Retro River North Tour: Explore Vintage Chicago Landmarks
5.0
4 Ratings
Chicago
Step back in time and explore the vintage landmarks of Chicago on the Retro River North Tour. Discover amazing vintage signs and neon signs, and learn the fascinating history of each establishment for a true time travel experience.
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • St. James Cathedral - When you visit St. James Cathedral, you can pray in the same space as Abraham Lincoln, who worshipped at St. James shortly after being elected President in 1860.

After the Civil War, tremendous growth led the church to enlarge and redecorate on an even grander scale. A few weeks after the splendidly redesigned church was formally rededicated in 1871, the Great Chicago Fire erupted, leaving nothing but the stone walls, and the bell tower, whose bells gave warning to the neighborhood of the fire.

What's Included
  • Free access to a companion phone app with extra photos for each stop
What's Not Included
  • If travelers decide to go listen to jazz at the Tortoise Supper Club afterwards, food and beverages ordered are not included with the ticket price of this tour
Additional Information

During this excursion, we’ll visit many businesses boasting impressive old-fashioned labels and neon displays. As usual, I’ll be pointing out and sharing information about significant buildings along our route. Even if they don’t showcase an antique sign, these places are equally integral to Chicago’s heritage. You’ll receive a concise summary of each business’s history, immersing you in a genuine journey back in time.

Location
731 N La Salle Dr
North La Salle Drive
Meet at LaSalle Flower Shop at the corner of W. Superior St and N. LaSalle St. Look for the giant neon sign that says "LaSalle Flowers" you can't miss it!
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(4 Ratings)
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Passenger29924137685
Nov 19, 2023
Best tours in Chicago! - Such a fun experience! Ronnie is incredibly knowledgeable, super friendly, and tells the best stories on his tours. He knows so many cool tidbits about the city that even longtime Chicago residents like myself can appreciate. Always so many cool stops and photo ops on his tours. Definitely the best in the city!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Katiesd4485ca
Sep 8, 2023
Retro love! - Omg! What a fun way to explore the lovely history of River North. I live so close by Ronnie opens my eyes to the beauty of the neighborhood. His energy is electric! The joy and knowledge radiates during the whole tour! Even more so, we connected as a group and went out afterwards. It felt so intimate! Explore Chicago from the best tour guide! Can't wait to join the next journey. Thanks Ronnie! See you soon 💓
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travelx2
May 8, 2023
Finding hidden gems and secret stories in River North - This was our third Doorways tour and we were excited to be part of the inaugural Retro River North tour. We enjoyed a number of interesting neon signs and the history behind them, along with a series of unique architectural highlights that were complemented by the eAtlas app that gave a glimpse of some interiors. Much like Ronnie’s other tours there are always hidden gems, stories and places to go back to visit on your own or with friends. And always a highlight is the other people you meet on the tour who share their own experiences either about Chicago or their hometowns. Next up is the Art Deco Loop tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 8 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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