Chicago's Lincoln Park: Guns, Guitars & Gangster

Chicago , United States

Chicago's Lincoln Park: Guns, Guitars & Gangster

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About this experience

Venture through one of Chicago’s well-known neighborhoods, Lincoln Park. Famous for hidden gems, hired guns, and hot guitars.

DePaul University has been surrounded by urban legends and long-standing rumors of hidden tunnels beneath the campus used during Prohibition.

The Biograph Theatre historic site is infamous as the location where notorious gangster John Dillinger was fatally ambushed by FBI agents in 1934.

Kingston Mines has seen its share of drama, with rumors of secret gambling operations and mob connections during its early days.

Oz Park ties back to the 1893 World’s Fair, notorious for serial killer H.H. Holmes, who operated his “Murder Castle” in the area.

Valentine's Day Massacre where seven members of Bugs Moran’s gang were brutally executed. This infamous act of gang violence, widely attributed to Al Capone, marked a turning point in the city’s Prohibition-era crime wars.

Beneath the picturesque zoo lies a darker history, as it was built on top of a former cemetery.

Available options

Chicago's Lincoln Park: Guns, Guitars & Gangster

What's included

2 Hour Walking tour of Lincoln Park

Live Commentary from Professional Tour Guide

Detailed itinerary

DePaul University has been surrounded by urban legends, including tales of ghostly sightings in its dormitories and long-standing rumors of hidden tunnels beneath the campus used during Prohibition.

Stop 2

Biograph Theatre/Dillinger Alley: This historic site is infamous as the location where notorious gangster John Dillinger was fatally ambushed by FBI agents in 1934, leading to whispers of his ghost lingering in the alley.

Known as a legendary blues club, Kingston Mines has seen its share of drama, with rumors of secret gambling operations and mob connections during its early days.

Oz Park/World’s Fair: While a family-friendly park today, the area ties back to the 1893 World’s Fair, notorious for serial killer H.H. Holmes, who operated his “Murder Castle” in the area.

On February 14, 1929, seven members of Bugs Moran’s gang were brutally executed by gunmen disguised as police officers in a garage on Chicago's North Side. This infamous act of gang violence, widely attributed to Al Capone, marked a turning point in the city’s Prohibition-era crime wars.

The Cider House is linked to whispers of speakeasy operations during Prohibition, surviving the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

Stop 7

Beneath the picturesque zoo lies a darker history, as it was built on top of a former cemetery, sparking countless stories about ghostly apparitions and eerie encounters.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Tour starts at the intersection of Lincoln, Halsted, and Fullerton at De Paul University courtyard at the corner of Fullerton/Halsted. Just a few minutes walk from the Fullerton Red line walking east. Chipotle is directly across the street from courtyard.

About Chicago

Chicago is a vibrant city known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and world-class cuisine. Situated along the shores of Lake Michigan, it offers a unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers from around the globe.

Top Attractions

Millennium Park

Millennium Park is a famous public park in downtown Chicago, known for its modern art and architecture. It's home to the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as 'The Bean'.

Park 1-2 hours Free

Art Institute of Chicago

One of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, the Art Institute of Chicago houses an impressive collection of artworks from around the world.

Museum 2-3 hours $25 (adults), Free for children under 14

Skydeck Chicago

Located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, Skydeck Chicago offers breathtaking views of the city and Lake Michigan. Visitors can step out onto The Ledge, a glass balcony extending out from the building.

Observation Deck 1-2 hours $28 (adults), $20 (children 3-11)

Navy Pier

Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan. It offers a variety of attractions, including shops, restaurants, and rides.

Entertainment 2-4 hours Free to enter, individual attractions have varying costs

Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field is a historic baseball park located on the North Side of Chicago. It's home to the Chicago Cubs and offers a unique atmosphere for sports fans.

Sports 2-4 hours (game duration varies) Ticket prices vary depending on the game and seating

Must-Try Local Dishes

Deep-Dish Pizza

A thick, buttery crust filled with layers of cheese, toppings, and tomato sauce. It's a Chicago classic and a must-try for pizza lovers.

Dinner Contains gluten and dairy. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some restaurants.

Chicago-Style Hot Dog

A steamed or grilled all-beef hot dog topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato wedges, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt, all served on a poppy seed bun.

Snack Contains gluten and dairy. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some hot dog stands.

Italian Beef Sandwich

Thinly sliced beef cooked in its own juices and served on an Italian roll. It's typically dipped in the juices and topped with sweet or hot peppers.

Lunch/Dinner Contains gluten and beef. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some Italian beef restaurants.

Chicago-Style Popcorn

A sweet and savory snack made with caramel and cheese-flavored popcorn, often sold in colorful boxes at street corners and ballgames.

Snack Contains dairy. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some popcorn stands.

Popular Activities

Kayaking on the Chicago River Biking along Lake Michigan Rock climbing at First Ascent Picnicking in Millennium Park Yoga in the park Spa treatments at The Peninsula Chicago Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago Attending a performance at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Chicago for outdoor activities, festivals, and sightseeing. The weather is warm and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's parks and attractions.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Polish, Chinese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Chicago is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. Some areas of the city have higher crime rates, and visitors should research their destinations before traveling.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
• Avoid walking alone in isolated or poorly lit areas, especially at night

Getting there

By air

O'Hare International Airport • 27 km (17 miles) from city center
Midway International Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center

By train

Union Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center

By bus

Greyhound Station, Megabus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The 'L' is a convenient and affordable way to get around Chicago. It consists of eight color-coded lines.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

The Loop Lincoln Park Wicker Park Magnificent Mile Pilsen

Day trips

Navy Pier

2 km (1.2 miles) • Half day to full day

Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan. It offers a variety of attractions, including shops, restaurants, and rides.

Wrigley Field

10 km (6.2 miles) • Half day to full day

Wrigley Field is a historic baseball park located on the North Side of Chicago. It's home to the Chicago Cubs and offers a unique atmosphere for sports fans.

Museum Campus

3 km (1.9 miles) • Half day to full day

The Museum Campus is a 57-acre park located on the southern tip of Grant Park in Chicago. It's home to several world-class museums, including the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium.

Festivals

Lollapalooza • Early August (4-day festival) Chicago Jazz Festival • Late August to early September (weekend festival) Chicago Food Festival • Early September (weekend festival)

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and long wait times
Use the Ventra card for easy and convenient payments on public transportation
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods and culinary scene to get a true sense of Chicago's character and culture
Take an architecture river cruise to see the city's stunning skyline and learn about its architectural history
Visit the city's many parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy nature and outdoor activities, even in the heart of the city