Did you know that Chicago is home to the very first gay rights organization in the United States AND the first Pride Parade in the world?

October is LGBT History Month, and we’re honoring it with two walking tours looking at some of Chicago’s LGBTQIA+ history with tour guide Mike McMains of Tours with Mike.

On this North Side tour, explore the businesses and organizations in the Northalsted (formerly Boystown) area in Lakeview. Today, it is one of the country’s largest LGBTQIA+ districts and the very first “gayborhood” to be governmentally recognized. It’s home to numerous bars, restaurants, shops, and social services and civil rights organizations. This area of North Halsted Street also features the Legacy Walk honoring notable LGBTQIA+ leaders.

Attendees can enhance  their experience by using their smartphones to view historical photographs related to the tour topics.

Tour begins outside of the Belmont Red/Brown/Purple Line train station’s southern entrance in front of Dunkin Donuts (945 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL 60657), covers just over one mile, ends at the Center on Halsted (3656 North Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60613), and is wheelchair accessible.

$25; $22.50 members