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Historic Wicker Park

  • Exterior view of brick house with a green lawn

    1558 N Hoyne.

Experience the richness of late 19th-century architecture with gems such as Beer Barons’ Row and Caton Street, one of the first gated communities.

  • Exterior view of brick house with a green lawn

    1558 N Hoyne.

Explore this unique Chicago neighborhood shaped by a diverse mix of Scandinavian, German and Polish communities. Spanning a range of economic backgrounds, residents built everything from simple workers’ cottages to grand Victorian mansions. 

Duration
2 hours
Site Type
Neighborhoods
Location
Westside
Architects and Styles
Meet

The Wicker Park Gurgolye Fountain, 1590 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622.

Wicker Park is unique among Chicago neighborhoods settled by first- and second-generation immigrants in the 19th century. Few feature such a rich variety of architectural styles from the late 18th century. You’ll experience French Chateau, Second Empire and Richardsonian Romanesque plus a few more. Settled after the Great Chicago Fire by Germans, Scandinavians and Poles (among others), Wicker Park has experienced boom, bust and boom again — a real Chicago story.

This tour was formerly known as "Wicker Park".

Know before you go:
  • Be prepared for several miles of walking — participants should be comfortable on their feet for extended periods.
  • Three story brick house with a fence in front.

    2137 W Pierce. Photo by Susan Schlegel.

  • People walking through an intersection with many different surrounding buildings.

    North, Milwaukee & Damen Intersection. Photo by Susan Schlegel.

  • A victorian house.

    2138 W Pierce. Photo by Susan Schlegel.

  • Grand fountain on a sunny day

    Wicker Park Fountain. Photo by Susan Schlegel.

  • A red brick house with a large green lawn.

    1407 N Hoyne. Photo by Susan Schlegel.

  • White window lined building with green embellishmnets and a sign with blue text on top that reads "North Avenue Baths"

    2039 W. North Avenue. Photo by Susan Schlegel.

  • Brick victorian house behind trees.

    1521 N Hoyne. Photo by Susan Schlegal.

Tour Accessibility

CAC is committed to improving access to our tours. The accessibility information below reflects our docents’ experience and is provided for general guidance only.

What to expect on this tour

  • Icon of a person walking with a red percentage sign

    Terrain & Surfaces

    Easy - Paved and flat the entire route

  • Icon of a wheelchair and red arrow

    Wheelchair & Walker Access

    Easy - Fully accessible; no barriers 

  • Icon of the outline or some steps and a red arrow pointing diagonally right and up.

    Steps or Stairs

    Easy - No stairs, step-free route 

  • Icon of an ear with a red throughline

    Hearing Access

    Easy - Quiet setting, easy to hear 

Photo of bikers on a suspended trail Photo of bikers on a suspended trail

MORE ABOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Discover more about Wicker Park by reading up on the neighboring Bloomingdale Trail/606.

LEARN MORE
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Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your walking or bus tour.

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