Discover Chicago’s Black History: Resilience and Revolution Tour
See more
Discover Chicago’s rich Black history on this self-guided audio tour through downtown. Starting at the site of Jean Baptiste Point DuSable’s mansion near the Chicago River, you'll follow the footsteps of the city’s founder, a Black trader who established Chicago’s first settlement in the 1770s. Along the way, you'll uncover stories of resilience, activism, and entrepreneurship that helped shape the city and influence the nation.
As you explore the Loop, you'll visit landmarks linked to Black pioneers like John Jones, whose successful tailoring business funded abolitionist efforts. The tour culminates at Grant Park, where Barack Obama delivered his historic 2008 presidential acceptance speech—a powerful symbol of progress and hope. With this audio tour, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how Chicago became a beacon for those seeking freedom and opportunity.
Designed for flexibility, this private, self-guided experience lets you explore at your own pace, with offline access to maps, audio, and geodata. It’s perfect for history buffs, cultural explorers, or anyone interested in uncovering the stories that built Chicago’s identity.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the tour take?
The tour lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend at each stop.
What languages is the tour available in?
The tour is available in English.
Is this a group or private experience?
This is a private tour designed for up to 15 participants.
What do I need to bring?
You’ll need a smartphone and headphones to listen to the audio guide. Personal expenses for admission fees are not included, and food, drinks, or transportation are additional.
Is the tour accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.
Can I start the tour at any time?
The tour is self-guided, so you can start it whenever it suits you after downloading the app and accessing your unique code.
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start for a full refund.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 2 hours – 2.5 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Guided experience
English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
- App for Android and iOS
- Directions to the starting point so the tour begins when you arrive
Not included
- Smartphone and headphones
- Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
- Food and drinks
- Transportation
Itinerary
-
Stop 1
Stand before the statue honoring Chicago's founder, a Black trader who established the city's first settlement in the 1770s. Discover how DuSable built a thriving trading post at the mouth of the Chicago River that laid the foundation for the city.
-
Stop 2
Walk through the site where Chicago's earliest Black residents lived and worked alongside the historic fort. Learn how this area became key to the city's growth and a stop on the Underground Railroad.
-
Stop 3
Pass this landmark memorial commemorating Chicago's founding era when DuSable arrived. Explore the link between early pioneers and Black entrepreneurs who later transformed downtown.
-
Stop 4
Visit the former location of John Jones's tailor shop, where he arrived with just $3.50 and built a fortune over $100,000. Hear how Jones used his success to support abolition and fight discriminatory laws.
-
Stop 5
Marvel at the modern skyscraper near where Black businesses once thrived. Learn about the entrepreneurs who established Chicago's first Black commercial district in the Loop during the 1800s.
-
Stop 6
Stroll past this historic site that witnessed Chicago's transformation during the Great Migration. Discover how the area became a civil rights battleground, fighting housing discrimination and segregation.
-
Stop 7
Explore the exterior of this grand building named for Chicago's first Black mayor, elected in 1983. Learn how his election marked decades of political activism by the Black community.
-
Stop 8
Walk by the historic train depot that welcomed thousands of Black migrants arriving from the South during the Great Migration. Hear stories of families seeking freedom and opportunity in Chicago.
-
Stop 9
Pass this legendary venue celebrating Chicago's Black musical heritage from jazz to today. Discover how Black musicians shaped American culture and made Chicago a music hub.
-
Stop 10
Stand before the former headquarters of Johnson Publishing, the first high-rise owned by African Americans in downtown Chicago. Learn how John H. Johnson built an empire with Ebony and Jet magazines.
-
Stop 11
Stroll down the street named for the civil rights journalist Ida B. Wells, who used Chicago as her base to launch an anti-lynching campaign after Memphis exile. Hear her story of activism.
-
Stop 12
Enjoy the views of Lakefront Park where Barack Obama delivered his 2008 presidential acceptance speech. This site also witnessed the 1968 Democratic Convention protests and symbolizes the fight for equality.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the starting point
This tour begins at Pioneer Court Plaza. Before starting, install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed instructions will be available after download.
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start for a full refund.
- 100% refund if canceled at least 1 day in advance
- No refund if canceled within 24 hours of the start
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $14.99 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
![Downtown Chicago City Tour In a Lamborghini[60 Minute Experience]](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-720x480/17/05/8d/da.jpg)
