Wizard of Oz Movie Tour in Chicago

A park inspired by "The Wizard of Oz," homes designed by Chicago's leading architect, and a theater built for moving pictures seem friendly enough. But a closer look at these three Chicago locations leads us down a destructive path closely tied to Hollywood. Join me in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood for a 90-minute guided outdoor walking tour on the darker side of the silver screen. This outdoor tour is seasonal and runs May-October (sometimes through November).

You'll start the tour in a neighborhood park devoted to "The Wizard of Oz." Here, you'll learn about Chicago's connections to the beloved children's story. But also, brace yourself for untold, darker tales behind the iconic 1939 movie that will leave you shocked. Your adventure continues as you stroll down a tree-lined street, surrounded by houses with a rich history that whispers secrets of Hollywood's scandalous silent era. Uncover the intriguing connections to "cocaine comedies" as you explore these architectural gems with our expert tour guide. From there, you'll follow a narrow brick road. It's not yellow, alas. But look carefully as you walk, and you'll find written remnants of Chicago's past. On the final stretch, your tour takes a thrilling turn into the heart of Chicago's notorious gangster history, seamlessly interwoven with the glamour of Hollywood's golden era. It's a story that will captivate you, leaving you with a deeper understanding of the city's enthralling—and disturbing—past.