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Welcome to Chicago Red Cap Walking Tours - Tours Mon.Through Fri.
reservations and questions 312-927-0689
redcapwalk@hotmail.com
The More We Know
the More We See!
Take a walk through Chicago's history and see the skyscraper evolve, Tiffany domes, the world's oldest skyscraper, buildings floating on rafts, and a leaning skyscraper. Architecture is frozen music. The more we know, the more we see. Architecture expresses the spirit of its times, growing out of the art, economics, technology, needs, and stresses of its era. My 2 hour walking tours through downtown Chicago's history and beautiful architecture bring back to life the architects, writers, criminals, visionaries, developers, businessmen, and gamblers that created our city. The Chicago school, Neoclassical, Art Deco, Romanesque, Modern and Post-Modern buildings you will see and learn about also exist around much of the world. Exploring Chicago sharpens your vision on other travels. The better you know Chicago, the better you can take advantage of what it offers and also control your experience of it. The more we know and use a place the more it becomes ours. My tours allow me to give something back to the city that’s given me a great deal. The many layers to Chicago are fun and enlightening to discover. Learn about the buildings and hear what they want to tell us. Forgotten events and demolished buildings are invisible to the eye but not to the mind and imagination. These lost elements still exert power on the city today. I offer entertaining and informative tours fueled by my fascination for the intriguing stories making up Chicago's past and present. Join me and discover why Chicago was destined to become a great city. My tours are about Chicago and you. They can be a springboard to great times and memories.
Nature paints, with sunlight and shadows, a new Chicago every day. Let me share my Chicago with you.--- Bill Elliott
In the mid 19th century, 5 foot two inch tall, Roger Plant ruled a world beneath the city streets, at the intersection of Monroe and Wells. Chicago was raising its streets and buildings and very quickly between the old and new street levels, Plant created a dark maze of criminal hotels, brothels, and gambling dens that rascals ducked down into, escaping the police. There was even a school for pickpockets under these streets ala Charles Dickens. Plant was afraid of only one person, his wife, who was large enough to pick him up with one hand and spank him with the other. This underground warren possibly inspired the phrase, 'criminal underworld'
Reservations are necessary and can be made up to a half-hour before the tours begin. To make reservations, contact me by phone or email. Advance payment is not necesssary to secure a reservation! I prefer payment only when you appear for the tour. Skyscrapers lean, float, and soar in Chicago.
Historic Buildings of the Loop Tour Fees
Adults $20.00
Children under 14 $5.00
Babies Free
Romance of the City Tour Fees
Adults $15.00
Children under 14 $5.00
Babies Free
The tours may be paid for by
credit and debit
cards and 
Links
Steve's Segway Tours
The Gallery Bookstore
dfusion design
SJB Futures, LLC
Chicago Landmarks
The Chicago History Journal
Forgotten Chicago
Lee Bey's Chicago
Time Out Chicago
Metromix Chicago
One Plus One Events
CITYSCAPES
Pizano's Pizza and Pasta
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
The Portillo Restaurant Group
Margie's Candies
Explore Chicago
Chicago Traveler
Epic Burger
Millenium Park.org
We meet here, at the Federal plaza at the intersection of Dearborn and Adams streets.
As a courtesy to the other guests, please arrive a few minutes early so we can begin the tours promptly.
for more information!
312-927-0689 redcapwalk@hotmail.com