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Chicago Tours
Workers Cottages of Oldtown Triangle Walking Tour
5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*

Workers Cottages of Oldtown Triangle Walking Tour

By Tours by Doorways Of Chicago
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Ages 21-80, max of 8 per group
Duration: 1h 45m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More


  • Historical photos of each stop in a free app


Start:
  • 164 W Eugenie St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
    You can find me on the sidewalk in front of the amazing rowhouses at our starting address
End:
  • 216 W Menomonee St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
    The tour will end with the last stop, which is the very first workers cottage I ever saw before I knew what they were. The end of the tour is a few short blocks from where it started.

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Pushchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 311960P1

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travellers

  • All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 311960P1

From
£36.16
per adult
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Similar experiences

Itinerary
  • 164 W Eugenie St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
    You can find me on the sidewalk in front of the amazing rowhouses at our starting address
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 216 W Menomonee St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
    The tour will end with the last stop, which is the very first workers cottage I ever saw before I knew what they were. The end of the tour is a few short blocks from where it started.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
  • Tours by Doorways Of Chicago
    141
    Chicago, United States
    Joined in May 2021
  • lisacD5581GN
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great tour
    This was a great tour. Ronnie gave us a lot of interesting information, presented in an entertaining way. Who knew brownies were invented in Chicago? This is a fantastic, fun introduction to the beauty of Graceland cemetery. Highly recommend, thanks Ronnie!
    Written 12 November 2024
  • abigaill123
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fine Arts Building Tour ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    Ronnie is an amazing and engaging tour guide, I had a wonderful time learning about the historical Fine Arts Building. I enjoy interior design, and he lead a tour that was fun and educational. And his love for Chicago comes through in his tour, which made it even more special. Would certainly recommend!
    Written 14 October 2024
  • 111ruthk
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Learn about those at Graceland that shaped our Chicago!
    I enjoyed the walking tour of Graceland Cemetery led by Ronnie Frey. It was evident that Ronnie had both passion and knowledge of the subject. It was fascinating to learn the history of many of the wealthy Chicagoans who contributed to the formation of our beloved Chicago! I recommend this 90-minute tour of the markers and graves at the historic Graceland Cemetary!
    Written 22 September 2024
  • bobkA2668RH
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I learned a lot and enjoyed the morning.
    Ronnie is an entertaining and informative docent. This was an architectural tour made more meaningful because he put it all in an historical and social context. The growth of the city and the evolution of neighborhoods was an important factor in the architecture we saw on the tour, and Ronnie helped us to understand that. I took lots of pictures, even though trees and gardens obscured some of the architecture. I might go back in the winter when there are no leaves on the trees and use eAtlas to rewalk the tour route.
    Written 13 August 2024
  • 433pattik
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Awesome Wicker Park Tour
    Excellent tour! I would highly recommend this tour and the guide. It was very informative and made for a great afternoon walk around Wicker Park!
    Written 6 August 2024
  • julias33333
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Tour!
    Learned so much and saw very cool houses in Ravenswood Manor! Would highly recommend as it was a great way to learn about a new neighborhood in the city!
    Written 31 July 2024
  • janetfN9326PH
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Chicago Art Deco tour
    This is the 3rd tour of different Chicago areas I have done with Ronnie Frey of Doorways of Chicago. He is always fun, knowledgeable, organized, and willing to share details. He keeps his tour participants to an ideal number, so it’s easy to hear and follow. His use of the Atlas ap allows participants to see more details about the buildings and architects on his tours.
    Written 26 July 2024
  • kristennC8262EU
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderfully quiet and haunting and informative!
    This was a great tour. I learned a lot, and it was amazingly tranquil and beautiful. I highly recommend it. My teenage daughter and husband also had a wonderful time. Thanks, Ronnie!
    Written 24 July 2024
  • johnmK9
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Put this on your must-do list!
    Excellent tour. Ronnie is very knowledgeable but manages to keep the tour entertaining as well. I was never bored! He took us to many of the nooks and crannies that I would never have found.
    Written 21 July 2024
  • nadiasE9888FA
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Highly recommend this tour!
    Fantastic tour with Ronnie! I’ve lived in Chicago for over 2 years and seen these homes dozens of times but never knew how special they are until Ronnie’s tour. He’s clearly passionate about discovering the beautiful details in the architecture and ties in the historical context wonderfully.
    Written 14 July 2024
  • I1a23
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good way to get some perspective on early Chicago times and buildings!
    It was a very informative and interesting tour of Wicker Park historic cottages and mansions with Ronnie Frey. He has not only curated this so well, but enlivened it with little stories which he’s gleaned having spoken to some of the owners themselves. He is so knowledgeable about each houses’ architectural style that by the end of the tour we knew what an Italianate vs Second empire style was!
    Written 2 July 2024
  • N7160ZZaaronk
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fun and enlightening
    Ronnie was terrific! He was very knowledgeable about art deco, and passionate about all of the cool details in each building. We will definitely book another tour from Doorways! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
    Written 14 June 2024
  • marykS4337RW
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Fine Arts Building Tour
    Ronnie Frey is a splendid tour guide! His space in The Fine Arts Building is spectacular. He has a beautiful view of The Board of Trade and Willis Tower. What a wonderful tour of this marvelous building. Ronnie is SO knowledgeable and has an infectious personality and laugh! You will not be disappointed in any of his tours....I've been on many and I always learn something new in his narrative. Take one of Ronnie's tours!!!!!
    Written 10 June 2024
  • Kelly K
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The perfect way to spend a few hours in Wicker Park
    This was a great way to spend a few hours walking in Wicker Park. Ronnie is a friendly and engaging guide. He has deep knowledge of architecture with his education and career background. I learned so much about the design of homes and Chicago history. It was also great to use the eATLAS tour companion to see the old photos and media elements.
    Written 9 June 2024
  • G6304CIvictoriap
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely afternoon well spent
    The route chosen was so full of breath-taking finds! The tour guide was super knowledgeable and personable. This was fun for me as someone who is fairly familiar with Chicago history.
    Written 9 June 2024
See all 141 reviews
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles44 reviews
Excellent
43
Very good
1
Average
0
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0
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0

