Chicago: Vice, Crime and Gangsters Self-Guided Audio Tour

As visitors wander through the bustling streets of Chicago, they may stumble upon a hidden gem that unravels the city’s intriguing past – the ‘Chicago: Vice, Crime and Gangsters Self-Guided Audio Tour.’

Delving into the shadows of River North and the northern Loop neighborhoods, this audio tour immerses participants in the underbelly of the Windy City. From the notorious Tribune Tower to the iconic Wrigley Building, the secrets of Chicago’s early underworld await exploration.

But what lurks beneath the surface of these historic landmarks? Discover the untold stories of crime bosses, corrupt officials, and scandalous affairs that once plagued nineteenth-century Chicago.

Key Points

• Explore the dark history of Chicago’s River North and northern Loop neighborhoods.
• Learn about the city’s early crime bosses, vices, and corrupt officials.
• Uncover stories of brothels, gambling resorts, and opium trade in 19th-century Chicago.
• Follow a set route with turn-by-turn directions using the VoiceMap smartphone app for a self-guided experience.

Tour Duration and Highlights

Explore the Chicago Gangster Audio Tour’s 75-minute duration packed with fascinating highlights including visits to Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building, Merchandise Mart, and more.

The tour offers a compact yet comprehensive experience, delving into the history of River North and the northern Loop neighborhoods. Guests will have the chance to discover the remnants of Chicago’s past, from brothels and gambling resorts to saloons and squatter settlements.

Learn about the city’s early crime bosses, corrupt officials, and the darker side of its history. Uncover the reasons why nineteenth-century Chicago gained the moniker ‘Wickedest City in the World.’

This tour provides a captivating insight into the vices, crimes, and characters that shaped the city’s notorious reputation.

Tour Experience and Locations

Embark on the Chicago Gangster Audio Tour to learn about the city’s intriguing past and visit key locations that reveal a darker side of its history. The tour content delves into the city’s historical sites, exploring River North and the northern Loop neighborhoods.

Participants get to visit iconic locations such as Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building, and Merchandise Mart, while learning about Chicago’s early crime bosses, sex workers, corrupt police officers, and politicians. The tour provides insights into why nineteenth-century Chicago was known as the Wickedest City in the World, with stories of the opium trade, vices, and a shanty town.

Urban historian and author Richard Junger’s narratives add depth to the experience, making it both educational and engaging.

Essential Information for Participants

As a participant in the Chicago Gangster Audio Tour, ensure you have your charged smartphone and headphones ready to fully learn about the historical narratives provided through the VoiceMap smartphone app.

• Participant engagement:
• Engage with the tour content actively by visualizing the scenes described.
• Ask questions or share insights with fellow participants if taking the tour as a group.
• Take notes of interesting facts or locations for further exploration.
• Share your experience on social media platforms using the tour hashtag.
• Leave feedback for the tour organizers to enhance future participants’ experiences.

Directions to Tour Starting Point

To reach the starting point of the Chicago Gangster Audio Tour, navigate to State/Lake station and head north and east to Michigan and Wacker. The tour logistics are designed to make it easy for participants to follow along with the audio guide.

Once at the starting point, participants can begin their exploration of River North and the northern Loop neighborhoods. The tour will take you to iconic landmarks such as Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building, Merchandise Mart, and more.

As you follow the set route with turn-by-turn directions, you’ll uncover stories of Chicago’s early crime bosses, vices, and the city’s dark side. Make sure to bring headphones and a charged smartphone to fully enjoy this immersive experience.

Reviews and Traveler Feedback

Navigating through the feedback from travelers who’ve experienced the Chicago Gangster Audio Tour reveals a mixed reception, with notable highlights and areas for improvement identified.

• Traveler satisfaction varied based on expectations set by tour description

• Some praised the historical insights and engaging storytelling

• Others expressed disappointment over the lack of gangster-related content

• Mixed reviews on the duration of the tour

• Suggestions for enhancing tour content with more interactive elements and immersive experiences

Common questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Recommendations for the Chicago Vice, Crime, and Gangsters Self-Guided Audio Tour?

Age restrictions or safety recommendations are not specified for the Chicago Vice, Crime, and Gangsters Self-Guided Audio Tour. Travelers should review the tour details and ensure suitability for all participants. Safety precautions and adult themes may be present.

Is There a Recommended Time of Day to Take the Tour for the Best Experience?

For the best experience quality, the recommended time to take the tour would be during daylight hours. This allows for better visibility and safety while exploring the historical sites and stories of Chicago’s darker past.

Can the Tour Be Completed in Multiple Sessions or Does It Need to Be Done All at Once?

Yes, the tour offers flexibility for participants to split the experience into multiple sessions. This feature allows visitors to explore at their own pace, accommodating different schedules and preferences for a more personalized adventure.

Are There Any Recommended Nearby Restaurants or Cafes to Visit Before or After the Tour?

For those looking to explore before or after the tour, nearby restaurants and cafes offer a taste of local culture. Visitors can enjoy foodie delights while taking in historic buildings and discovering hidden gems.

Is There a Specific Dress Code or Attire Recommended for the Tour?

When exploring the self-guided audio tour, visitors are advised to dress comfortably for walking. There are no specific dress code restrictions, but wearing comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate attire is recommended for an enjoyable experience.

Last Words

Step back in time and learn about the dark and intriguing history of Chicago with the ‘Chicago: Vice, Crime and Gangsters Self-Guided Audio Tour.’ Uncover the secrets of the city’s past as you explore River North and the northern Loop neighborhoods, learning about notorious crime bosses, corrupt officials, and scandalous tales from the past.

This captivating and educational experience will leave you with a newfound appreciation for Chicago’s gritty past. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey through the Windy City’s shadowy past.