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Private tour in Chicago J Michael S
Highlights of Chicago - Half Day Tour in a Subaru
5.0
(2) reviews
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4 hours
1
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4 hours
1
J. Michael S
5.0
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14
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8 hrs
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Welcome to Chicago and to Illinois! I am originally from Chicago and have lived in Illinois nearly all my life. I am also a veteran traveller, having spent significant time in all 50 states, plus in 15 countries throughout Europe, Central America, and Asia. I have major travel experience in Canada, Guatemala, Israel, Palestine, China, the Philippines, Great Britain, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and brief experiences in Jamaica, Switzerland, France, Mexico. I believe travel is about discovering stories and finding awe and beauty—everyplace we go. My best travelling experiences have come from discovering locals who can tell me the stories and show me the sights—out of their own joy and enthusiasm. As a part-time tour guide (for 20 years) my single aim is to share hospitality with those who have come to visit. Travellers are my guests. My hospitality consists of providing practical information—answering guests questions and meeting their needs while visiting, providing overall orientation, supplying transportation, sharing inside tips, customizing tours, and telling all the stories and anecdotes needed to make the places we visit come alive. When not giving tours, I am a writer (of humor) and a consultant to help non-profit organizations think strategically. My particular interest is history, particularly U. S. presidential history & sites, as well as migratory history. I am a curious guide; my academic degrees are in psychology, history, and religion. One of the greatest benefits of travel comes from finding common ground with people of differing beliefs and cultures. Chicago and its surrounding region is rich in both local and national history. The stories we share about our town and state help us understand the bigger pictures better—U. S. history, international migration, religious and cultural changes, economic progress and tragedy… I am eager to meet you, assist you in your visit, and exchange our stories and curiosities with each other. Bachelor's Degree in History (Southern Illinois University) Masters in Religion (Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington D.C.) Member of Chicago Tour Guide Professionals Association Published author (humorous memoir) Organizer of Church tours to Civil Rights Sites Hospitality Church tours for International Scholars (University of Illinois) Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Springfield Extensive travel in each of the 50 states in U.S. Organizer of International hospitality trips to Florida, Arizona, Yellowstone, California coast, New York City, Washington D.C., Philadelphia (from University of Illinois and Great Rivers Conference of the United Methodist Church) Operate a Consultation Business: strategy for non-profits. Drivers License from State of Illinois No restrictions for Chicago or anyplace in Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Indiana, or Iowa.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message J. Michael S
See famous buildings, landmarks, museums, parks with their accompanying stories.
Overview of your Chicago tour
This half day tour by car will take you by all the major buildings & interest points in the heart of Chicago. The tour is approximately 12 miles from north to south and 4 miles east to west. On key points we'll stop along the way, so you'll stretch your legs, take photos, use restrooms and/or get snacks. As we drive through the city, you'll get a sense the power of its skyscrapers, the innovative spirit of its art & architecture, the vitality of its commerce & transportation, the richness of its history, plus the beauty of its parks & seashore. All throughout the day, I'll share my love of history with you through the stories I've collected about the people who've made Chicago what it is, through their grit, creativity—and eccentricity in some cases. I'll show you places like historic Wrigley Field (the theatre where gangster John Dillinger was killed), Navy Pier, the museum campus, an array of architectural gems, the place where the Chicago fire started and the site of the new Obama Presidential Center.
Your Chicago tour itinerary
•At first, I'll pick you up at Union Station, after which we'll drive to historic Wrigley Field on the Northside. •Then working our way south, we'll see the Biograph Theater, Lincoln Park and the Moody Bible Institute, stopping at the Chicago History Museum for a stretch break. •Driving down Lake Shore Drive, we'll stop at the Oak Street Beach. •We'll then head down the Magnificent Mile along its shops & famous skyscrapers. •Later, we'll see the site of Ft. Dearborn, established before Chicago was a city. •Crossing the Chicago River, we'll drive past Millennium & Grant Parks. •Then it's on to the Museum campus—the best place in Chicago for photos. •Then heading along Lake Michigan to the University of Chicago, we'll see the Obama Presidential Center (under construction) & drive by the Museum of Science & Industry. •Our tour ends in the Loop, seeing famous commercial, political & artistic buildings. Note: Streets closure may require changes. The tour can be customized, including pick up & drop off.
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Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Private Transportation
The entire tour will include private car transportation--a 2019 Subaru Outback, clean, with climate control, suitable for four passengers.
What's included
What's not included
Meeting location
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
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Traveller reviews for this private tour in Chicago
2 reviews
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.