Brad L
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021 • Couples
We moved to Chicago eight months ago and Ronnie’s tour was a perfect mix of history, architecture, culture and neighborhood to start to get us acquainted with the beauty of our beautiful new city. Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, and of a million hidden gems. On this tour, you really get to see a few of them most major “best of Chicago” tours would never uncover. Highly recommend!
Written 17 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much! It was so fun to have you both along and love it that we got to go inside St. Michael. I hope to see you on some other tours that I am designing.
Written 31 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Ellen B
16 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023
Ronnie was such an amazing tour guide! I've lived in Chicago most of my life and it was such a treat to learn about this part of the city that is literally right outside our back door! Ronnie's knowledge and enthusiasm for the tour made it a genuine delight! What was extra special was Ronnie's architectural background and learning about the various structures we were looking at as well. The Tour was not just a Tour of Doors, it was a combination history tour, architectural tour, and walking tour with new and unknown info presented in a very unique and refreshing way. I would highly recommend this tour and look forward to going on future tours of Ronnie's.
Written 30 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Ellen! I am so glad I got to meet you and also really glad you enjoyed yourself so much - that is always my goal! Also thank you for providing your beautiful photos. They make me fall in love with Oldtown all over again! I look forward to seeing you again!
Written 2 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Poppy C
17 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Friends
The name of Chicago brings to mind many images. Busy, noisy streets; lots of tall buildings; maybe a murder or two. But one thing which you probably wouldn’t expect to find in Chicago are cute little cottages. There are a lot of tall buildings here too, including a building which was once the tallest building in the USA. Ronnie also showed us inside and it truly is magnificent. The oldest tavern in Chicago is also in this area.

The cottages, however, are the focal point of the tour and they are fascinating. They are known as the Workers Cottages and were built because a lot of people came to work in Chicago and needed homes. The cottages display a wide range of styles and colours, some of them designed by prominent architects. They really are lovely to look at, all of them different.

