participants on a journey through the South Loop district’s dark history.
Key stops along the way include the iconic Chicago Riverwalk, the historic Palmer House, the grand Chicago Theatre, and the Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center, each with their own tales of gangsters and ghosts.
Delving into the area’s notorious past, the tour explores the hidden mysteries of underground speakeasies and bootlegger operations that thrived during the 1920s and 30s.
Participants will also hear eerie tales about the ghostly happenings associated with these historic landmarks, including the haunting incidents reported on the 12th floor of the Congress Hotel.
Dark History of the South Loop
Beneath the glitz and glamour of Chicago’s South Loop lies a dark underbelly, where the echoes of gangsters and illicit activities still linger.
During the Prohibition era of the 1920s and 30s, this district was a hotbed of vice, home to underground speakeasies, bootlegger operations, and the powerful influence of notorious gangsters like Al Capone.
Visitors can still uncover traces of this notorious past, from hidden tunnels used for smuggling liquor to haunted historic landmarks like the Congress Hotel, where chilling tales of the supernatural abound.
Exploring the South Loop provides a glimpse into Chicago’s gritty criminal underworld, a stark contrast to the city’s more polished public image.
Tales of Gangsters and Ghosts
Amidst the glamour and glitz of Chicago’s South Loop, one can uncover numerous tales of notorious gangsters and eerie supernatural occurrences that have captivated visitors for decades. During the city’s bootlegging heyday, the district was rife with underground speakeasies and backroom dealings orchestrated by figures like the infamous Al Capone.
Guests on the tour can explore the haunted Congress Plaza Hotel, where reports of unexplained sightings and unsettling experiences on the 12th floor have fueled speculation about lingering spirits.
Other stops include the Chicago Theatre, which is rumored to be home to the ghost of a former actress who tragically died there.
Visitors can also enjoy a respite at a former gangster hangout, seeing the area’s captivating history.
Haunted Locations and Eerie Tales
Guests on the Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour can explore several haunted locations throughout the city’s South Loop, each with its own eerie tale.
One stop is the Congress Plaza Hotel, where the infamous ‘room 441‘ is said to be haunted by a jilted bride who took her own life. Visitors may also hear about the ghostly encounters reported on the hotel’s 12th floor.
Another chilling site is the Chicago Theatre, where the apparition of a former usher has been spotted roaming the balconies.
As the tour winds through the dark alleys and shadowy corners of the South Loop, guests will uncover more spine-tingling stories of the paranormal that have plagued these historic landmarks.
Gangster Hangout Rest Stop
During the tour, participants enjoy a brief respite at a former gangster hangout, once a notorious speakeasy where the area’s underground criminal elements gathered. This historic watering hole, now a charming cafe, offers a glimpse into the city’s seedy past.
Visitors can:
- Sip on refreshing beverages and sample local delicacies in the cozy, atmospheric setting.
- Admire the vintage decor and furnishings, which evoke the Prohibition era when the space operated as a secret drinking hotel.
- Imagine the clandestine meetings and illicit activities that once took place within these walls, as the guide shares captivating stories of the site’s notorious history.
This rest stop provides a welcomed break from the tour’s ghastly tales, allowing participants to absorb the captivating history in a more relaxed setting.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Customers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on the Chicago: Gangsters and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour, with an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on over 1,000 reviews.
The tour guides have been particularly praised, earning a stellar 4.8 out of 5 rating for their knowledgeability and engagement.
Reviewers have highlighted the excellent value for money, with a 4.6 out of 5 rating in this category. The service and organization of the tour have also been lauded, both receiving 4.8 out of 5 ratings.
Customers consistently praise the blend of history, mystery, and entertainment, making the tour suitable for a wide range of travelers, from families to solo adventurers.
Participant Feedback
Travelers consistently praise the blend of history, mystery, and entertainment that the Chicago: Gangsters and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour offers, making it suitable for a wide range of visitors, from families to solo adventurers.
Reviewers highlight the tour’s knowledgeable and engaging guides, who bring the city’s dark past to life with intriguing historical insights.
The experience is further lauded for its:
- Exploration of hidden mysteries, including underground speakeasies and bootlegger operations.
- Chilling tales about haunted locations, such as the Congress Hotel’s 12th floor.
- Enjoyable rest stops at former gangster hangouts, providing a unique glimpse into the city’s notorious history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take the Tour if I Have a Disability?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, so individuals with disabilities can participate. The tour overview states the tour is "Wheelchair accessible," ensuring all travelers can enjoy the guided experience.
Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?
The tour doesn’t offer specific discounts for seniors or students, but they do provide a wheelchair-accessible option. Customers should contact the tour operator to inquire about any available discounts or special accommodations.
Can I Bring My Own Camera or Recording Device?
Yes, participants are generally allowed to bring their own cameras or recording devices on the tour. However, they should be mindful of not obstructing the guide or group’s experience.
Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?
The tour may not be suitable for young children, as it focuses on Chicago’s dark history, including tales of gangsters and ghosts. However, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it more accessible for families with children.
Do I Need to Make a Reservation in Advance?
Yes, it’s generally recommended to make a reservation in advance for guided walking tours. This helps ensure availability and can provide the best experience, as tour sizes are often limited.
Recap
The Chicago: Gangsters and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour offers a captivating blend of history and mystery.
Visitors can uncover the dark past of the South Loop, exploring notorious gangster sites and haunted locations.
With knowledgeable guides and engaging stories, this 2-hour tour provides an immersive experience that allows participants to step back in time and witness the city’s intriguing underworld.
