Kenilworth: North

Stroll through Kenilworth’s picturesque streets, admiring George Maher’s designs and Chicago’s architectural heritage.

Walk Kenilworth's leafy streets, learn the history of the village, view its earliest houses and see other fine examples of residential architecture that were designed between 1891 and the mid-1920s by distinguished Chicago architects.

Duration
1 hour and 45 minutes
Site Type
Neighborhoods
Location
Suburbs
Architects and Styles
Meet

Kenilworth Metra Station, 400 Richmond Rd. Kenilworth, IL

Developed in the 1890s by Joseph Sears as an ideal village, Kenilworth is a treasure trove of buildings designed by notable Chicago architects. George Washington Maher was instrumental in planning the village and his many residential commissions display the evolution of his design career. Other noted architects featured along the route include Franklin Burnham, Joseph Lyman Silsbee, George Nimmons and John Van Bergen.

Tour reviews

    • Kenilworth is a tiny community--less than 2/3 of a square mile--which is rich in history and eclectic residential architecture. It's a joy to stroll through its compact neighborhoods on a Sunday afternoon, sharing stories of some of its early residents and describing the excellent architecture of its public buildings and residences.
      Bob PrattCAC Docent
    • I really enjoyed the fascinating Kenilworth walking tour. Our knowledgeable and energetic docent Bob had a nice dry wit that was a great match for the material. As expected, lots of grand houses, with detailed information about architects and architecture. What was unexpected was background about the inhabitants, whom I assumed would be (rather boring) pillars of the community and country club types. We learned about a spiritualist…even a possible psychopathic killer. Highly recommended.
      Tour attendee

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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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