Tour
The Great Chicago Fire: Disaster and Recovery
Did the cow do it? You may know the story of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, but now you can visit the very spot where it began.
This event is being produced and ticketed in partnership with the Chicago History Museum.
In this 150th anniversary year of Chicago’s great disaster, this tour will tell stories, bust a few myths, explain the re-building of the city and give you the true story of this event. Follow the route of the fire while riding in a coach bus and discover who was blamed for the fire and who profited from the blaze that put Chicago on the world's map.
Developed in partnership with the Chicago History Museum (CHM), join us for a bus tour that follows the Great Chicago Fire’s path of destruction and highlights the resiliency of the city during its recovery.
As a CAC docent provides commentary, learn how the site of the fire’s starting point on DeKoven Street became the Chicago Fire Department training facility. Trace the fire’s route to its northern boundaries in Lincoln Park. Along the way, learn about “fireproof” buildings that burned, the few structures that survived, and the everyday residents who rebuilt the city.
This event is being produced and ticketed in partnership with the Chicago History Museum.
Learn more about our Great Chicago Fire programming.
Notes
- CAC members please use promo code CACF1REBUS in order to receive their discount.
- Discounted parking (validation through CHM) is available one block north of the museum at Clark and LaSalle Streets; enter on Stockton Drive.
- Advance registration required.
- Your safety is our priority. The itinerary of this tour may be altered in accordance with health and safety policies and considerations. All guests must wear a mask when inside any building on the tour or while onboard the bus.
Please review the latest COVID-19 Safety Policies.