In addition to showing us the cottages, Ronnie also gave a history of Chicago and how it grew from its small population of the 1800s to the big, thriving city it is today. Many well-known people have lived in this area, including a General who was involved in a very famous battle, a graphic artist who designed for a couple of well-known products and a German who was very active in the LGBTQIA+ community. Other famous people have pretended to live in this area – a couple of the cottages have featured in a film.

Ronnie clearly has a lot of enthusiasm for the workers cottages and it was very special to see the house that first inspired its interest. Ronnie has clearly put a lot into creating a tour which is fun, informative and full of surprises.
Written 15 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks, Poppy! It is always so nice to have you join a tour - will see you soon!
Written 16 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Stefan
Amberg, Germany1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
It was an awesome tour by one of the nicest guys I've ever met. I learned a lot about the architecture in Chicago. My highlight were the workers cottages. All the different designs you can experience in Chicago is amazing and it's very impressive that almost behind every building is a great story. These were explained very passionate by a our guide.
Another highlight was also that we were allowed to step into a very old building that is owned by a friend of the guy.
Written 17 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for this lovely review! I am so glad you enjoyed this tour and that your group braved the cold weather with me. It was my delight and pleasure to show you all around a little bit! I hope the rest of your trip is fun and safe travels back to Germany!
Written 18 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Melissa M
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 • Friends
This was such a fun tour. I’ve lived in Chicago for 6 years now and one of those years I lived right around the corner from where this tour took place. I walked these same streets and had no idea the history. The tour guide is so knowledgeable and kept it fun! Can’t wait to take more of his tours!
Written 18 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your nice review, Melissa. It was so great to have you along and I’m glad you enjoyed yourself and learned lots! I look forward to seeing you again!
Written 19 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Footprints125919
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021 • Couples
Absolutely magical walk through time to discover the amazing worker’s cottages of Chicago. Passionate tour guide Ronnie leads a walk through the history of these wonderful homes in a charming neighborhood you have to see to believe. Ronnie’s enthusiasm and knowledge are endless and his engaging narrative will enchant your experience of discovering these delightful cottages, the neighborhood, and lots of surprises along the way. I highly recommend this tour for any resident of or visitor to Chicago!!!
Written 23 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am so glad you enjoyed yourself and this tour! I hope to see you on other, upcoming tours!
Written 14 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

katie J
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021
My mom and I took this tour in May. It was nicely paced and very informative. Ronnie is a great tour guide and you can tell he thoroughly enjoys sharing his passion. Definitely recommend joining if you have an available day!
Written 17 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you and I hope to see you and your mom again on other tours!
Written 31 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kathleen L
1 contribution
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Family
Great time touring old town with our guide, MiMi. Her knowledge of the history of Chicago was amazing, which our granddaughter loved!! She exceeded our expectations by ensuring we had a great spot to watch the Blue Angels, which was not part of the itinerary but greatly appreciated by all. A+++
Written 25 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you but I do not have a tour guide named MiMI so this review was posted to the wrong business and Trip Advisor refuses to transfer it to its rightful business. I have contacted them multiple times about this and they send me the same canned response every time.
Written 16 September 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Norma C
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Solo
I loved everything about the tour. The historical information was amazing! It transported me back in time. Loved the views of the entire tour. I would highly recommend you to do tours with Doorways of Chicago wether your a local or visiting Chicago.
Written 4 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the nice review, Norma! I am glad you enjoyed it and I hope to see you on another tour soon.
Written 6 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

shellelly d
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Friends
This is very special part of Chicago, and you feel transported in time. Ronnie is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about architecture and history. I learned new information about the original owners of some of these beautiful homes. The pictures turned out great and I left feeling inspired by this great neighborhood.
Written 2 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for coming along and for this very nice review, Shelley! I'm glad you enjoyed yourself and learned some cool things about Oldtown! I hope to see you again soon!
Written 3 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

Workers Cottages of Oldtown Triangle Walking Tour provided by Tours by Doorways Of Chicago

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