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Graceland Cemetery: Women of Influence

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Explore the legacies of Chicago’s notable women through a tour that unveils their contributions and impact on the city’s history and architecture.
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During Chicago’s period of growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, women played a hugely influential role by participating in the Underground Railroad, exhibiting the first Modern Art paintings, creating the juvenile justice system and even foiling a plot to kill President Lincoln.

Duration
2 hours
Site Type
Cemeteries
Location
Northside
Meet

Main gate entrance at intersection of Clark St. & Irving Park Rd. 4001 N Clark St.

This tour celebrates the achievements of women in Chicago’s early history. The women you will learn about on this tour brought wealth and status, intelligence and energy, and a passion for ideas to build a better urban environment for all citizens. This tour also illustrates the influence of women on some of the city's most significant architecture, including buildings by Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe and H.H. Richardson.


Know before you go:
  • Street parking is available on Clark St. and Irving Park Rd. Parking not permitted inside the cemetery except on Cubs game days.
Notes:
  • Many tours sell out. To guarantee your space advance reservations are strongly recommended.
  • Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your tour. View the CAC's hours.
  • Your safety is our priority. The itinerary of this tour may be altered in accordance with health and safety policies and considerations.

Tour reviews

    • The women of Chicago wove the tapestry of our society. You’ll recognize some names but most you won’t know but should! Delve into the many important of women in Chicago on this tour.
      Mary Jo HoagCAC Docent
  • A photo of a shiny black headstone labeled "Ruth Page" 1899-1991

    Ruth Page's grave

  • A photo of a plaque that reads: Marion Mahony Griffin 1871-1961

    Marion Mahony Griffin plaque

  • A photo of a stone with a plaque that reads: Gravestone of Katherine Dexter McCormick

    Gravestone of Katherine Dexter McCormick

  • A photo of an old and worn headstone marking the Kate Warn grave

    Kate Warn grave

  • A photo of a worn headstone marking the Grave of Juliette Kinzie

    Grave of Juliette Kinzie

  • A photo of a shiny headstone marking the Dawn Clark Netsch grave

    Dawn Clark Netsch gravestone

FAQ

  • Essential walking tours depart from the center at 111 East Wacker; they are free for all CAC members. Premier walking tours depart from other locations across Chicago, including neighborhood tours. Premier tours are discounted for individual, dual and family memberships and free for Deco level and above.

  • The CAC welcomes all visitors and is committed to making its offerings feel safe and accessible to everyone. Learn more about accessibility options.

  • Many of our tours depart from the CAC at 111 E. Wacker. Your ticket (regular or print-at-home) will indicate the departure location. If you have any questions about your tour’s meeting place, give us a call at 312.922.TOUR (8687).

    For tours that don’t begin at the CAC, please consult the individual tour webpage, or call 312.922.TOUR (8687) for details on the meeting location.

All walking & bus tours FAQ

Buildings on This Tour

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Group & Private Tours

CAC offers discounted rates and customized options for groups and tour operators. Learn about options here.

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Skyscraper GallerySkyscraper Gallery

Free Center Entry with Your Ticket

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

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