It also has an incredible collection of artifacts and original paintings that are unique to Chicago and US history, including the bed that Abraham Lincoln died in, slave shackles from Civil War time, original paintings by Norman Rockwell a restored turn-of-the-century train car and many other fascinating objects. Many people may not know that the CHM has one of the largest costume and textile collections (50,000 pieces) in the country, dating from the 18th century to present day.
It's an easy-in/easy-out museum, great to wander about for a couple of hours without the jostling crowds. The interior is a mix of vintage and modern, with everything kept pristinely clean and tidy. Set on a beautiful piece of land near the Lincoln Park Zoo and the lakefront, this institution traces Chicago's rich history, beginning with its first explorers and settlers, through the city's development, to major events in modern-day Chicago. On the 2nd weekend in June, the Old Town Art Fair and the Wells Street Art Festival become hot events for the neighborhood, showcasing exceptional work by local artists. Another favorite local spot, the OLD TOWN PUB (Sun-Fri: 12pm–2am Sat: 12pm–3am) has good prices, better than expected food/drinks, and a slight charm on the inside, but if looking for an Irish pub (who doesn't when in Chicago?), don't miss the perfectly located DECLAN'S, which purports to be the official bar of the University of Notre Dame. When the weather warms up, there is even some limited outside seating. They have an excellent range of breakfast, lunch and dinner choices, and since portions are so generous, takeout boxes for leftovers are provided.
Chicago 1930 walkthrough full#
NOOKIES (Mon-Sat: 6:30am–10pm Sun: 6:30am–9pm) is the go-to place for brunch always full of mainly locals and with extremely friendly staff. Wells Street is home to a string of reliable restaurants and bars, but most here are more casual, with average prices lower than you'll find in River North or along the Magnificent Mile. The heart of the area would be the intersection of Wells Street and North Avenue, while on the southeast corner, stretching out from this intersection, one will find a fine neighborhood of historic townhouses (late 1800s to early 1900s) lined along three streets: Dearborn, State, and Astor. Wells Street is the main street of Chicago's Old Town area, between Division Street to the south and Lincoln Avenue to the north.
Take a self-guided walk through this clean and safe neighborhood to fully understand Chicago as a city! Michael’s Church and the close-by Midwest Buddhist Temple (a fixture in Old Town since 1944), both located in beautiful green and quiet surroundings. Next up is the excellent Chicago History Museum’s coverage of all aspects of the city’s history, starting with a model of a fort and expanding into modern territory (including insights into Chicago’s leading role in innovations and design), while right opposite stands the Second City Theatre – a place that launched the career of many great comics, and that remains rooted in improvisational games you can experience today.įurther along the way, don’t miss a visit to St.
Chicago 1930 walkthrough series#
Start your Old Town walking tour with a stroll down Wells Street for dining and entertainment, then make a turn towards the architecturally and culturally significant West Burton Place to see how artists and craftspeople of the Depression Era transformed what were then deteriorating 19th-century rooming houses into a series of unique and cohesive artist studio environments. Settled in 1850 by German immigrants, Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood is a popular destination for locals and visitors who cater to the entertainment venues, restaurants, pubs, coffee shops and boutiques – all of which have turned an area once referred to as the “Cabbage Patch” into an attraction that rivals Navy Pier, Wrigley Field and the Magnificent Mile.